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How to update your systems BIOS

Dave G
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HOW TO UPDATE YOUR SYSTEMS BIOS

 

BIOS is an acronym for Basic Input/Output System, also known as System Setup. BIOS is a firmware that is embedded on a small memory chip on the PC's system board or motherboard. It acts as an interface between the PC's hardware and the operating system. BIOS also contains instructions that the PC uses to perform basic instructions such as whether to boot from the network or hard disk drive.

When a PC is first started, BIOS activates all of the basic hardware required to startup or boot to the operating system including but not limited to:

  • Chipset
  • Processor and Cache
  • System Memory / RAM
  • Graphics and Audio Controllers
  • Keyboard and Mouse
  • Internal Drives
  • Network Controllers
  • Internal Expansion Cards

To access BIOS or System Setup on CyberPower PCs:

  1. For ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, press DEL key several times at or before the CyberPower or motherboard manufacturer's logo screen appears during start-up.
    Or
  2. For ASRock motherboards, press F2 key several times at or before the motherboard manufacturer's logo screen during start-up and select BIOS Setup or System Setup from the menu.
Note: BIOS interface may differ across different CyberPowerPC UK systems. To learn more about BIOS options see the details below for how to identify your specific motherboard brand and model and how to find the correct instructions from the manufacturer of the motherboard in you PC.
 
Warning: BIOS interface is designed for advanced PC users. Changing certain settings could prevent your PC from starting correctly, prevent the operating system from loading or suffer the potential loss of data.

Updating the BIOS 

CyberPower recommends updating the BIOS as part of your scheduled update cycle. BIOS update is a software utility that updates the programming of the most basic hardware in a PC. BIOS update can often fix problems and/or add features to the PC's BIOS. Like operating system and driver revisions, BIOS update contains feature enhancements or changes that will help keep your system software current and compatible with other system modules (hardware, firmware, drivers and software) as well as providing security updates and increased stability.

Unlike Microsoft Windows, anti-virus or other software updates which are usually automatic, BIOS on a PC has to be updated manually. Most motherboard manufacturers provide an easy-to-use self-installing update utility that allows this task to be performed easily otherwise they will provide detailed instructions for how to properly update your bios in their documentation.

Warning: Ensure to backup your data before attempting to update the BIOS. Errors during BIOS update may result in potential loss of data.
Warning: It is recommended that you disconnect external peripherals like external hard disk drives, printers, scanners before updating the BIOS on your CyberPower PC.
Warning: CyberPower laptop PCs must have the battery installed and charged to at least 10% before you begin the BIOS update. CyberPower recommends running the laptop PC on AC

How do I access BIOS or System Setup on my PC?

To access BIOS or System Setup on CyberPower PCs:

  1. For ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, press DEL key several times at or before the CyberPower or motherboard manufacturer's logo screen appears during startup.
    Or
  2. For ASRock motherboards, press F2 key several times at or before the CyberPower or motherboard manufacturer's logo screen during startup and select BIOS Setup or System Setup from the menu.

 

How do I check the BIOS version of my PC?

Identifying BIOS version using System Information in Microsoft Windows:

  1. Press Windows logo key + R key on the keyboard.
  2. In the Run dialog box, type msinfo32 and press Enter key.
  3. In the System Information window, look for BIOS Version/Date (Figure 1).

BIOS_Sysinfo.PNG
Figure 1: Identifying BIOS version in System Information

 

Identifying BIOS version using Command Prompt in Microsoft Windows:

  1. Press Windows logo key + R key on the keyboard.
  2. In the Run dialog box, type cmd and press Enter key.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, look for BIOS Version (Figure 2).

BIOS_Sysinfo_CMD.PNG
Figure 2: Identifying BIOS version in Command Prompt

 

Identifying BIOS version in the BIOS interface:

  1. Restart the PC.
  2. For ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, press DEL key several times at or before the CyberPower or motherboard manufacturer's logo screen appears during startup.
    Or
  3. For ASRock motherboards, press F2 key several times at or before the CyberPower or motherboard manufacturer's logo screen during startup and select BIOS Setup or System Setup from the menu.
  4. Under the Main or System Information tab, look for BIOS Version.

 

How do I install the latest BIOS on my PC?

It is important to keep the BIOS of your CyberPower PC up to date. New releases of BIOS can provide improvements to hardware compatibility, improved diagnostics, increased stability and security updates.

Methods for BIOS updates can vary between motherboard manufacturers and are constantly changing. The best thing to do is to identify your motherboard brand make and model and then find the proper instructions for updating your BIOS to the latest version on the manufacturer's website. Refer to the list below of common motherboard manufacturers that CyberPowerPC UK PCs are built with.

Warning: CyberPower laptop PCs must have the battery installed and charged to at least 10% before you begin the BIOS update. CyberPowerPC UK recommends running the laptop PC on AC power before proceeding with the update process.

 Warning: CyberPowerPC UK is not responsible for damage or failure that may be caused by a motherboard manufacturer's BIOS update. Always consult with the manufacturer or a professional before proceeding with this highly technical procedure.

 

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