• How to update your computer's system BIOS. BIOS update or how to flash BIOS

    Hello friends! In today's article we are with you update the BIOS motherboard ASUS. This is a serious matter and needs to be treated as such. The process of updating the BIOS of any motherboard, although very simple, but any mistake in it will cost you dearly - you will have to return the motherboard to life service center, since you probably don’t have a special programmer. At the beginning of the article, I will briefly remind you what BIOS is.

    BIOS is essential element computer - microprogram recorded on a microcircuit, which in turn is located on the motherboard.

    BIOS - provides basic OS access to the computer's hardware capabilities. In simple words, BIOS explains to the operating system how to use this or that computer component.

    Immediately after turning on the system unit, BIOSchecks all devices (POST procedure) and if any component is faulty, thena signal is heard through a special speaker by which you can identify faulty device. Eif everything is fine, The BIOS will begin searching for the OS boot loader code on the connected drives and finding it passes the baton to the operating system.

    Now about the not so good. The BIOS update process itself lasts a couple of minutes, but if at this time, the electricity in your house will be turned off, and your computer is not connected to an uninterruptible power supply(UPS), then the operation of the firmware will be disrupted and you simply will not turn on the computer. To restore you will have to look for a special programmer ( BIOS recovery- topic of a separate article).

    I must say that manufacturers foresaw the seriousness of the issue at the dawn of motherboard production completely excluded the possibility of updating or BIOS flashing,only recently the BIOS began to be equipped with special program for your update. But still,Updating the BIOS of any motherboard usually occurs once in its life, and sometimes not at all.

    The most important rule if you work on a computer or laptopquite satisfied, then you don’t need to update anything, butif you still decideupdate the BIOS, then there must be good reasons for this. Here are some of them.

    There are no new features in your BIOS. For example, there is no technology AHCI, but there is only an outdated IDE, but you bought a new one hard drive interface SATA III (6 Gb/s) or in general solid state drive SSD. Technology AHCI will allow your drive to use modern capabilities and the operating system on the new hard drive will run faster than in the IDE. Having visited the website of your motherboard manufacturer, you saw that a new BIOS update had been released, and you also learned that after the update, your motherboard will supportAHCI! In this case, you can update the BIOS without hesitation.

    One of my friends lost sound on his computer, reinstalling Windows and the drivers did not help, he decided that the built-in sound card and bought a discrete one, so the system worked for 7 years, then the processor on this computer had to be replaced, this required updating the BIOS, after the update the built-in sound card started working.

    Another case. The client constantly rebooted his computer and reinstalled operating system It didn’t help, we replaced everything that was possible in the system unit, we didn’t change only the motherboard and processor. We finally decided to install new firmware on BIOS and it helped!

    In the “System Information” window that opens, we see the BIOS version - 2003

    Now we go to the official website of the manufacturer of our motherboard ASUSP8Z77-V PRO and choose "Drivers and utilities"

    Select any operating system and expand the “BIOS” item. We see that there is update 2104 (a newer version than ours).

    Click on the “Global” button and download the firmware.

    Fresh firmware on BIOS (P8Z77-V-PRO-ASUS-2104.CAP) downloaded in the archive. We extract it from the archive and copy it to USB-f leshka. The firmware weighs 12 MB.

    The USB flash drive must be formatted in file system FAT32 and should not contain anything other than a BIOS update.

    Reboot and enter BIOS.

    In the initial BIOS window we see the old firmware version 2003.

    Click "Additionally" and we go to additional settings BIOS.

    (Left-click on the screenshot to enlarge)

    Go to the “Service” tab

    Select the BIOS firmware utility - ASUS EZ Flash 2 or you may have ASUS EZ Flash 3.

    In the ASUS EZ Flash 2 window we see our USB flash drive with firmware P8Z77-V-PRO-ASUS-2104.CAP.

    Click on the file with the firmware with the left mouse button.

    Basic computer input/output system or Basic Input Output System(BIOS) is the firmware that controls how the computer turns on and boots. Surely you have seen many times how a black screen with white writing appears when you turn on your computer, and most likely you have noticed several prompts like “Press F12 for settings” or “Del”.

    The firmware provided by your motherboard manufacturer does not need to be updated very often. In fact, you don't need to update the BIOS at all unless you have problems with your computer's hardware. If you are experiencing hardware failures, updating the BIOS of your computer or laptop motherboard is a typical troubleshooting step. It eliminates problems with software and allows you to focus on any hardware issues.

    In this article I will use the term "BIOS", but I mean both the old standard and the new one UEFI system. Among other things, I will be updating my motherboard ASRock. The update process should be roughly the same for most other boards.

    1. Determine your motherboard model and BIOS version

    You'll be able to find the files on the motherboard manufacturer's website, but first you'll need to learn a little more about the BIOS and motherboard on your computer or laptop.

    Step 1. Type start menu in search msinfo32.exe to launch system information.

    Step 2. You will see the System Information window, where you will find information about your computer's hardware. Look for BIOS Version, Main Board Manufacturer, and Model. As you can see below, some information may be missing.


    You can also find this information in the BIOS of your computer or laptop itself when booting by clicking Delete. Restart your computer. On the screen that pops up, you will see some text at the bottom that will tell you something like "Press F2 to enter the installer" or F1. The exact login button depends on your motherboard manufacturer asus, gigabyte, msi, hp, lenovo, but in my case ASRock This Del. Exact location your system information depends on the motherboard. I have it on the "Main" tab, the UEFI Version line. IN in this case H61M-VG4 this is the motherboard number, and P1.40 This is the UEFI firmware version.


    2. Find updated BIOS

    Step 1. Once you know the BIOS version number and motherboard name, you can go to the manufacturer's website and find the updated files. Find the page support your motherboard and enter the model name into the search, in my case H61M-VG4. Next, I had to click on the model itself, which was returned by a search on the site.


    Step 2. Go to the "support" tab on the website and select BIOS. The update firmware file will be provided below. Read carefully what the manufacturer recommends and read additional documentation. Then download the file to your computer, having previously selected the regional location.


    3. Preparing files for BIOS update

    Step 1. You now need to write the downloaded file to USB flash drive which should be formatted for proper operation V FAT32. NTFS drives and ExFAT will not work. Unzip ZIP archive, then you can immediately drag the folder onto the USB flash drive with the mouse.


    4. Installing a BIOS update

    Step 1. Now that we have done our research and preparation, we are ready to install. Make sure your USB drive is connected to USB port 2.0 on the back of the computer. These ports connect directly to the motherboard and are more reliable than front panel ports.

    Note: In some motherboard models, you can install the BIOS firmware immediately when you turn on the computer. To do this simply you must quickly see and click the button that will be shown with an approximate name installation flash. In my case, I pressed the F6 button when turning on the computer and the BIOS update was installed immediately.

    Step 2. Reboot your computer and access the BIOS by pressing the appropriate key (usually Delete or F2). Next, I install it via install flash. I go to the Tool tab and click on install flash (maybe in the Advanced tab).



    If you need to update the BIOS on a laptop or your computer motherboard, the steps above should work as a general guide. Just be sure to also refer to the board manufacturer's instructions for the exact upgrade process.

    BIOS is the firmware responsible for the initial loading Windows. It checks the functionality of components and add-ons. The correct loading of the computer and its normal operation(hardware components).

    It is written on the motherboard, not on the hard drive like the OS. In new devices, the BIOS has been replaced by UEFI, which performs the same functions, but has been improved. Both programs sometimes need to be updated.


    BIOS can be updated in several ways

    DO I NEED TO UPDATE THE BIOS?

    Manufacturers regularly release updates for laptops. It is downloaded from the official website of the company that produced the laptop. It’s more difficult for owners of PCs with their own build. To find files to update, they will have to rely on the motherboard chip data. Any update is also written to the chip, replacing the old version.

    It is not difficult to update the bios correctly, but only materials designed for a certain model PC or boards. Each motherboard has a strictly defined type of firmware, and installing the wrong version can lead to malfunctions of the computer or its complete inoperability.

    BIOS is a delicate program, and therefore it is better to update it only in extreme cases. On a normally functioning PC there is no need to update it. This is due to several factors:

    • Flash bios on motherboard asus board or any other complex, the process requires some skills, the process goes through DOS;
    • The improvements will not be noticeable, since the differences between the versions are minimal and highly specialized;
    • Malfunctions and malfunctions may occur because... old version tested more thoroughly than new;
    • When carrying out work, the power must not be turned off, otherwise the device will stop loading.

    But sometimes the BIOS needs to be updated. If you regularly encounter one or another error in operation, go to the device manufacturer’s website and check whether such an error has been resolved in new version microprograms More often, such a list is available on manufacturers' websites. If such a problem is really solved in the new version, it makes sense to update the bios on the laptop.

    Another good reason to flash the BIOS is the installation of new equipment. If you purchased new processor, which appeared after the release of your motherboard, then it will not be supported by your BIOS. Manufacturers add support for new types of processors to new firmware versions, so you will have to download such a file and flash the firmware.

    You should update the BIOS as a last resort. But even then, before upgrading, study the characteristics of the new version and find out whether the problems are solved. Based on this, decide whether you need to update the bios.

    Find out the current version by pressing Win+R on your keyboard. In the window that opens you see msinfo32 for 32-bit OS. Click Run. A window will open listing the hardware and OS characteristics of the device. Find the one you need among them.

    Sometimes a notification appears that the bios mode is outdated. This means that the BIOS operating mode is outdated; it still works in real mode, not protected mode. Firmware may not help solve the problem, but it is not serious and does not need to be fixed.

    UPDATE METHODS

    The update method depends on the computer manufacturer, motherboard model, etc. Most often, each manufacturer has its own instructions for flashing. You can get acquainted with it on the official website of the company.

    On all modern motherboards, you can update the bios on your computer using any of the following methods. But it is better to choose the latter, as it guarantees a minimum number of errors.

    UPDATE ALGORITHM

    Update bios asus or any other modern laptop, you can use any of the three described methods. They have their own nuances, but when carrying out the process using utilities, they are still not complicated.

    FROM DOS

    A difficult option with high risks. To update bios to windows computer 7 do the following:

    1. Find out the model of your motherboard;
    2. Download from the manufacturer's official website required version firmware;
    3. Sometimes there are several of them. In this case, choose the one that is designed for installation in DOS mode;
    4. Create bootable USB flash drive with BIOS, DOS and additional utility (it is downloaded from the manufacturer’s website or included in the archive along with the firmware);
    5. Install the USB flash drive and restart the computer;
    6. Specify the media on which bios firmware motherboard;
    7. After the flashing is completed, reboot your PC.

    There are no more precise instructions, since they vary for different PCs and boards. Detailed instructions find on the manufacturer's website. But using this method is not recommended.

    FROM WINDOWS

    It's easy to flash the bios on a laptop this way. Errors rarely occur. Popular method.

    1. Download the firmware utility. It is different for each manufacturer. Program for updating bios asus – Asus Update, MSI – Live Update, etc.;
    2. Install the program;
    3. Run;
    4. Find the online function to search for new firmware. IN different programs she is in different groups of teams;
    5. From the list of firmwares, select the required one;
    6. Activate download;
    7. After downloading, run the flashing and follow the instructions of the program.

    Firmware for bios asus, MSI and others in this way is also safe because the program itself selects suitable version firmware. In addition, the intuitive interface will help even a non-advanced user to install the firmware.

    FROM BIOS

    It is possible to reflash the bios on a laptop from the firmware using pre-installed utilities. This the hard way, as it differs depending on the motherboard chip model, manufacturer, etc. To update the bios on the motherboard gigabyte board, run the pre-installed @BIOS utility; other manufacturers have other programs. Such programs are similar to the utilities used in the previous method, but are not as convenient. They also work with them - they find required file online and launched.

    More often, this method is used when the computer breaks down, when it is impossible to log into the OS, because... PC won't boot.

    From time to time, when working with a computer, situations arise in which it becomes necessary to replace some components. Biggest problems may occur when replacing central processor, since it is supported through the BIOS. Therefore, when replacing, in some cases you will need to update it. However, before updating the BIOS, you will need to know your motherboard manufacturer, as different manufacturers handle this procedure differently.

    What are we dealing with?

    A chip located on the motherboard with the abbreviation "BIOS" means basic system I/O Its main functional responsibility is primary data processing and computer management before launching the operating system. As mentioned above, when replacing a processor, you may need to update the BIOS so that it can control the CPU. First, let's look at some common options on how to update the BIOS.

    Improvement system

    In order to upgrade, you will need three things. The first is your confidence that the procedure is really worthwhile. The second is connecting to the Internet. And an absolutely irreplaceable component of any person working with computers is skillful hands.

    Before you update Motherboard BIOS boards of any computer, think about whether you should do this. For example, if you are going to change the processor on a personal computer, check on the motherboard manufacturer's website whether yours supports current firmware your planned processor. After that, check if such a CPU is supported in new updates, or you will have to change the entire motherboard.

    Connecting to the Internet is understandable. If you are reading this article, then everything is fine with him. The only thing is that you may not need it if you update from physical media.

    As for the ability to handle a computer, here, if the equipment starts to “glitch” when you just approach it, if you can confuse the video card and RAM, then believe me, it’s better not to take on this matter, since an incorrect update can lead to failure of not only the BIOS, but also the entire motherboard.

    We work with Asus

    Here's an example of how to update the BIOS on a laptop Asus. The fact is that an update program called Easy flash may already be integrated into the system of this company. There are two ways to launch it.

    1. When starting the laptop, quickly press the F4 button. The update utility interface window should open.
    2. If it doesn't work, you can first enter the interface BIOS management by pressing the F2 button. From the advanced options menu, select Start Easy Flash and press Enter.

    After the update utility menu appears on the left of the screen, use the arrows on the keyboard to select the drive on which the update file is located, and then select the firmware file in the same way. The firmware can be downloaded from the Asus manufacturer’s website, and you can find out how to update the BIOS there. The download is absolutely free and specific to your laptop model.

    After selecting the firmware file, the program will display a dialog box to confirm the update. First, it will format and launch the firmware. Upon completion of installation, a check will be carried out installed firmware, the computer will turn off. It is worth noting that this is one of the most convenient utilities developed by Asus. We'll look at how to update the BIOS on computers from other manufacturers below. Some of the most common and reliable laptops come from Acer.

    Acer

    Let's figure out how to update the BIOS. Acer provides its users with the ability to update the basic I/O system without going into additional utilities or BIOS.

    To do this, on the manufacturer’s website you must download an archive with drivers suitable for your laptop and your operating system. Then unpack the archive with the downloaded files.

    To update, go to Windows directory, there select bios.dat or Update.dat. If these files are not there, then run the file with the extension ".exe". After this, the installation will take place automatically.

    After flashing, if your device malfunctions, you may need to statically discharge the motherboard. To do this, you need to perform the following operations.

    1. Disconnect charger and take out the battery.
    2. Press and hold the device's power button for 10 seconds.
    3. Connect everything back and turn on the device.

    Motherboard

    Let's consider another option on how to update the BIOS. Gigabyte - a company that produces motherboards - gives its recommendations on BIOS update on her motherboards. There are several rules when working.

    • The update process cannot be interrupted.
    • Do not enable protection in advanced settings.
    • IN mandatory Check that the update you are installing matches your motherboard.
    • If your BIOS is running like clockwork, updating it is not recommended.

    If you decide to do this, there are two ways.

    1. Special Q-Flash utility from the manufacturer, built directly into the I/O system. It starts with a similar procedure to Asus.
    2. And the @BIOS application, which is managed by the operating system itself. Absolutely automatic mode it will find and update your BIOS to the latest version.

    Other options

    In addition to the above methods on how to update the BIOS of a motherboard, there are some more.

    • Upon purchase personal computer you should be given a disk with various utilities and drivers for your motherboard. We insert it and when the computer starts, press Alt+F2. There, using navigation, we find the recovery application and launch it.
    • Another method that is suitable for advanced users is to set the Flash Recovery jumper on the motherboard to " Recovery Mode". Insert a boot floppy disk into the drive and start the computer. The input/output system will be updated. Remember that in this mode the display will not turn on. The update process will be noticeable only by the blinking lights on system unit and disk drive. When they stop notifying you about work, you can turn off the computer, remove the floppy disk, return the jumper to its place and turn on the PC.
    • In completely hopeless cases, when you are sure that the BIOS is not working, you can use another motherboard with a working system. To do this, carefully disconnect the non-working BIOS and tie it with threads. Start another computer, then carefully remove the BIOS from the running PC (since it is only used when starting the PC). Insert the non-working BIOS so that the common pin is connected first. That's it, you can restart the flashing utility.

    Conclusion

    The task of updating the BIOS of a motherboard is quite complex and requires professional training. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact specialists or experiment on old computers first. After all, damage or incorrect flashing can lead to a fatal outcome for your computer.

    is a set of microprograms that are stored in a special chip on the motherboard. These firmwares are written while the motherboard is being manufactured. BIOS is needed to start the computer, check its functionality and launch the operating system. In some cases you may need to update it. For example, in order to add support for new processors that appeared after the release of the motherboard itself. In this article we will briefly talk about how to update the BIOS.

    Step #1: Make sure you really need to update your BIOS.

    Updating the BIOS is always a risk. The slightest mistake or power failure can cause yours to turn into a useless piece of PCB.

    When exactly NOT to update the BIOS:

    • your computer is working fine without updating;
    • you have no experience in computer maintenance;
    • you have frequent power outages;

    Step #2: Find out BIOS version, which is installed on your computer.

    Before you start updating the BIOS, you need to find out which version you currently have installed.

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