What steps should you take before starting a BIOS flash update?

Before starting a BIOS flash update, take these steps: 1. Read the manufacturer's documentation for instructions and precautions. 2. Backup important data in case of unexpected issues. 3. Confirm compatibility of the BIOS update with your motherboard. 4. Ensure a stable power supply and avoid power interruptions. 5. Close unnecessary applications to prevent interference. 6. Update BIOS utility software if applicable. 7. Temporarily disable security software that might interfere. 8. Download the BIOS update from the official manufacturer's website. 9. Follow the manufacturer's instructions precisely during the update process. 10. Be patient and avoid interrupting the update until it's complete and the system restarts.

When preparing the environment you should always make sure the data on the system is backed up. On user devices make sure they are using a cloud based storage like OneDrive for all their documents, but also check to see if there is application specific data (bookmarks for example) that also needs to be backed up before starting. On servers and other equipment, make sure you have a good backup of the system, data, and configuration. Another thing to consider when preparing the environment is disabling, at least temporarily, and drive encryption. This will ensure that if the system fails to update, you also have the option of moving the drives to another system and recovering data.

In most cases BIOS updates are performed because there was a concern about a specific function or feature. Obviously, it is important to check that the BIOS update resolved that particular problem. Unfortunately, it is also often the case that updates cause other, unexpected, problems that you were not aware of. So, when creating and performing your post-update checks it is critical to have a comprehensive test of functionality. It may not be as robust a check as the initial problem you are testing, but more a cursory check. However, don’t assume that since the basics of a boot up work, and the one issue you wanted fixed is working, that everything will work after that.

Make sure you include factoring in if a BIOS update is really needed. There are some circumstances where a security issue has been identified, or with newer hardware BIOS changes add stability. However, in most business use cases the desktops and laptops are fairly standardized to where the systems themselves are pretty stable. Do not update just because an update is available. Make sure you go over the change logs, and that you have identified specific needs from the update that you really require, or security threats that it addresses. If there is nothing that stands out, consider forgoing the update if the system is working fine as-is, or the BIOS update does not address concerns you have.

A wrong BIOS file can potentially brick your motherboard, so double-check that you have the correct file before proceeding. Additionally, be aware that updating the BIOS may reset custom settings such as overclocking voltages, memory timings, or boot order, so you’ll need to reconfigure those after the update.