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How do you update BIOS and UEFI firmware safely and effectively?

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You may have heard of BIOS and UEFI, but do you know what they are and how they affect your computer? BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System, and UEFI stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. They are both types of firmware that control the low-level functions of your hardware, such as booting, memory, and input/output devices. In this article, you will learn the differences between BIOS and UEFI, and how to update them safely and effectively.

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1 BIOS vs UEFI

BIOS is the older and simpler firmware that has been used in PCs since the 1980s. It is stored in a ROM chip on the motherboard, and it runs a series of tests and checks when you power on your computer. It then loads the operating system from a boot device, such as a hard drive or a CD-ROM. BIOS has some limitations, such as a 16-bit interface, a 1 MB memory space, and a lack of security features. UEFI is the newer and more advanced firmware that has been adopted by most modern PCs. It is stored in a flash memory chip on the motherboard, and it has a graphical interface and a mouse support. It can also support larger disk sizes, faster boot times, and more security features, such as secure boot and encryption.

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Joseph S.

Security+ | Email Security | Phishing Awareness & Training
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In spite of the similarity between BIOS and UEFI, UEFI is generally considered to be a step up from BIOS, since it offers better security, advanced features, and faster boot times. Because UEFI is a newer technology, it may not work with all hardware and software, so some users will prefer to stick with BIOS.

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2 Why update firmware?

Updating your BIOS or UEFI firmware can improve the performance, stability, and compatibility of your computer. It can also fix bugs, add new features, and enhance security. For example, updating your firmware can enable your computer to support new hardware, such as a CPU or a GPU, or to boot from a new type of device, such as a USB or a SSD. Updating your firmware can also resolve issues, such as boot failures, blue screens, or overheating.

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Derwynn McKellar

Systems Support | Systems Administrator
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In addition to the benefits mentioned, updating the firmware can also address vulnerabilities that have been discovered in the previous version. These vulnerabilities could potentially be exploited by attackers to compromise the security of the system. Firmware updates often include patches for these vulnerabilities, making the system more secure.

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3 How to check firmware version?

Before you update your firmware, you need to check the current version of your BIOS or UEFI. You can do this in several ways, depending on your operating system and your motherboard manufacturer. One common way is to use the System Information tool in Windows. To access it, press the Windows key and type System Information. Then, look for the BIOS Version/Date or the UEFI Version/Date field. You can also check the firmware version by entering the BIOS or UEFI setup menu. To do this, press a specific key, such as F2, F10, or Del, when you see the manufacturer logo during the boot process. Then, look for the firmware version on the main screen or under a system information tab.

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4 How to find firmware updates?

Once you know the current version of your firmware, you can look for updates on the manufacturer's website. You will need to know the exact model and serial number of your motherboard, which you can find on the System Information tool, on the BIOS or UEFI setup menu, or on a sticker on the motherboard itself. Then, go to the manufacturer's website and navigate to the support or download section. There, you can search for your motherboard model and find the latest firmware updates. You should also read the release notes and the instructions carefully, as they may contain important information and warnings.

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Dylan Wolkins

Technical Support Specialist II at the State of Utah | MBA and MSCM Student at the University of Utah
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Depending on the motherboard, there could also be an option in the BIOS or UEFI setup menu to check online for firmware updates (e.g. check hp.com for firmware updates). In my experience, if the motherboard is equipped with this feature, this is the fastest, easiest, and most convenient way to update the BIOS or UEFI firmware, so it's always worth checking for it. In addition to this, some (albeit very few) firmware updates are sent out through Windows Updates.

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5 How to update firmware safely?

Updating your firmware is a risky process that can potentially damage your computer if done incorrectly. Therefore, you should follow some precautions and steps to ensure a safe and successful update. First, back up your data and create a restore point in case something goes wrong. Second, make sure your computer is plugged in and has a stable power supply. Do not interrupt the update process or turn off your computer. Third, download the firmware update file and extract it if necessary. Then, follow the manufacturer's instructions to run the update program or copy the file to a bootable device, such as a USB or a CD-ROM. Fourth, reboot your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI setup menu. There, you can select the update option and choose the file you downloaded or copied. Follow the on-screen prompts and wait for the update to complete. Finally, reboot your computer again and check if the update was successful.

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6 How to troubleshoot firmware problems?

Sometimes, updating your firmware can cause problems, such as boot failures, performance issues, or compatibility errors. If this happens, you can try some troubleshooting methods to fix them. One method is to reset your BIOS or UEFI settings to their default values. To do this, enter the BIOS or UEFI setup menu and look for an option to reset or restore settings. Another method is to revert to an older firmware version if the update was not compatible with your hardware or software. To do this, follow the same steps as updating your firmware, but choose the previous version instead of the latest one. You can also contact the manufacturer's support team or visit their online forums for more help and advice.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you update BIOS and UEFI firmware safely and effectively?

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1 BIOS vs UEFI

2 Why update firmware?

3 How to check firmware version?

4 How to find firmware updates?

5 How to update firmware safely?

6 How to troubleshoot firmware problems?

7 Here’s what else to consider

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