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This article will show you how to Check BIOS version on Windows 11/10. The abbreviation “BIOS” refers to the “basic input/output system.” Simply put, this is a piece of software that will assist in starting up your laptop. This is a snippet of code that was inserted into the motherboard of your laptop during the manufacturing process. How to Determine The most recent BIOS version is already pre-installed in the laptop, so it starts up automatically whenever you do. Updates to the BIOS do not typically occur very frequently. However, there are times when the manufacturer of your Windows 11/10 device (such as Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and others) will need to issue a patch in order to fix a bug or security hole, improve the system’s stability, or add a new feature.
Even though there are times when it is not the best solution, updating the BIOS is one of the most common solutions used by almost everyone who works in technical support. Regardless, it is important to be aware of the version of the bios that you are using; if it is significantly out of date, you may want to consider updating it. If you own a computer that has a BIOS, you should determine what version it is in order to determine whether or not you need to update it in order to make the computer function more effectively. This tutorial will show you how to Check BIOS version on Windows 11/10 computer as well as what steps you need to take in order to install the most recent version.
What is BIOS?
The Basic Input/Output System, more commonly referred to as BIOS, is a firmware program that is kept on a chip that is located on the motherboard of a computer. It is the job of this component to get the operating system started after it has finished initializing the computer’s hardware.
The first thing that happens when you turn on your computer is that the BIOS performs a check to make sure that all of the hardware is operational. When the BIOS determines that everything is in working order, it will then load the operating system from the hard drive or another storage device. The basic input/output system, also known as the BIOS, is an important component of the computer that must be present in order for the system to boot up and function properly.
How to Check BIOS version on Windows 11/10
Using the System Information utility:
- Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
- In the System Information window, look for the BIOS Version/Date entry.
- Your BIOS version will be listed next to the BIOS Version/Date entry.
Using the Command Prompt:
- Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type cmd and press Enter.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
- wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion Your BIOS version will be displayed on the next line.
Using the BIOS itself:
- Restart your computer.
- As the computer is restarting, press the key that is required to enter the BIOS setup. This key varies depending on the manufacturer of your computer.
- Once you are in the BIOS setup, look for the BIOS version information.
- This information is typically located in the main BIOS menu or in the Advanced BIOS menu.
Why is it important to check your BIOS version?
With this software, computers can do certain things as soon as they start up. It is in charge of the early part of the startup process and makes sure that the OS is loaded into memory correctly. The BIOS helps make sure that your computer is safe. Most versions of BIOS software let you protect the boot process with a password. This means that you have to enter a password before any BIOS action can happen. Since the BIOS does almost all of its work when the computer starts up, the password protects the whole computer.
- Hardware and Software Compatibility: Different versions of BIOS can have varying levels of compatibility with hardware components and software applications. By knowing your BIOS version, you can ensure that your system is compatible with the latest hardware and software updates.
- Bug Fixes and Improvements: BIOS updates often include bug fixes, improvements in system stability, and enhanced performance. Checking your BIOS version allows you to determine if there are updates available that can resolve issues or make your system run more smoothly.
- Security: Some BIOS updates address security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious software. By keeping your BIOS up to date, you can strengthen your system’s defenses against potential security threats.
- Optimal System Performance: BIOS updates may include optimizations that improve your system’s overall performance, including better power management, faster boot times, and enhanced hardware support.
- Overclocking and Advanced Features: If you’re into overclocking or need access to advanced features, a BIOS update might unlock additional settings or capabilities that were not available in older BIOS versions.
Compatibility and Performance Benefits
Benefit | Explanation |
---|---|
Improved Hardware Support | New BIOS versions often include support for the latest CPUs, RAM, and peripherals, ensuring that your hardware components work seamlessly. |
Enhanced Stability | BIOS updates can resolve stability issues, reduce system crashes, and prevent hardware-related problems, providing a smoother user experience. |
Security Patching | BIOS updates may include security fixes, protecting your system from vulnerabilities and potential security threats. |
Better System Performance | BIOS updates can optimize hardware settings, potentially leading to better system performance and faster boot times. |
Compatibility with OS Updates | Keeping your BIOS up to date ensures that your computer remains compatible with the latest operating system updates and drivers. |
Bug Fixes | BIOS updates often address known bugs and issues, leading to a more reliable and trouble-free computing experience. |
Improved Energy Efficiency | New BIOS versions may implement power-saving features that improve energy efficiency and extend battery life for laptops. |
Questions and Answers
You can even access your current BIOS while you’re in the Windows operating system. To open the “RUN” command window, press the Window Key in combination with the R key. Then, in the search bar, type “msinfo32” to bring up the System Information log on your computer. Under “BIOS Version/Date,” the version of the BIOS that is currently installed on your system will be displayed.
The older standard known as BIOS has been superseded by the more modern UEFI, which stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. UEFI provides users with an increased number of features and benefits, including faster boot times, improved security, support for larger disks, and graphical user interfaces. Legacy BIOS is an older mode of the BIOS that operates with a 16-bit code and offers fewer customization options.
Utilizing the System Information Panel will allow you to check the BIOS version installed on your system. The System Information window is another place you can look to discover the version number of your BIOS. If you are using Windows 7, 8, or 10, press the Windows key plus R, then type “msinfo32” into the box labeled Run, and then press Enter. The number of the BIOS version that is installed is shown in the System Summary pane.
The identity of a motherboard BIOS can be deduced from its Tag Number (Project Number), as well as its build date, which is formatted as 2Kyymmdd (Year – Month – Day). After entering the BIOS Setup, navigate to the Main Page to view the Tag Number as well as the build date.