How to Check, Enter, and Update BIOS in Windows 11 or 10

To check your BIOS version in Windows 11, press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. In System Summary, read the BIOS Version/Date entry. You can do this while Windows is running, without restarting or changing firmware settings.

The name still says BIOS on computers that use modern UEFI firmware. Record the complete version string before comparing it with a support page or sending it to a technician. A Windows build number, BIOS Mode, and SMBIOS Version describe different things.

Find BIOS Version/Date in System Information

1. Press Windows + R to open Run.
2. Enter msinfo32 and select OK or press Enter. System Information opens.
3. Select System Summary in the left pane if a different section is selected.
4. Locate BIOS Version/Date on the right and write down the full value. Widen the window or the Value column if part of it is hidden.

You can also search Start for System Information. If you use the tool’s Find box, search for BIOS and check the matched entry’s name; several rows can contain that word.

Microsoft describes System Information as a built-in hardware and software information tool. Dell also documents BIOS Version/Date in its version-checking instructions. Checking this row reads information; it does not install an update.

Understand the Version and Date

Keep the manufacturer name, version identifier, and date together. A version might contain letters as well as numbers, so do not assume that one computer’s version can be compared with another brand’s numbering.

BIOS Mode indicates a firmware boot mode such as UEFI. SMBIOS Version refers to the system-management information specification. Neither is the installed firmware release you should use when comparing BIOS updates. Windows 11’s version and OS build are also separate from firmware.

The firmware date identifies its release/build information, not necessarily the day you installed it or bought the PC. If you recently updated firmware, compare the complete installed version with the manufacturer’s stated version rather than relying on the date alone.

Use PowerShell for a Text Result

1. Search Start for Windows PowerShell and open it. If you use Windows Terminal instead, select its PowerShell profile rather than Command Prompt.
2. Enter the command below and press Enter.
3. Read SMBIOSBIOSVersion for the installed BIOS version. Keep Manufacturer and ReleaseDate with it for reference.

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS | Select-Object Manufacturer, SMBIOSBIOSVersion, ReleaseDate

This queries the local computer and selects three fields; it does not modify the BIOS. Microsoft’s PowerShell examples use Get-CimInstance with Win32_BIOS. Its Win32_BIOS reference defines SMBIOSBIOSVersion as the BIOS version reported by SMBIOS, and ReleaseDate as firmware release information.

Older instructions often use wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion. Microsoft has deprecated WMIC, so use System Information or PowerShell for this task. You do not need to install the old utility just to read your version.

Match the Result to the Correct Computer

In System Summary, also record System Manufacturer and System Model. For a prebuilt desktop or laptop, start with that computer maker’s official support page for the exact model. Do not choose an update solely because the BIOS vendor name looks familiar.

For a custom-built PC, identify the exact motherboard model and hardware revision from its documentation or labeling before using the board maker’s support page. Generic or blank Windows model fields are not enough to select a firmware file.

Compare the installed version with the matching model’s release notes and requirements. Reading a version does not oblige you to flash the firmware. Updating is a separate procedure: follow the manufacturer’s model-specific instructions and power, backup, and encryption precautions before starting.

If you are checking firmware while troubleshooting network wake, our Windows 11 Wake-on-LAN guide explains the separate firmware, adapter, and sleep-mode requirements. A BIOS version check alone does not enable that feature.

Check the BIOS Version on Windows 10

On Windows 10, press Windows + R, enter msinfo32, and select System Summary > BIOS Version/Date. For text output, open PowerShell and run Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS | Select-Object Manufacturer, SMBIOSBIOSVersion, ReleaseDate. Record the complete version and compare it only with the exact PC or motherboard model’s support page. This is a read-only check; it does not flash firmware. The older WMIC command is unnecessary.

If You Cannot Read the Result

Run the check in normal Windows rather than Safe Mode; Microsoft notes that System Information cannot provide hardware information in Safe Mode. If PowerShell reports an error, check that you opened PowerShell and entered the command exactly, then try the System Information method.

If firmware fields are missing or inconsistent, confirm the version in the manufacturer’s BIOS/UEFI setup or ask its support team. Microsoft notes that reported hardware data depends on what the manufacturer supplies. If Windows will not start, consult the exact model’s setup-access instructions; startup keys and menu locations vary.

When sharing the result, provide the version and relevant model fields. Check a full System Information export before posting it publicly because it includes substantially more detail than the BIOS row. Keep your version record handy for the next troubleshooting step.

Update BIOS Using the Correct Manufacturer Procedure

Checking the version above does not change firmware. Updating it is a separate task: identify the exact PC model or motherboard model and hardware revision, record the installed version, and read that model’s official release notes and update instructions. Back up important files, arrange stable power and access to any encryption recovery key, and follow the vendor’s preparation requirements. Check for any required intermediate version. A firmware update does not have a universal undo option; stop if the model or file is uncertain.

For a model that supports a Windows installer, Dell’s BIOS instructions provide one example: identify the computer on Dell Support using its service tag, open its downloads, and download the BIOS update for that exact computer. Open the downloaded installer, check its device/version information and follow its prompts. Let the update and automatic restart finish without interrupting power. Once Windows returns, open msinfo32 again and compare BIOS Version/Date with the intended version. Other manufacturers can require a different updater or a firmware-menu method.

For an ASUS motherboard explicitly supporting EZ Flash 3, follow ASUS’s EZ Flash 3 procedure: obtain that model’s BIOS file, extract its .CAP file to a USB drive with one FAT16/32 partition, and connect the drive. ASUS recommends at least 1 GB; back up the USB contents before any formatting, which erases them. Enter UEFI using the model’s documented key, open Advanced Mode > Tools > ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utilities, select the USB drive and BIOS file, and inspect the displayed version before confirming. Wait without shutting down or resetting, then accept the completed updater’s restart and verify the version in Windows. This is a firmware-file USB, not Windows installation media. Newer ASUS EZ Flash implementations can accept ZIP files directly; use the exact model’s instructions rather than applying the EZ Flash 3 extraction steps to every board.

Enter BIOS Setup on an HP Windows 10 PC

For an HP model using the documented Startup Menu, save your work, shut down and wait five seconds. Turn it on and immediately tap Esc repeatedly until Startup Menu appears, then press F10 for BIOS Setup. HP documents this sequence; some models also accept repeated F10 directly. Confirm the exact model’s instructions if neither works. Inspect the intended information and use exit without saving when you made no intended change. Only use Save Changes and Exit for settings you deliberately changed following that model’s guidance. If Windows starts first, shut down normally and try the documented timing again. Entering BIOS does not itself update it, change Windows or bypass a firmware password.

Enable an Existing Wireless Adapter in Firmware When Supported

First identify the exact computer and check its manual: not every BIOS exposes a Wi-Fi enable control, and a switch cannot add missing wireless hardware. Use the firmware-entry procedure below, record the original wireless state and inspect the model’s documented option. For example, Dell’s Vostro 15–3558 manual lists Wireless Device Enable for WLAN/WiGig. Enable the intended WLAN option if it was disabled, then use that setup’s Apply/Save and Exit controls and let Windows restart. Leave unrelated boot, TPM and storage settings alone. In Windows, check Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi, turn Wi-Fi on and connect to the intended network. Verify Connected and a working webpage. Firmware enablement does not supply a missing driver, network password or internet service. If the control is absent or Wi-Fi still fails, follow the PC maker’s driver/hardware diagnosis rather than changing random BIOS values.

Turn Off Hardware Virtualization Only for an Identified Need

On a PC you administer, first record the existing state and check which virtual machines or Windows features depend on it. Use the firmware-entry procedure below and the exact model’s manual. A supported Intel example is Virtualization Support > Virtualization > Enable Intel Virtualization Technology: clear that setting to disable it, then use the firmware’s save/apply and exit controls. Dell documents this model-specific enable/disable option. AMD systems can call their CPU setting SVM or AMD-V; follow their own instructions. After restarting, open Task Manager > Performance > CPU and inspect Virtualization. Restore the recorded enabled state through the same firmware control when you need it again. This can prevent Hyper-V, WSL2, Sandbox and other virtualization-dependent features from working; it is not the same as uninstalling a VM app or merely turning off one Windows optional feature. It does not guarantee better performance. Ask IT about a managed PC and keep required security features enabled.

Open BIOS or UEFI Setup in Windows 11 or 10

Save your work first; opening firmware setup restarts the computer. In Windows 11, use Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, then confirm the restart. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart. The computer opens its firmware setup. Microsoft documents this firmware-entry route. Startup Settings is a different menu for Windows options such as Safe Mode.

On Windows 10, or from the Windows sign-in screen, hold Shift while selecting Power > Restart. Continue through Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart when offered. If UEFI Firmware Settings is missing, use the exact computer model’s documented setup key at startup. For example, Dell’s BIOS-entry guide uses repeated F2 taps when its logo appears; F12 opens a separate boot menu with a BIOS Setup choice. Do not assume another brand uses those keys.

Follow the setup screen’s own keyboard, mouse or touch controls. If you only wanted to inspect information, choose its exit-without-saving option. Entering setup does not update firmware or reset Windows. Before changing firmware settings, record the originals and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, including encryption recovery-key preparation. Changes to Secure Boot, TPM or boot mode can affect startup and trigger BitLocker recovery. Ask IT about a managed computer or a firmware password rather than trying to bypass it.