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
- Press Windows + R to open Run.
- Enter
msinfo32and select OK or press Enter. System Information opens. - Select System Summary in the left pane if a different section is selected.
- 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
- Search Start for Windows PowerShell and open it. If you use Windows Terminal instead, select its PowerShell profile rather than Command Prompt.
- Enter the command below and press Enter.
- Read SMBIOSBIOSVersion for the installed BIOS version. Keep Manufacturer and ReleaseDate with it for reference.
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS | Select-Object Manufacturer, SMBIOSBIOSVersion, ReleaseDateThis 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.
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.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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