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A computer's Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) is embedded software on a motherboard that will control attached hardware. It provides an operating system with information about hardware, and is designed to support a specific range of components. The BIOS itself is typically an EEPROM, or Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, that is programmed with "firmware" and has the ability to save small amounts of information specific to user configurations. BIOS components are often soldered to the motherboard and therefore not serviceable by the user. Still some of these will be inserted into a socket, allowing its replacement.

All BIOS components are serviceable via a firmware upgrade, this process is known as known as "flashing" or "updating the BIOS". The process itself can be risky since any power fluctuation during a flash may irrevocably corrupt a BIOS' firmware. Great care will need to be taken in order to safely accomplish this.

This guide will help you flash your BIOS by taking precautions and walking you through each step. Not all computers will have the same BIOS manufacturer, let alone the same process, but many have similar steps and precautions.

Steps

Determine your needs. Did someone help you update the BIOS last month? Maybe you have never updated the BIOS of your PC since you purchased it years ago? Did you discover that an updated version will fix a problem you're experiencing? This will help you determine if you need to verify version numbers or not, and whether an update is necessary. Not all BIOS updates are necessary, but for the hardware enthusiast, obtaining the latest BIOS may equate to better performance.
Find your system's origins. This is an important first step to determine where you'll need to go before downloading an updated BIOS version.
- For desktops, did you purchase this computer as a bundled, pre-built system, or was it assembled from purchased components? The larger, more popular manufacturers and builders include companies such as Dell/Alienware, HP/Compaq, IBM, Lenovo, Sun, Gateway, etc. For these, visit the manufacturer's site. For a custom system built from purchased components, visit the motherboard manufacturer's website.
- For laptops, visit the laptop manufacturer's site, such as Dell/Alienware, HP/Compaq, Acer, Toshiba, etc.
Discover what update methods are available. Not all BIOS updates are performed in the same manner. Some manufacturers will use their own, custom application to update your BIOS, and others will use a third party utility to update the BIOS under DOS. The latter may be split into two different files, or bundled together as a floppy image with an extracting application. Download the appropriate updating software and BIOS from your manufacturers website.
Backup your existing BIOS first!. If using BIOS update software run through Windows or another operating system, back up your existing BIOS image first. Some BIOS update software has this functionality (ie: "Save" or "Backup"), and will advise you to perform a backup first.
Perform the update. Run the downloaded installer or application executable for the BIOS updating software. If the software prompts you for a floppy, use a formatted 1.44MB 3.5" floppy disk. It doesn't matter if it's blank or not, as the data will be overwritten if you don't mind wiping the disk.
1. If using a floppy, restart your system and boot up to the floppy disk. Some floppy images will have an "autoexec.bat" file to automatically run the BIOS update. Others will just have the update software, the updated BIOS image, and possibly a 'readme' text file for directions. If there are no directions, but there are at least two files (ie: "A06_123.bin" and "awflash.exe"), follow this example: Enter a command such as "awflash A06_123.bin" and press enter. This will run the update software and point it to use the A06_123.bin to flash the BIOS.
2. Compare the two versions. Most BIOS update software will read the existing BIOS image and determine its version, then compare this to the BIOS image you've downloaded. If the version you have is older, perform the update. The interface of BIOS software may vary greatly, yet typically buttons or selections such as "Write", "Update", or "Confirm" will perform the BIOS update.
Power cycle the computer. Many update programs will automatically power cycle your computer. Some will request your permission to do so, and others will warn about this before starting the update. A few will prompt you do this yourself. If you're forced to handle this yourself:
1. Completely power down your PC by either pressing the power button or initiating the power off sequence for your operating system.
2. Flip the master power switch on the back of your PC to the off position, if applicable.
3. Wait a minute.
4. Flip the master power switch back into the on position, if applicable.
5. Power up your PC.
Clear your existing settings. Only clear your BIOS if recommended, as this is not always necessary, depending on what features have changed between your current version and the updated version. When your PC is powering up, immediately go into your BIOS settings tool. For most systems, this is done by repeatedly pressing on your keyboard once you see something on your monitor. Other systems might be ,, ,, , etc. If you don't know the keystroke sequence for entering the BIOS, watch the monitor to see if your computer displays it. To clear its settings, look for an option to "Restore Defaults" or "Load Fail-Safe Defaults". This may be on the main page of the BIOS, or on the last page of a tabbed menu. Use the arrow keys to navigate, and follow the on-screen instructions. When complete, save your settings and exit the BIOS.
Configure your BIOS. If you know the settings you want, change them now. If you've never changed settings in your BIOS before, you're not required to do so. Most PCs will function just fine on the default BIOS settings.