【Fast and Easy】How to Update BIOS Using USB in 2024

BIOS, which stands for Basic Input/Output System, is a chip installed on the motherboard that contains firmware responsible for handling a variety of basic tasks. Its primary function is to oversee the computer's initial startup and control process. It is also responsible for identifying and configuring the system hardware.

There are many benefits to updating your BIOS. However, the process can be daunting and time-consuming for some, as you need to make sure you get the right BIOS from the manufacturer for your specific motherboard.

So, how to update BIOS? Of course, you can update BIOS without USB, but how to do it safely with a USB? In this article, we will find the answer to this question and much more. Also, we will discuss the preparations and items needed for updating BIOS. So, let's get started.

Before updating the BIOS, what should be done?

Before we discuss how to update BIOS through USB, let's talk about the preparations you need to make before starting this process. While BIOS updates can bring many benefits, it also has the potential to brick your motherboard and render it completely useless.

Thus, you need to ensure the safety of your data, which is why creating a system image backup comes in handy when you need a backup in case of unexpected issues. Thus, we'll create a backup image of the computer with a tool before updating BIOS. For this purpose, we recommend using Todo Backup Home.

This excellent backup and recovery tool lets you create an image of your entire PC and restore it in case of disaster. But why should you use this tool to create a backup image? Here are a few reasons:

• Let you create a system backup and upload it to cloud storage
• Clone system images for transfer or recovery after BIOS updates
• Create full backups of your instances for future use
• Create safe zones to protect files from viruses
• Create an image of your SD card and operating system ISO images

This will not only keep your data safe; it will also allow you to roll back to your previous Windows state if something goes wrong.

Here's how to back up your computer.

Step 1: On the main screen, click on Select what to backup.

Step 2. Click on Operating System in the list of four options.

Step 3: Todo Backup will automatically select your system partition. You just need to choose a destination for the backup.

Step 3 to Create System Backup:

Step 4. You can choose to save the backup file on your local disk or NAS.

Step 5. After the backup is done, you can right-click on the backup task on the left to check its status, recover, open, or delete it.

How to Update BIOS from a USB Drive

To update the BIOS, you'll need to download it from the relevant website. For example, if your motherboard manufacturer is MSI, you'd download the specific MSI BIOS for your motherboard to flash via USB, as outlined in MSI's guide for flashing the BIOS via USB, whether that's for a B550 or X570 motherboard.

So, you need to make sure you download the right BIOS for your motherboard. Once you have it downloaded, you can refresh the BIOS on your PC using either of these two methods. So, let's talk about both of them:

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Method 1: Update the BIOS using BIOS Flashback

BIOS Flashback is a feature that allows you to update your motherboard's BIOS without turning on the computer. You don't need to install a CPU, RAM, or any other hardware apart from the power supply to use this method to update the BIOS.

So, once you've downloaded the BIOS file that's appropriate for your motherboard, you put it on the USB key, and this is what you do.

Step 1. Format the USB drive with a FAT32 file system.

Step 2. Copy and paste the BIOS file to your USB device.

Step 3. Find an available USB port on the back of the motherboard labeled BIOS.

Step 4. Connect the USB and press the BIOS key.

Now, the BIOS button might be located on the back of the motherboard's I/O panel. In the case of Gigabyte motherboards, like in the image shown, the button is actually located on the board itself, as shown:

If you don't have a Gigabyte motherboard, the BIOS flashback button might be on the back of your IO panel, like this:

After a few minutes (usually 2-3), the lights on the motherboard should turn off. This indicates that the BIOS update is complete, and you can proceed to install any other hardware/components and use your computer as normal.

Method 2: Update the BIOS Through UEFI Settings

In this step, we will discuss another way of updating the BIOS through the UEFI setup. It is important to understand that not all motherboards have UEFI BIOS, especially the older ones. However, most of the motherboards released after 2015 support UEFI.

Once you have the USB drive with the BIOS file inserted, you'll need to enter the BIOS. Here's how:

Step 1: Plug in the USB and turn on the computer.

Plug in the USB to your computer

Step 2: Press either F10, F12, or F2 to enter the BIOS (depending on your computer/motherboard model).

Step 3. Boot into the BIOS and start from the USB device.

Step 4. Navigate to the USB drive and select the BIOS file.

Select the BIOS file

Step 5: Confirm when prompted by the BIOS.

Once confirmed, the BIOS will upgrade for 2-3 minutes. When it's done, your PC will reboot and boot back into Windows.

There's also a video on how to update the BIOS via USB.

Four key moments from the video:

• 04:15: Update BIOS
• 05:10: Boot after update
• 05:50: Verify updates
• 06:00: Conclusion

The Importance of BIOS Updates

While it's a common misconception that BIOS updates provide a performance boost, there are several benefits to updating your BIOS. Over time, motherboard manufacturers will release different versions of the BIOS for your chipset.

These BIOS updates are usually released to make your computer more compatible with the latest hardware, software, and other technologies. Additionally, if your motherboard supports the next-gen CPUs, updating the BIOS will be a prerequisite to using them.

In short, BIOS updates matter for three reasons:

• Updating the BIOS provides the latest support for your motherboard, chipset, and so on.
• It enables you to access previously unlocked features, such as resizable BAR.
• It allows you to use the latest generation of CPUs for your socket.
• It helps improve compatibility with modern RAM types.
• It ensures stability for your hardware.

This is why you might need to update your BIOS. While many motherboard manufacturers advise against upgrading unless necessary, you should update the BIOS if you're experiencing performance issues.

The Ultimate Arbiter

Here are two methods on how to update BIOS using a USB. It's crucial to download the correct file, so use a tool or check System Settings/BIOS to find out the exact motherboard version/model. After that, head over to your manufacturer's website to download the BIOS and proceed with the steps outlined in this article.

But before you proceed, make sure to back up your system/WINDOWS using Todo Backup Home. This ensures your computer's safety in case the update fails.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I update the BIOS without a USB?

It depends on the type of motherboard you have. If you have a UEFI motherboard, you might be able to update the BIOS without a USB drive. You'll need to consult your manufacturer's guide to see how to do this, though.

2. Will a BIOS update brick my motherboard?

Yes, it can. If the power is interrupted during the process or you flash the wrong BIOS, it can brick your BIOS and motherboard, and even the manufacturer won't cover it under warranty.

3. Which USB should I use for the BIOS update?

As long as you have a USB 2.0 flash drive, you can use it. However, you will need to make sure that your USB is formatted to FAT32 so that it will work with BIOS/UEFI.

4. Is reflashing the BIOS the same as updating it?

No, not really. A BIOS update requires you to shut down your computer because it's a major update to the firmware of your computer's motherboard. Hence, the process needs to be handled with care.