How to Check Your BIOS Version on Windows 10
Need to find out your BIOS version but want to avoid a full reboot? Good news: you can do it straight from Windows 10 without much fuss. Using the Command Prompt is usually the fastest way to get this info. A few quick keystrokes, and you’ll have the details in no time, so you can get back to your usual work (or browsing the web, as we all do).
How to Identify Your BIOS Version
So, why even bother checking your BIOS version? Keeping it up to date can enhance system stability and compatibility, and it’s useful for troubleshooting hardware quirks. If your PC’s behaving strangely, your BIOS version could be the culprit. Here’s how to check it.
Start with the Start Menu
Click the Windows icon at the bottom-left corner of your screen to open the Start Menu. Seems simple enough, right? But it’s where many handy tools for checking your BIOS are hidden.
Find Command Prompt
Type “cmd” into the search box. When Command Prompt appears, that’s the tool you want. It’s easier than it sounds, I promise. Just click on it.
Run as Administrator
To avoid permission issues, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”. Some commands won’t work without admin rights. Windows can be a bit particular about that.
Enter the Command
Type this command: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion and press Enter. That’s all — just wait a moment. If entered correctly, it will display your BIOS version. For more detailed info, you can also run:
systeminfo | findstr /I /C:"BIOS" /C:"BIOS Version"If you’re comfortable with PowerShell, try:
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_BIOS | Select-Object Manufacturer,SMBIOSBIOSVersion,ReleaseDateRead the Results
When your BIOS version appears in the Command Prompt, you’re all set. Knowing this can help you decide if it’s time for an update, especially if you’re troubleshooting hardware issues. Some folks say the commands might need a few attempts to work properly, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a second try.
Quick Tips for Checking Your BIOS Version
- Always run Command Prompt as an administrator — it saves potential headaches.
- Double-check your commands for typos. A small mistake can throw you off.
- For quick info, try System Information: type
msinfo32into the search bar and look for BIOS Version/Date. - It’s a good idea to check your BIOS periodically, especially if you’re facing hardware hiccups.
- Keeping BIOS updated can help avoid compatibility problems and improve performance. Download updates only from your device manufacturer’s official website — they’ll have instructions too.
- If updating seems risky or complicated, don’t hesitate to contact tech support. They can help you avoid any mishaps.
Common Questions About BIOS
What’s BIOS all about?
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a crucial part of your PC that runs during startup. It handles hardware initialisation and prepares the system so your operating system can load. Accessing the BIOS typically involves rebooting and pressing keys like F2 or Delete — check your motherboard’s manual for specifics. Alternatively, in Windows, you can go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and select Restart now under Advanced Startup.
Why bother checking the BIOS version?
Knowing your BIOS version helps determine if a firmware update is due, which can resolve conflicts and boost stability. It’s just good maintenance, really.
Can I update BIOS from Windows?
Yes! Many manufacturers provide dedicated tools for updating BIOS from within Windows—for example, ASUS, Dell, Lenovo, and others. Always get updates directly from the official websites, as downloading from unofficial sources can be risky.
- Download the update utility.
- Close all other programs — no distractions.
- Run the tool as an administrator and follow the prompts.
Pro tip: Never turn off your PC during a BIOS update. It’s a recipe for hardware headaches later on.
Is updating the BIOS safe?
Generally, yes — just follow the instructions carefully. But if something goes wrong, it can cause serious issues with your hardware. So, proceed with caution.
What if problems arise after a BIOS update?
If your PC starts acting up after an update, check with the manufacturer’s support resources. Sometimes you might need to revert to an earlier version, or seek professional help to fix the issue.
Final Thoughts
Being able to check your BIOS version easily in Windows 10 is a handy skill that helps keep your system in top shape. It’s straightforward but important—especially when updates are involved. Stay informed about your BIOS; it could save you time and headaches later on.
Checklist:
- Open the Start Menu.
- Run Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Enter the command to check your BIOS.
- Review the version information displayed.
All of this has worked on various machines — give it a go!