How to Check Your BIOS Version on Windows 10
Need to check your BIOS version but don’t want to go through the hassle of rebooting? Good news: you can do this right in Windows 10 without any major disruptions. Using the Command Prompt is usually the easiest way to grab this info. A few quick keystrokes and you’ll have the details pulled up in no time, letting you keep on working (or, you know, scrolling aimlessly on the internet).
Identifying Your BIOS Version
So, why even check the BIOS version? Well, keeping it updated can help with system stability and compatibility, not to mention troubleshooting pesky hardware issues. If your PC’s acting weird, that BIOS version could be the culprit. Here’s how to do it.
Start with the Start Menu
Hit that Windows icon at the bottom-left of your screen to open the Start Menu. Seems simple, right? But it’s where a lot of action happens for finding tools to check out your BIOS.
Find Command Prompt
Type “cmd” into that search box. You should see Command Prompt pop up; this is the tool you want. It’s less daunting than it sounds, trust me. Just click on it.
Run as Administrator
To avoid any permission headache, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”. Some commands won’t run without these elevated privileges. Because, of course, Windows has to be a little picky about that.
Execute the Command
Type this command: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion and hit Enter. That’s it — just let it do its thing. If you typed it right, it’ll spit back your BIOS version. If you want more detailed info, you could also run:
systeminfo | findstr /I /C:"BIOS" /C:"BIOS Version"Feeling fancy? You can also use PowerShell with:
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_BIOS | Select-Object Manufacturer,SMBIOSBIOSVersion,ReleaseDateRead the Results
Once you see your BIOS version show up in the Command Prompt, that’s your cue. Knowing this can help determine if you should be updating it, especially if you’re having hardware issues. Some users say it takes multiple tries for the command to work properly, so don’t lose hope if it doesn’t show up right away.
Quick Tips on Checking Your BIOS Version
- Always run Command Prompt as an administrator — saves a lot of headaches.
- Double-check your command for errors. A typo can throw everything off.
- Try using System Information: type
msinfo32in the search and find BIOS Version/Date right there. - Checking your BIOS regularly is a good idea, especially if there are hardware issues.
- Keeping it up-to-date can fend off compatibility troubles and improve performance. Just remember to grab updates from your manufacturer’s site; those usually come with their own instructions.
- If updating seems daunting, get in touch with tech support. They might help avoid potential mishaps.
Common BIOS Questions
What’s the deal with BIOS?
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It’s critical during the startup phase for initializing hardware and prepping the system so the operating system can load. Accessing the BIOS is a little adventure in itself, involving a reboot and specific keys like F2 or Delete — check your motherboard’s manual to be sure. Or you can go into Windows settings and dive into Settings > Update & Security > Recovery for Advanced Startup.
Why check the BIOS version?
Knowing your version can help figure out if it’s time for an update, which can fix conflicts and boost stability. Just makes sense, right?
Can BIOS upgrades happen from Windows?
Yep! Many manufacturers provide tools to make this easier. ASUS, Dell, Lenovo — they all have their applications. Always get the update from official sources; downloading from anywhere else is a risky business.
- Download the update tool.
- Close everything — don’t tempt fate.
- Run it as an administrator and follow the prompts.
Pro tip: Never, ever turn off your PC mid-update. You’ll thank yourself later!
Is it safe to update the BIOS?
Generally, yes — just follow the right steps and you’ll be fine. But messiness can lead to serious hardware headaches, so tread carefully.
What if there are issues after an update?
If things start acting up post-update, check in with the manufacturer for troubleshooting tips. Sometimes a rollback is needed, and getting professional help isn’t a bad idea either.
To Wrap It Up
Being able to check your BIOS version easily in Windows 10 is a handy skill that can help keep your system running smoothly. It sounds straightforward, but when it comes to updates, being cautious is key. So, stay informed about your BIOS — it’ll save some time and potential headaches down the road.
Checklist:
- Access the Start Menu.
- Open Command Prompt (as Admin).
- Type the command to check BIOS.
- Review the version displayed.
Just something that worked on different machines.