The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a microchip located on your computer’s motherboard that starts the computer and lets Windows communicate with hardware. Upgrading your computer’s BIOS is sometimes necessary after you have installed new hardware. Keep in mind that there is a substantial risk involved when updating your BIOS, and you should not attempt this if you are not confident in your abilities before hand. Make sure you do all of the necessary research to prevent any mistakes that could possibly cause serious damage to your computer. The following steps will teach you how to upgrade your BIOS, even if you have very little experience with computers. Make sure you follow each step carefully, and if at any time during the process you become confused, don’t be afraid to enlist the help of a professional computer repairman. Make sure you check your motherboard or computer manual for any additional information about upgrading the BIOS on your machine before you begin the following steps. Many times the user manual will contain valuable information that may be different for each computer. If you do not have a manual, then you can usually download your computer’s manual online form the manufacturer’s website.

Steps to Upgrade BIOS?

1. First, Restart your PC and then enter the Setup screen. If you are unsure bout how to enter the setup screen, then refer to your computer’s manual.

2. Then press Print Screen key on your keyboard to make a record of each page of your settings. The print screen key is usually located somewhere above the Backspace key in the top right corner on a standard keyboard.

3. Next, you’ll need to know the model # or manufacturer of your computer’s current BIOS. You can find this information on screen as your computer starts up, or you can find it in the Setup screen information that you printed out in step 3. If you still cannot find the manufacturer or model# with those two methods, then try checking the BIOS chip itself for this information.

4. Now you’ll want to find out if your computer’s BIOS can be flash upgraded. You can usually find this information on the BIOS chip manufacturer’s website. If it can be flash upgraded, then download the utility program. If not, then skip ahead to step 6.

5. Copy the flash upgrade utility program to a floppy disk, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for running and installing the program.

6. You may have to contact the manufacturer of your computer’s BIOS chip to inquire if an updated chip is available yet, and to see if the new chip will even fit into the correct slot on your computer’s motherboard

7. Of course the next step is to purchase and then install the new BIOS chip. You can find many guides online teaching you how to install these chips. Many of them are very detailed and several pages long, so make sure you are prepared for the task.

8. After you’ve installed the new BIOS chip, restart your computer and then enter the Setup screen again. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on adjusting the Setup settings for your new BIOS chip.