How to Find Your System BIOS Version in Windows
Let’s be honest — most people don’t think about their BIOS version often and tend to leave it well alone. But there are times when knowing what’s under the hood can come in handy, especially if you’re troubleshooting hardware issues, considering a BIOS update, or just curious about why your system is behaving strangely. Keep in mind, updating the BIOS is a bit of a delicate process. If you don’t do it carefully, you could risk bricking your machine or losing access to features like BitLocker, since clearing the TPM can wipe encryption keys.
The Easiest Way: Using the System Information Tool
If you want a quick peek without diving into technical details, this method is straightforward. Press Windows key + S and type “System Information”, then hit Enter. The System Information window will open. Don’t get overwhelmed by all the details — just scan for BIOS Version / Date. It’s usually near the top under System Summary on the left, but sometimes you might need to scroll a bit or search for it. If your BIOS version number or date is quite old — say, over six months — it might be worth checking the manufacturer’s website for updates, especially if your system isn’t running smoothly. Remember, updating BIOS is not a routine task and should be done carefully: follow the manufacturer’s instructions and back up your data first.
Checking BIOS Version via Command Line
This method can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with command prompts, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a quick way to find out what’s running underneath without risking system freezes or crashes. Open Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). Right-click the Start button, select your preferred option, and approve any User Account Control prompts. Then enter:
wmic bios get smbiosbiosversionThis will return just the BIOS version, like “F22” or “1.30”. If you want a bit more detail — such as the manufacturer, version, and release date — try:
wmic bios get manufacturer, version, releasedatePress Enter and wait for the info to load. Sometimes the output looks a bit messy — all on one line or broken up — but generally, it gives a decent snapshot of your firmware. Keep in mind, in some corporate or enterprise setups, WMIC might be disabled or restricted, so if it doesn’t work, don’t panic — try using PowerShell commands or check your BIOS directly through its firmware menu.
Why Bother Checking Your BIOS Version?
It’s a good idea after major updates or hardware upgrades, especially if your PC starts acting weird. BIOS updates often include security patches, bug fixes, or improved hardware compatibility that can save you headaches down the track. But — and this is crucial — don’t just update your BIOS on a whim. Only do it if your manufacturer recommends it or if you’re experiencing specific issues that a BIOS update addresses. The process involves downloading a firmware file, copying it onto a USB drive, and flashing it via your BIOS menu — often found under sections labelled Tools or Update BIOS. Make sure your device is plugged into power and don’t turn it off during the update, or you risk permanently damaging your motherboard.
The Wrap-Up
The simplest way to check your BIOS version is through the System Information tool — quick and easy. If you’re comfortable with typing commands, the command line approach works well and is faster. Just remember: only update the BIOS if needed. If your system is running fine, there’s no need to mess with it. But if you’re troubleshooting hardware problems or want to ensure your BIOS is current, it’s worth taking a quick look. Always follow the official instructions carefully and double-check your device model and BIOS version before proceeding with any updates.
I hope this helps — it took me ages to get my head around BIOS details, so if you’re reading this, you’re not alone. Good luck fiddling with those firmware settings — it’s often just little tweaks that trip people up. Anyway, I hope this saves someone a weekend’s worth of frustration!