How to Check Your System BIOS Version in Windows
Honestly, finding your BIOS version isn’t usually something folks think about, and most just leave it alone. But sometimes, especially if you’re troubleshooting hardware quirks, doing a BIOS update, or just plain curious about why the system is acting up, it’s good to know what’s running underneath. Be warned, though: updating BIOS is a bit of a delicate dance. If you mess up—which can happen if you’re not careful—you might brick your system or lose access to features like BitLocker, since clearing TPM can wipe those keys.
The Easiest Method: Using the System Information Panel
If you just want a quick glance without messing around too much, this method is pretty straightforward. Hit Windows key + S and type “system information”, then press Enter. The System Information window pops up. Don’t get overwhelmed by all the specs; look for BIOS Version/Date. Usually, it’s right at the top under System Summary on the left pane, but sometimes it hides a little and takes some scrolling or searching. Higher BIOS version numbers or dates that are older than six months might mean it’s time to check for updates on your manufacturer’s site—especially if you’re facing stability issues. Remember, updating BIOS isn’t routine, and should be done cautiously: read the manufacturer’s instructions and back up important data first.
Checking BIOS Version via Command Line
Here’s where I got stuck for a bit—these command-line options can be less obvious if you’re not used to them. But once you get it, it’s a fast way to grab the info without opening windows that might crash or hang. You can open Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). Just right-click the Start menu, select it, and confirm UAC if prompted. Then type:
wmic bios get smbiosbiosversionThis spits out just a string with your BIOS version, like “F22” or “1.30”. If you want more detail—manufacturer, version, release date—try:
wmic bios get manufacturer, version, releasedatePress Enter and wait. The output can be kind of messy—sometimes all on one line, sometimes broken up—but generally, it gives a solid snapshot of what’s in your firmware. Be warned, though: in certain corporate or enterprise setups, WMIC might be disabled or restricted, so don’t panic if it doesn’t work. Try PowerShell commands next, or check your BIOS directly in the firmware menu.
Why Bother Checking Your BIOS Version?
Definitely something to do after big updates or hardware upgrades, especially if your system is acting wonky. Sometimes BIOS updates contain security patches, bug fixes, or compatibility improvements that can save you a lot of hassle. But — and this is crucial — do not just update BIOS on a whim. Only do it if your manufacturer recommends it or you’re hitting specific issues that a BIOS update fixes. The update process can be risky: you’ll typically download a firmware image, put it on a USB drive, then flash it through your BIOS menu, often in a section called Tools or Update BIOS. Make sure your device is plugged into power and don’t turn off during the process, or you might end up with a bricked motherboard.
Wrapping It All Up
In the end, the easiest way to check your BIOS version is via the system information panel. It’s quick and doesn’t require any technical wizardry. The command line method is great if you’re comfortable with typing and want something faster. Just remember: don’t overdo BIOS updates unless you’re sure they’re needed. If everything’s running smoothly, no need to tinker. But if you’re facing weird hardware issues, it’s worth verifying if your BIOS is current. Always follow OEM instructions carefully when updating and double-check your system’s model and BIOS version beforehand.
Hope this helped — honestly, it took me way too long to figure out all these BIOS details, so if you’re reading this, you’re not alone. Good luck fiddling—because, of course, it’s always little firmware settings that trip people up. Anyway, hope this saves someone else a weekend!