When to Update your PC BIOS – Top Reasons

Basic Input/Output System or commonly known as BIOS is a program or firmware that initializes all the connected hardware components in your PC and starts boot process for loading the operating system. When you power on your computer then the first program to load is BIOS that checks or test whether all the connected components i.e. CPU, RAM, Hard disk, Graphics Card and Input/Output devices are OK and then it proceed further to load boot loader so that the operation system can start on your computer.

Earlier BIOS was stored in ROM (Read Only Memory) so that it cannot be altered by any malicious program or viruses, but now it is stored in flash memory so that it can be updated without having it to remove physically from the motherboard. The process of updating or loading a new BIOS program is known as Flashing of BIOS. Flashing of BIOS is a risky process because if something wrong happens then you can brick your computer. But now there are very easy and safe methods available by which you can flash your computer BIOS with minimum risk involved. It is generally not recommended to update your BIOS if you are not facing any major issues with your PC. So here in this post I will list down some cases where you may want to update to BIOS to a newer one.

Major Reasons to Update your PC BIOS

Here are some cases which may force you to update your PC BIOS.

CPU Support

If you have bought a new CPU or Processor model then it may be possible that it is not being detected by your BIOS, and your PC is stuck on the BIOS screen itself. In this situation you have to upgrade you BIOS version to the latest one for the support for new Processors. Before updating the BIOS you must consult your motherboard manufacturer’s website for information regarding CPU support list in the latest version of BIOS.

Graphics Card Support

Sometimes your new graphics card is having trouble detected by your motherboard. So in this case you may want to upgrade BIOS to the latest version. Consult your motherboard manual before upgrading your BIOS for information on support for your new graphics card.

Freezing / Hanging Issues

If your PC or OS hangs or freezes for no reason then it may be possible it is having problem with your current BIOS. Incorrect voltage issues may be present with your current BIOS so in this case you must have to upgrade your old BIOS to the latest version.

New Features & Settings

Sometimes for new and better features you can upgrade your BIOS to the latest one. These features can be related to the support for newer devices or addition of some new advanced settings in the BIOS.

Overclocking

Sometimes to support or to achieve greater level of overclocking and stability you have to upgrade your BIOS to the latest one. It may be possible that the newer version of BIOS supports better overclocking with more stability.

Sensors Incorrect Reporting

Incorrect temperature reporting in BIOS can be another reason for BIOS update. Sometimes BIOS may report incorrect temperature of your CPU and chasis which can be fixed by BIOS upgrade.

Note: Flashing or Updating BIOS is still a risky process and you should be very clear about the updating procedure and make sure that there should not be any break in electricity or fluctuation in voltage when you are updating your BIOS.

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