Dell BIOS Update: Step-by-Step Guide

Basic Input Output System or BIOS is a set of codes that is responsible for successfully starting up a computer system. It acts as the main bridge between the software and hardware components of the system.

This is integrated in the chip of your system’s motherboard. There are various reasons to update and flash your BIOS. If your driver is incompatible at the time of installing new hardware, then you can fix this by updating your BIOS. Each and every desktop and laptop manufacturer has their own version of BIOS firmware. Here, we shall discuss how you can perform a Dell BIOS update for your Dell device. 

How to Update BIOS Dell – Easy Steps to Follow 

There are two ways for a Dell BIOS update on your system. Thus, you can follow any one of the following methods as per your preference. Make sure that you follow the instructions very carefully. 

Method 1: Through Windows Operating System 

First, you need to check your current version of BIOS on your Dell system. This should be carried out before updating the BIOS. Thus, follow the steps given below to find out. 

  1. First, open the Run dialogue box. For that, press and hold the Windows key and ‘R’ at the same time on your keyboard. 
  2. Thereafter, type ‘msinfo32’ and then hit the Enter button. 
  3. After opening the System Information window, double-click on the System Summary option. 
  4. From the larger right pane, search the BIOS Version or the date and then note your BIOS version. 
  5. Go to the top or bottom of your operating system to type your Service Tag or the Express Service Code. 
  6. Sometimes, you might be unable to locate this option. Then tap on the Windows key and R at the same time on your keyboard. 
  7. After that, navigate to the Run dialogue box and enter cmd. 
  8. Then hit the Enter button and followed the below-mentioned command in the black window. 
  • wmic bios get serialnumber
  1. Now, tap on the Enter button and then note your Service Code. 
  2. Next, enter the code in the Service Tag and then select the Submit option. 

Now, head over to the following section to download and update your Dell’s BIOS. 

  1. Open any browser and head over to Dell’s support page. Or, you can directly type support.

    dell.com in the address bar and press enter.

  2. Here, click on the “Drivers and downloads” option. 
  3. Head over to the “Optimize your system with drivers and updates” option and then click on the “Find it Myself” option. 
  4. If you have not selected the correct Windows operating system, then select the Change OS option. 
  5. Go to the Drop-down menu and select the BIOS option. 
  6. If you find that the BIOS version and date are newer, then you need to download it. Thus, choose your system and select the Download File option. 
  7. After downloading the file, run it as an Administrator. When prompted, select the Yes option and follow the on-screen instructions for further steps.

    During these steps, make sure that your laptop is plugged in.

  8. Then, wait for the process to be completed. Once done, your system will restart and your BIOS will be updated. 

Method 2: Through a Bootable Flash Drive 

Sometimes, you might be unable to sign in to your operating system and still, you need to update your Dell BIOS. With the help of the bootable Flash Drive, you can update your Dell BIOS. First, you should know which version your BIOS is using. For that, turn on your device and then continuously press the F2 key until you reach the BIOS setup page. 

Now, navigate to the official website of Dell on another computer and check whether any update is available or not. Thereafter, follow the steps mentioned in solution 1 and download the BIOS update for your device model. Then, go through the steps cited below. 

  1. Connect the Flash Drive to the computer and turn it into a bootable device for your own system. 
  2. After that, select and copy the BIOS file in the Flash Drive. 
  3. Right click on the BIOS file and select Rename. Then, give it a simple name which is easy to remember such as ‘boot’. 
  4. Next, safely remove the Flash Drive and insert it into your own computer. 
  5. During startup, press the F12 key to go to the BIOS menu. There, choose your USB drive as bootable media. 
  6. Now, a command prompt will appear. Here, you have to enter the file name of the BIOS update. 
  7. Finally, follow the instructions as displayed on your screen to update Dell BIOS on your system. 

Final Note 

In conclusion, you will be able to update Dell Bios by following one of the methods given above. Always make sure that your computer is plugged in throughout the update process. In case the process gets disrupted, your system could crash. 

Maria Colombo
Maria Colombo
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