BIOS Update Guide

Pink Parsnip Computers Guide

How To Update Your BIOS Safely

A full two part guide showing how to create a BIOS USB stick, how to flash your BIOS, and what settings to check afterwards.

Important before you start

Always make sure your BitLocker recovery key is backed up before changing BIOS settings or updating your BIOS. You can check your Microsoft account recovery keys here:
https://aka.ms/myrecoverykey

Part 1

Create your BIOS USB stick

This video shows how to prepare your USB stick, format it correctly, find your motherboard BIOS file, and only download BIOS files from the official manufacturer website.

Watch Part 1
Part 2

Flash your BIOS safely

This video shows the BIOS flashing process in real time, including turning off Secure Boot, using the BIOS flash tool, waiting through the update, and checking your BIOS version afterwards.

Watch Part 2

System instability

A BIOS update can sometimes help with crashes, memory issues, boot problems, or strange system behaviour.

New CPU support

Some motherboards need a BIOS update before they can correctly support a newer processor.

Game requirements

Some games and anti cheat systems may require settings such as Secure Boot, TPM, Resizable BAR, or updated firmware.

Things to check after the BIOS update

  • Check the new BIOS version is showing correctly.
  • Turn Secure Boot back on if required.
  • Re enable XMP or EXPO so your memory runs at the correct speed.
  • Check your fan curves as they may have reset.
  • Check Resizable BAR and Above 4G Decoding if needed.
  • Make sure your boot drive is still selected correctly.

Do not turn the PC off

During a BIOS update, do not press the power button, do not unplug the PC, and do not turn it off at the wall. Interrupting a BIOS flash can stop the motherboard from booting.

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