How to Check Your BIOS or UEFI Version

Knowing your BIOS or UEFI version is essential for system stability, troubleshooting, or when considering an update. In this article, we’ll explore several methods to quickly find your BIOS or UEFI version on your computer.

Method 1: Check Version via BIOS/UEFI Menu

The easiest way to find your BIOS or UEFI version is by accessing the BIOS/UEFI settings directly. Follow these steps:

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Press the F2, Del, F10, or another specific key (depending on your motherboard manufacturer).
  3. Once in the BIOS/UEFI menu, look for the version number, usually displayed on the main screen or under System Information.

Method 2: Use Command Prompt in Windows

Windows users can easily check the BIOS version using the Command Prompt:

wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion

This command will display the current BIOS version.

Method 3: Using Windows System Information

You can also find the BIOS version through the built-in System Information tool:

  1. Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
  2. In the opened window, locate the line BIOS Version/Date under the System Summary section.

Method 4: Using PowerShell

If you prefer PowerShell, you can run the following command:

Get-WmiObject win32_bios | Select-Object Version

This command will output your BIOS or UEFI version.

Method 5: Using Third-Party Software

There are several utilities available that can provide detailed information about your BIOS, such as:

  • CPU-Z — a popular tool for system information.
  • HWiNFO — an advanced diagnostics tool for comprehensive system details.

These programs can show not only your BIOS version but also other important hardware information.

Method 6: Check Using Manufacturer’s Utility (For Laptops)

Many laptop manufacturers, such as Dell and Lenovo, offer proprietary utilities that automatically update drivers and BIOS. These tools usually display the current BIOS version as well.

Why Knowing Your BIOS or UEFI Version Matters

Understanding your BIOS version can be helpful for several reasons:

  • BIOS Updates: Updates can fix bugs and improve hardware compatibility.
  • Troubleshooting: Identifying compatibility issues or diagnosing system instability.
  • Hardware Configuration: In some cases, updating the BIOS can unlock new features for your processor or motherboard.