The BIOS Flashing Process
4. How to Actually Update Your BIOS
Okay, everything is ready, and the anticipation is building. Now comes the actual BIOS flashing process. This is where you need to pay close attention. The exact steps vary slightly depending on your motherboard manufacturer, but the general idea is the same. And again, be very careful when performing this task! Even the slightest error can cause harm to your system.
First, reboot your computer and enter the BIOS setup utility. You can usually do this by pressing a key like Delete, F2, F12, or Esc during the startup process. The exact key will depend on your motherboard, so consult your motherboard manual. If you don't enter in the BIOS setup utility, restart and try again until you successfully do so.
Once in the BIOS setup, look for an option to update the BIOS. This option might be called something like "BIOS Flash," "EZ Flash," "M-Flash," or "Q-Flash," depending on your motherboard manufacturer. Select this option, and it will usually prompt you to select the BIOS update file from your USB drive. Navigate to your USB drive and select the BIOS file you copied earlier. This is why labeling the USB drive as BIOS so that it's easy to identify can come in handy.
The BIOS flashing utility will usually verify the file before starting the update process. Once it's confirmed the file is valid, it will begin flashing the new BIOS. This process can take several minutes, so be patient and do not interrupt it! Do not turn off your computer, unplug the power cord, or press any buttons during the update. Any interruption can corrupt the BIOS and render your motherboard unusable. Once the flashing process is complete, the utility will usually prompt you to reboot your computer. Reboot, and hopefully, everything will go smoothly.
