Contents:

What is a video BIOS?
Do I need to update to a new version of the VBIOS?
How do I install or update the video BIOS?
How do I view my video BIOS version?

What is a video BIOS?
A video BIOS or VBIOS is the Basic Input Output System (BIOS) of a graphics card or the integrated graphics controller in a computer.

The VBIOS provides a set of video-related functions that are used by programs to access the video hardware. An example of the video hardware is the integrated graphics controller within an Intel chipset.

When the computer is started, it usually displays the graphics card vendor, model, BIOS version and the amount of graphics memory.

Do I need to update to a new version of the video BIOS?
You do not need to update your VBIOS if you are not experiencing a graphics-related problem with your computer.

The following are some reasons why you may want to update your VBIOS:

• To resolve a graphics-related problem (for example, visual corruption when playing a new game, an error reported by the Windows* operating system that is related to the video BIOS, etc.)
• Recommendation from your computer manufacturer
• Recommendation from an Intel customer support agent
  

How do I install or update the Video BIOS?
An Intel VBIOS update requires a system BIOS update. To update your VBIOS, you need to update your system with a new system BIOS that includes a new version of the VBIOS. Contact your computer manufacturer to check whether a system BIOS with a newer VBIOS is available for your computer and for instructions on how to update your system BIOS.

How do I view my video BIOS version?
You can view the video BIOS version by checking the Intel graphics driver report. Follow the steps below to get to the report.

For Intel® HD Graphics Control Panel:

1. Press the Ctrl + Alt + F12 keys or right click on the Windows desktop and click Graphics Properties to open the Intel® Graphics Control Panel.
2. Select Options
3. Select the drop-down option for Information Center
4. Note the Video BIOS version number listed

Figure 1: The Video BIOS (lower right) as shown in the Intel® HD Graphics Control Panel

For Intel® Graphics and Media Control Panel:

1. Press the Ctrl + Alt + F12 keys or right click on the Windows desktop and click Graphics Properties to open the Intel® Graphics Control Panel.
2. Select Options and Support
3. Select Information Center
4. Note the Video BIOS version number listed under Accelerator Information

Figure 2: The Video BIOS as shown in the Intel® Graphics and Media Control Panel

For Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator Driver:

1. Press the Ctrl + Alt + F12 keys or right click on the Windows desktop and click Graphics Properties to open the Intel® Graphics Control Panel.
2. Select either the Information button in the bottom left, or the ( i ) button in the top right.
3. Take note of the Video BIOS version number listed in the text report.

Figure 3: The Video BIOS as shown in the Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator Driver

Related Topic:
How To Open The Intel Graphics Properties Window

This applies to:

2nd Generation Intel® Core™ Processors with Intel® HD Graphics 3000/2000 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ Processors with Intel® HD Graphics 2500 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ Processors with Intel® HD Graphics 4000 Intel® 82852/82855 Graphics Controller Family Intel® 82915G/82910GL Express Chipset Family Intel® 82945G Express Chipset Intel® 82946GZ Graphics Controller Intel® 82G965 Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) Intel® 82Q963 Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) Intel® 82Q965 Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) Intel® Celeron® Processors with Intel® HD Graphics Intel® Core™ Processors with Intel® HD Graphics Intel® G31 Express Chipset Intel® G33 Express Chipset Intel® G35 Express Chipset Intel® G41 Express Chipset Intel® G43 Express Chipset Intel® G45 Express Chipset Intel® Pentium® Processors with Intel® HD Graphics Intel® Q33 Express Chipset Intel® Q35 Express Chipset Intel® Q43 Express Chipset Intel® Q45 Express Chipset Mobile Intel® 4 Series Express Chipset Family Mobile Intel® 915GM/GMS, 910GML Express Chipset Family Mobile Intel® 945GM Express Chipset Family Mobile Intel® 965 Express Chipset Family