BIOS Update Instructions for Intel® Desktop Boards

Documentation

Install & Setup

000005547

02/13/2020

Note All BIOS updates for Intel® Desktop Boards were removed from Download Center on November 22, 2019.  The following BIOS update instructions will remain available for historical purposes.

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Before you update your BIOS

We don't recommend BIOS updates for computers that do not need it. Review the recommendations below before updating your BIOS:

  • Before initiating a BIOS update, read and follow the update instructions. Open and print any PDF file from the online instructions table for easy reference.
  • We don't recommend downgrading the BIOS to an earlier version. It might not be supported. An earlier BIOS version might not offer support for the latest processors, bug fixes, critical security updates, or support the latest board revisions currently manufactured.
  • All images in the examples used in the instructions are for illustration purposes only. You need to select the correct BIOS files for your desktop board.
  • If a BIOS update process is interrupted, your computer might not function properly. Perform the process in an environment with a steady power supply (preferably with UPS). If you have system issues after updating your BIOS version, see Troubleshooting BIOS Issues.
Identify your BIOS version

To identify your current BIOS version, check the BIOS version string:

  1. During boot, enter the BIOS setup by pressing F2.
  2. Check the Main menu.
  3. The third segment of the BIOS version string (a 4-digit number) is the current BIOS version.
  4. Press Escape to exit BIOS Setup.

Example of BIOS ID string showing the version number:

Example of BIOS ID string

BIOS update methods

BIOS Update Launched From: Express BIOS Update1 F7 BIOS Flash Update2 iFlash BIOS Update ISO Image BIOS Update Recovery BIOS Update
Windows X        
USB device (not bootable)   X     X
USB device (bootable)   X X   X
CD (not bootable)       X X
CD (bootable)     X X X
Diskette3     X   X

1 The Express BIOS Update is the simplest and most common method of updating the BIOS.

2 The F7 BIOS Flash Update is available on Intel® Desktop Boards beginning in 2009. To see if your board supports this feature, in BIOS Setup, check the Boot > Boot Display Options menu for the setting Display F7 to Update BIOS.

3 The disk method is used only when the BIOS update files are small enough to fit on a disk (smaller than 1.44 MB) and if the desktop board includes disk drive support.

 

Other BIOS update instructions for unique boards: