Firmware for msi motherboard. How to update bios on msi motherboard

BIOS is the firmware responsible for the initial loading Windows. It checks the functionality of components and add-ons. The correct loading of the computer and its normal operation (hardware components) depend on it.

It is written on the motherboard, not on the hard drive like the OS. In new devices, the BIOS has been replaced by UEFI, which performs the same functions, but has been improved. Both programs sometimes need to be updated.


BIOS can be updated in several ways

DO I NEED TO UPDATE THE BIOS?

Manufacturers regularly release updates for laptops. It is downloaded from the official website of the company that produced the laptop. It’s more difficult for owners of PCs with their own build. To find files to update, they will have to rely on the motherboard chip data. Any update is also written to the chip, replacing the old version.

It is not difficult to update the bios correctly, but only materials designed for a specific PC model or board should be used. Each motherboard has a strictly defined type of firmware, and installing the wrong version can lead to malfunctions of the computer or its complete inoperability.

BIOS is a delicate program, and therefore it is better to update it only in extreme cases. On a normally functioning PC there is no need to update it. This is due to several factors:

  • Flashing bios on an asus or any other motherboard is difficult, the process requires some skills, the process is done through DOS;
  • The improvements will not be noticeable, since the differences between the versions are minimal and highly specialized;
  • Malfunctions and malfunctions may occur because... old version tested more thoroughly than new;
  • When carrying out work, the power must not be turned off, otherwise the device will stop loading.

But sometimes the BIOS needs to be updated. If you regularly encounter one or another error in operation, go to the device manufacturer’s website and check whether such an error has been resolved in the new firmware version. More often, such a list is available on manufacturers’ websites. If such a problem is really solved in the new version, it makes sense to update the bios on the laptop.

Another good reason to flash the BIOS is the installation of new equipment. If you purchased a new processor that appeared after the release of your motherboard, then it will not be supported by your BIOS. In new firmware versions, manufacturers add support for new types of processors, and therefore you will have to download such a file and flash the firmware.

You should update the BIOS as a last resort. But even then, before upgrading, study the characteristics of the new version and find out whether the problems are solved. Based on this, decide whether you need to update the bios.

Find out the current version by pressing Win+R on your keyboard. In the window that opens you see msinfo32 for 32-bit OS. Click Run. A window will open listing the hardware and OS characteristics of the device. Find the one you need among them.

Sometimes a notification appears that the bios mode is outdated. This means that the BIOS operating mode is outdated; it still works in real mode, not protected mode. Firmware may not help solve the problem, but it is not serious and does not need to be fixed.

UPDATE METHODS

The update method depends on the computer manufacturer, motherboard model, etc. Most often, each manufacturer has its own instructions for flashing. You can get acquainted with it on the official website of the company.

On all modern motherboards, you can update the bios on your computer using any of the above methods. But it is better to choose the latter, as it guarantees a minimum number of errors.

UPDATE ALGORITHM

You can update the bios of an asus or any other modern laptop using any of the three methods described. They have their own nuances, but when carrying out the process using utilities, they are still not complicated.

FROM DOS

A difficult option with high risks. To update bios to windows computer 7 do the following:

  1. Find out the model of your motherboard;
  2. Download the required firmware version from the manufacturer’s official website;
  3. Sometimes there are several of them. In this case, choose the one that is designed for installation in DOS mode;
  4. Create bootable USB flash drive with BIOS, DOS and additional utility(it is downloaded from the manufacturer’s website or included in the archive along with the firmware);
  5. Install the USB flash drive and restart the computer;
  6. Specify the media on which bios firmware motherboard;
  7. After the flashing is completed, reboot your PC.

There are no more precise instructions, since they vary for different PCs and boards. Detailed instructions find on the manufacturer's website. But using this method is not recommended.

FROM WINDOWS

It's easy to flash the bios on a laptop this way. Errors rarely occur. Popular method.

  1. Download the firmware utility. It is different for each manufacturer. Program for updating bios asus – Asus Update, MSI – Live Update, etc.;
  2. Install the program;
  3. Run;
  4. Find the online function to search for new firmware. IN different programs she is in different groups of teams;
  5. From the list of firmwares, select the required one;
  6. Activate download;
  7. After downloading, run the flashing and follow the instructions of the program.

Firmware for bios asus, MSI and others in this way is also safe because the program itself selects the appropriate firmware version. In addition, the intuitive interface will help even a non-advanced user to install the firmware.

FROM BIOS

It is possible to reflash the bios on a laptop from the firmware using pre-installed utilities. This is a complex method, as it differs depending on the motherboard chip model, manufacturer, etc. To update the bios on a gigabyte motherboard, run the pre-installed @BIOS utility; other manufacturers have other programs. Such programs are similar to the utilities used in the previous method, but are not as convenient. They work with them the same way - find the required file on the network and launch it.

More often, this method is used when the computer breaks down, when it is impossible to log into the OS, because... PC won't boot.

If the current version does not support the new hardware you want to install, or the system produces BIOS-related errors, then it is worth upgrading. In other cases, the procedure is not recommended. The update will not bring tangible improvements and will not affect the performance of the computer, but an unsuccessful procedure may result in a repair.

Preparatory stage

Each hardware has its own version of the basic system, so you need to look for updates for a specific model. So, it’s worth starting by checking the revision and determining the current BIOS version:

Reference! BIOS is the basic input and output system. It is the BIOS that is responsible for the successful booting of the computer: self-testing is carried out and control is transferred to the bootloader. The base system is classified as low-level software. On modern computers, instead of the BIOS, the UEFI system works, which performs the same actions.


So, you have downloaded the installation file for the update to your computer. If you plan to carry out the operation from Windows, then you should disconnect from the Internet and shut down all applications, including antivirus. Open Task Manager and make sure that only the processes responsible for the work are currently involved operating system.

How is the BIOS update done on Asus motherboards?

This manufacturer offers the simplest update option using the built-in ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility. For owners of old motherboards, the AFUDOS utility is suitable. Download Latest updates for your motherboard from the official Asus website. Save these files to USB drives in unzipped form. Now you can proceed to the update.

Step-by-step instruction

  • Go to BIOS. To do this, you need to restart your computer and press the key in the first seconds of loading F2 (laptops) or Del (personal computers).
  • You have entered the BIOS, now you should check the current version - select the partition Advanced mode or press the key F7 .
  • Next, go to advanced mode, where there will be a tab Tool. Select ASUS EZ Flash 2 from the list.
  • The built-in utility will ask you to specify the media with BIOS updates - select the flash drive, and then select the update files.
  • The system will check and ask for permission to update - click the button OK .

After this, the update will begin, the progress of which will be indicated at the bottom of the screen. After successful update the computer will restart. Done, the procedure is completed.

Updating BIOS on Gigabyte motherboard

On the official website, download the appropriate program for your board version. Check the manufacturer's recommendations. We are offered 3 update options:
  • Via Windows . Download the application that will launch the update directly in the operating system. When trying to update via Windows, errors often appear, so this method cannot be called reliable.
  • Using software built into the BIOS . The best option is what we will describe. You will need to go to BIOS and perform several steps. The procedure is safe, and even if it fails there will be no consequences.
  • Update in DOS . A complicated way to experienced users where you will need to create DOS media. If you have already worked in this environment, download the utility from the official website.

Prepare a flash drive with update files that need to be downloaded from the official Gigabyte website. We need to get into the BIOS. During the first seconds of booting the computer, press the key F2 or Del , depending on the motherboard model. Logged in? Great, let's move on to the update:


The update has started. The operation takes place in a minute, and after completion the computer automatically reboots. The update is complete.

Updating BIOS on MSI Motherboard

The update procedure is performed using the Live Update 6 application - here is the download link from the official website. The program is only suitable for desktop computers - it cannot be used for laptops and all-in-one computers. Install and run the program.

After launch, you will be taken to the main page, where information about the system will be indicated. The application offers two update options - automatically (Automatic) and manually (Manual). It is recommended to select automatic mode. After completing the check, the program will display a search result indicating the elements that require updating. Click on the download icon to start the update.


The program will automatically download and install new version, you will only have to wait. It is also recommended that you familiarize yourself with the tab Setting . Here you can set the reminder period for updates. The initial frequency is once every 30 days. You can increase the number of days or turn off reminders altogether.

Step-by-step instructions for updating

  • In the application, select a section Download and install . The program will download the files for update. Once the procedure is completed, the application will launch automatically. Click Next .
  • The system will offer two update options - through Windows or in DOS. If you select the second option, the files will be downloaded to the USB drive. Updating via DOS is more reliable, so it is recommended to choose it. When choosing an update via Windows procedure will pass automatically.
  • Connect the drive, after a couple of seconds you will see it in the list.
  • After clicking Next the application will warn you that all data will be deleted from the flash drive. Confirm the action and wait for creation to complete boot disk USB.
  • The system will notify you that the procedure was successful. Click on the button Next, after which the computer will reboot. It is necessary that the computer boots from a flash drive. After this, automatic updating will begin.
Done, the BIOS on your computer is now updated.

Updating BIOS on Asrock motherboard

As with previous motherboards, 3 update methods are offered: through the operating system, using the built-in utility or in DOS mode. Choose the option that suits you and download the update files on the official Asrock website.

In previous instructions, we talked about updating from a flash drive using the built-in utility. This time we will give an example of an update in the operating system.

Step-by-step instruction


Video: How to flash motherboard BIOS?

The video shows the detailed update process with tips. Recommended for viewing before starting the update.


If you want the procedure to be as safe as possible for your computer, take care of the block uninterruptible power supply. If the power goes out during an update, serious damage may occur to the hardware. As you can see, the update process is almost the same on all motherboards.

Basic computer input/output system or Basic Input Output System(BIOS) is the firmware that controls how the computer turns on and boots. Surely you have seen many times how a black screen with white writing appears when you turn on your computer, and most likely you have noticed several prompts like “Press F12 for settings” or “Del”.

The firmware provided by your motherboard manufacturer does not need to be updated very often. In fact, you don't need to update the BIOS at all unless you have problems with your computer's hardware. If you are experiencing hardware failures, updating the BIOS of your computer or laptop motherboard is a typical troubleshooting step. It eliminates problems with software and allows you to focus on any hardware issues.

In this article I will use the term "BIOS", but I mean both the old standard and the new UEFI system. Among other things, I will be updating my motherboard ASRock. The update process should be roughly the same for most other boards.

1. Determine your motherboard model and BIOS version

You'll be able to find the files on the motherboard manufacturer's website, but first you'll need to learn a little more about the BIOS and motherboard on your computer or laptop.

Step 1. Type start menu in search msinfo32.exe to launch system information.

Step 2. You will see the System Information window, where you will find information about your computer's hardware. Look for BIOS Version, Main Board Manufacturer, and Model. As you can see below, some information may be missing.

You can also find this information in the BIOS of your computer or laptop itself when booting by clicking Delete. Restart your computer. On the screen that pops up, you will see some text at the bottom that will tell you something like "Press F2 to enter the installer" or F1. The exact login button depends on the manufacturer of your motherboard. asus boards, gigabyte, msi, hp, lenovo, but in my case ASRock is Del. Exact location your system information depends on the motherboard. I have it on the "Main" tab, the UEFI Version line. In this case H61M-VG4 this is the motherboard number, and P1.40 This is the UEFI firmware version.

2. Find updated BIOS

Step 1. Once you know the BIOS version number and motherboard name, you can go to the manufacturer's website and find the updated files. Find support page your motherboard and enter the model name into the search, in my case H61M-VG4. Next, I had to click on the model itself, which was returned by a search on the site.

Step 2. Go to the "support" tab on the website and select BIOS. The update firmware file will be provided below. Read carefully what the manufacturer recommends and read additional documentation. Then download the file to your computer, having previously selected the regional location.

3. Preparing files for BIOS update

Step 1. You now need to write the downloaded file to USB flash drive, which must be formatted to work correctly in FAT32. NTFS and ExFAT drives will not work. Unzip ZIP archive, then you can immediately drag the folder onto the USB flash drive with the mouse.

4. Installing a BIOS update

Step 1. Now that we have done our research and preparation, we are ready to install. Make sure your USB drive is connected to USB port 2.0 on the back of the computer. These ports connect directly to the motherboard and are more reliable than front panel ports.

Note: In some motherboard models, you can install the BIOS firmware immediately when you turn on the computer. To do this simply you must quickly see and click the button that will be shown with an approximate nameinstallation flash. In my case, I pressed the F6 button when turning on the computer and the installation started immediately BIOS updates.

Step 2. Reboot your computer and access the BIOS by pressing the appropriate key (usually Delete or F2). Next, I install it via install flash. I go to the Tool tab and click on install flash (maybe in the Advanced tab).

If you need to update the BIOS on a laptop or your computer motherboard, the steps above should work as a general guide. Just be sure to also refer to the board manufacturer's instructions for the exact upgrade process.

One way or another, many users of computers and laptops, regardless of the installed OS, are faced with the concept of a primary input/output system, called BIOS or BIOS. And quite often there is a need to install an update, in particular on MSI motherboards. It is for this manufacturer that will now be considered. The topic of correction will be discussed separately possible errors, which may appear during the installation of new firmware.

MSI: and why is this needed?

Of course, when buying a computer or laptop, no one in particular specifications the motherboard does not penetrate. The potential user is more interested in the processor, RAM, volume hard drive, video card, etc. And not everyone realizes that all these components are installed on the motherboard, and for the correct operation of all devices, a primary system in the form of BIOS or UEFI is required.

Nothing lasts forever. How device drivers become outdated and constantly require updates, not to mention the Windows systems, and the BIOS system is also not eternal. Let's see how on a laptop (MSI board is used as a basis) or on desktop computer. In principle, there is not much difference.

General rules for installing firmware

To install BIOS updates, you should clearly understand that an incorrect firmware version or its incorrect installation can have simply catastrophic consequences. Therefore, you need to use strictly defined packages designed exclusively for this brand of MSI motherboard. How to update BIOS? First you need to fulfill several prerequisites.

What's the first thing to do?

First of all, you need to find out the modification of the motherboard. The name MSI doesn't mean anything yet. To do this, you can use several simple methods.

For example, access to detailed description configurations can be obtained using utilities like Everset, where a description of all devices of the computer system, including the motherboard, will be shown.

However, you can do it easier, since Windows systems natively have a tool for viewing all the information. To do this, use the msinfo32 command, entered in the Run console. Moreover, it is absolutely not necessary that it be launched as an administrator. You can also rummage through the “Device Manager”, where you will have to find two identifiers DEV and VEN, and then search for them (by the way, this is the best option).

Required software

In principle, after this you can begin installing the update. Please note that not all programs for searching and installing driver updates can perform the corresponding search. Therefore, using automated programs like Driver Booster will not work here.

This means you will have to access the site yourself through any web browser. In the browser itself, a special AdBlock blocker, which should be temporarily rendered inactive.

If the required update is found, you just need to download it and install it, running it at the administrator level. Otherwise, on the same site you can download a specialized utility called MSI Live Update.

MSI Live and Fixing Drive "A" Error

Finally, let's see how to update the BIOS. MSI Live Update as a program is not that difficult to learn. The most important function here is to start scanning.

The application, by the way, works in the same way as automatic driver updates, but has a specific focus. Once the distribution files are found, you just need to select for installation the version that is superior to the modification available on the computer.

The process itself boils down to the fact that the source distribution is saved on the hard drive, but it is better to specify the save location manually, since the program by default uses such a deep path that later finding the downloaded file itself can be problematic. The file itself is an archive from which data must be extracted using any archiver or simply using system tools. Only after this can you start the executable files, the whole process will take place in automatic mode, after which a complete reboot will be required.

In principle, for updating it is not recommended to use what is proposed to solve the question of how to update the MSI BIOS from a flash drive. Firstly, you will have to write information to the drive, and secondly, such a device is not immune to failures. As it turns out, the easiest way to update is from a file saved on the hard drive.

After launching the utility, you just need to agree with automatic installation firmware, after which the process starts. Then you just need to wait for it to finish (note: some additional settings may be required in Windows 7).

In the case of the “seven”, a disk “A” reading error may be issued. This is normal, especially since floppy drives have not been used for a long time. To fix the problem, go into the settings and select the Standard CMOS Setup section, where the Floppy Drive device is set to Not Installed, save the changes (F10, and then confirm by pressing the “Y” button). This will be followed by automatic reboot, and the problem will completely disappear.

Instead of a total

Actually, that's all about MSI motherboards. Hopefully, it’s already clear how to update the BIOS. What’s most interesting is that many users are afraid to do this, believing that in this way they can simply harm the system. Nothing wrong with that. It is believed (this is evidenced by the reviews of many experts) that after updating the BIOS, even an increase in the performance of computer systems is often noticed. And the update process itself, in general, is not particularly difficult. The most important thing here is to correctly identify the motherboard model and download exactly the update that matches it. Well, then, as they say, it’s a matter of technology. Moreover, any user can easily perform such operations, observing several main conditions described above.

BIOS is the most important component of a computer that checks the functionality of the equipment, allows you to make settings to the computer, and is also responsible for starting the operating system. BIOS updates may also be released over time, causing users to want to install them.

Please note that it is not recommended to update the BIOS unless absolutely necessary. If something goes wrong during the update process, you may completely lose the functionality of your computer.

How to update BIOS for MSI motherboard?

Stage 1: Motherboard Model

First of all, you will need to know the model of motherboard installed in your computer. You can obtain information in several ways: using the documentation that comes with your computer, by directly examining the surface of the motherboard (it contains a sticker with information of interest), and also by software, for example, using the AIDA64 program, the download link for which is located in end of the article.

Stage 2: downloading a fresh distribution

The next step we need to download to the computer special utility Live Update, which will allow you to find updates for your BIOS version, and then immediately install it on your computer from under Windows. To do this, go to the MSI motherboard developer website using this link. Click on the button on the page "Downloads" .

In the window that opens, enter the model name of your motherboard and click the Enter key.

After opening the page for your motherboard model, go down the page and click on the button "Support" .

Go to tab "Utilities" , and then specify the version of your operating system. Find and download the Live Update utility from the list.

Step 3: Install the BIOS update

Once the utility is downloaded, run it. Check the box next to the item "MB BIOS" and, if necessary, remove from other items, and then click on the button "Scan" .

The program will begin scanning your computer for updates to your installed BIOS. If an update is detected, it will be displayed on the utility screen. To start installing it, you will need to click on the button "Download and Install" .

The BIOS installer will launch automatically. Once a new window appears on the screen, select "In Windows mode" and move on.

The utility will then advise you to close some programs. To close the listed applications, click the button "Close all listed programs" and move on.

Next, all you have to do is start the BIOS update procedure by clicking on the button "Start" . Please note that during the update process, you should ensure that your computer is running uninterruptedly - a sudden power outage may damage your computer.

Actually, as soon as the utility completes its progress, the BIOS of your MSI motherboard will be updated.

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