Dell BIOS Update – The Easy Way of Getting It Done

Jack

By Jack

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Dell BIOS Update

Dell BIOS update is not a “routine task” at all. That means you don’t have to update Dell BIOS settings regularly. But when a need arises, novice users can often get confused with this task.

However, this guide will tell you how to do a Dell BIOS update correctly without experiencing difficulty.

What Exactly is the Dell BIOS Update?

The term “BIOS” is an acronym. It is used to represent the term “Basic Input Output System.” In simple terms, BIOS is a special set of codes stored in your computer’s motherboard.

Your computer system is designed to look in the chip for the BIOS when the system starts up. Through that, the system expects to get the basic instructions related to the OS and various essential functions.

In addition to that, BIOS is responsible for establishing communication between your system’s OS and its hardware components.

Just like the drivers and software applications in your system, you don’t have to update your BIOS very often.

However, the truth is that there must be a strong reason for you to update your BIOS settings. Updating the BIOS settings of the system is also known as “FLASHING.”

Sometimes, some of the new hardware components installed in your system can become incompatible with the system. In that case, you can expect to resolve the issue with a BIOS update.

When that applies to a DELL laptop or a PC, it is called a Dell BIOS update. However, updating BIOS is not limited to Dell systems. You can perform a BIOS update on any computer system regardless of the brand.

With that said, let’s move on to the next paragraph explaining how to perform a Dell BIOS update.

PS: If you are bothered with errors like the directory name being invalid, here are the top solutions for you.

Method 1: Perform a Dell BIOS Update through the Windows OS

Do you need to perform a Dell BIOS update either on a PC or a laptop? If so, the first step is to check the existing version of BIOS in your operating system. You can do it by following the steps mentioned below.

First, hold the “Windows” key and “R” on your keyboard. This will bring up the “Run” utility. In the box available, you should type the text “msinfo32” (without inverted commas) and hit enter.

As a result, a separate window will be opened with the title “System Information.” Once it is opened, you can check if the option “System Summary” is selected in the left pane.

You can find the version or the date of the BIOS settings in the right pane, which is larger. The value you find here should be considered as the BIOS version. You should note this value down for future steps.

msinfo32
Perform a Dell BIOS update through the Windows OS

You should launch an appropriate browser now and go to Dell’s official website, where the drivers are available. Their website is www.dell.com/support/drivers.

You should enter either the “Service Tag” or “Express Service Code” in the box provided. The number can be found either on the top or bottom of the PC or laptop. The location can vary depending on the model of the computer you are using.

If you cannot find it, open the “Run” utility once again using the “Windows” and “R” keys. Enter the text “cmd” and hit “Enter” to open Command Line Interface. Once it is opened, you should enter the command mentioned below.

wmic bios get serialnumber

wmic bios get serialnumber

You will see some text now. Just locate the characters mentioned under the text “Serial Number.” That should be your service code.

Now, type the respective Service Code in the given field on the webpage you have already opened. Then, click on the option called “Submit.” Once the service tag is submitted, the system model will appear. You can find it under “Product Support.”

type the respective Service Code

Now, you should make sure that the option called “Drivers and Downloads” is selected. You can scroll down further to find “Optimize your system with drivers and updates.” Then, you should click on the “Find it Myself” option as well.

Also, you should make sure that the correct OS is selected (which is next to “View all available updates.” If it has not been selected, click on the “Change OS” option to select the correct OS installed.

Now, you should click on BIOS, which is located under the option “Refine your results.” Then, place a check on it. Click on the BIOS available for download in the search results and expand the details.

Check for the BIOS version and the date. Check if the date and version on your computer are older than the ones available on your computer. If yes, you should click on the “Download File” option to download it.

Are the BIOS version and date similar to the one available on the website? If that is the case, you already have the most recent BIOS version installed on your computer. So you don’t have to worry about downloading any other version.

Perform a Dell BIOS update through the Windows OS
Perform a Dell BIOS update through the Windows OS

After downloading the file, you should simply save and close all the running applications in your system. Then, you should open the downloaded file.

When you try to open the downloaded file, you can see a warning message from User Account Control. Just click “Yes” on the message to proceed with the installation process. Also, you must pay attention to the on-screen instructions carefully during the installation process.

Clicking on “Yes” and “OK” to the messages may vary depending on the computer model. You should never turn off the computer or laptop until the process is 100% completed.

If you are doing it on a laptop, be sure to connect the AC adapter until the process is completed. If it is related to a PC, be sure to get UPS’s assistance at least until the update is completed.

Method 2: Perform Dell BIOS update using a bootable flash drive

There is another method if you cannot log into your dell system to perform the BIOS update. In this case, you can use a bootable flash drive and update the BIOS settings.

To make it happen, you should select your USB flash in the boot consequence. To learn about the existing BIOS version of the computer, follow the steps mentioned below.

Steps to Perform Dell BIOS update using a bootable flash drive:

  • First, switch on the system on which you will perform the Dell BIOS update.
  • Then, press the F2 key until the BIOS setup appears. The version of your BIOS settings will appear next to the option “Bios Revision.”
  • To check for the available updates of your BIOS version, visit www.dell.com/support/drivers. You can use any system and any web browser to get it done without any hassle.
  • Now, you should enter the “Service Tag.” If not, you can even enter the “Express Service Code” in the given text box. This can be found either at the bottom or on the top of the respective computer.
Perform Dell BIOS update using a bootable flash drive
  • If not, you can scroll down and click on the option “View Products.” It can be found under the option “Browse for a product.” Then, you should select the model of the desktop or the laptop you wish to update.
  • Hopefully, you remember the steps we used to check if there is a newer version of BIOS. If you don’t remember it, you can go back to “Method 01” and read it carefully. So, check if a newer BIOS version is available and download it. If you don’t have a newer version, you don’t have to bother about downloading anything. That is because you already have the latest BIOS version. You can connect the USB flash drive (which will be converted into a bootable drive) to the system. Now, hold the “Windows” and “E” keys to open your Windows Explorer on the computer. If you have any data in the flash drive, just back them up to your computer. Otherwise, all the data will be lost at the end of the update.
  • You should download a special tool called “Rufus” after performing a simple Google search. This tool is required to make the flash drive bootable. Launch Rufus’s executable file and install it.
  • Under the option “Device,” select the flash drive you have plugged in. Use the drop-down under the option “File System” and choose “FAT32“. Then, select “FreeDOS,” which is next to the option “Create a bootable disk using.” Then, click on “Start” to proceed.
  • Close the windows after the process. Then, copy the BIOS file to the flash and note down the exact file name.
  • Then, connect the flash drive to the system in which you want to update the BIOS. Switch the computer on and continue to tap F12. That will bring up its Boot Menu.
  • Choose the Flash Drive from the appeared boot menu and hit Enter. Once you have done that, you can see a command prompt window. In this window, type C: and hit “Enter.”
  • You should type “dir,” so it will list down the files on your USB flash drive.
  • Now, you should enter the exact file name of the BIOS file which you have downloaded already. Then, hit “Enter.”
  • From that point onwards, you should follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure that the respective computer is turned on until the process is completed. Keeping it connected to a UPS is always better until the process is done.

Also read: How to unlock the keyboard on a Dell laptop?

FAQs

  1. What happens if I don’t update my Dell BIOS? If you don’t update your Dell BIOS, you may miss out on important bug fixes, performance improvements, security patches, and compatibility enhancements. Outdated BIOS versions can result in stability issues, compatibility problems with new hardware or software, and potential security vulnerabilities.
  2. Can a failed BIOS update brick my Dell computer? While rare, a failed BIOS update can potentially cause your Dell computer to become unresponsive or “bricked.” However, Dell BIOS updates generally include safety measures, such as backup BIOS chips or recovery methods, to minimize the risk. It’s crucial to follow the update instructions carefully and ensure a stable power source to reduce the chances of failure.
  3. Is it safe to update BIOS on a Dell laptop? Yes, it is generally safe to update the BIOS on a Dell laptop. Dell provides official BIOS update files through their support website, ensuring compatibility and reliability. However, it is important to follow the recommended precautions, such as backing up important data and ensuring a stable power source, to minimize any potential risks.
  4. How often should I update my Dell BIOS? The frequency of BIOS updates depends on various factors, including the specific model of your Dell computer and the availability of new updates from Dell. It is generally recommended to periodically check for BIOS updates, especially when experiencing specific issues or to take advantage of new features. However, it’s important to balance the need for updates with the potential risks, and only update if necessary or if recommended by Dell.
  5. Can I revert to an older BIOS version if needed? In most cases, it is not recommended to revert to an older BIOS version unless absolutely necessary. Dell BIOS updates are designed to improve system performance, stability, and security. Reverting to an older version may reintroduce known issues or security vulnerabilities. However, in certain situations, Dell may provide a BIOS recovery method that allows you to revert to a previous version if required. It’s crucial to follow Dell’s instructions or seek support if you need to revert your BIOS version.

Conclusion

Updating the BIOS on your Dell computer is essential for optimal performance, stability, and security. Regularly checking for and installing BIOS updates can help you unlock new features, enhance compatibility, and ensure the smooth functioning of your system.

Remember to follow the recommended precautions and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the update process. By keeping your Dell BIOS up to date, you’ll enjoy a more efficient and reliable computing experience.

Jack
Jack

Ten years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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