Module 14:
Flash update
BIOS/UEFI
RECAP
In the previous module, you have learned about Power on Self-test and
Basic- Input-Output-System (BIOS) configuration procedures. You were made
aware that when power is turned on, POST (Power-On Self-Test) is the diagnostic
check sequence performed by a computer's standard input / output mechanism
(or "start program") to decide if the computer keys, random access memory, disk
drives, and other hardware are operating properly. And the key role of a
computer's BIOS is to control the early stages of the initialization process,
ensuring the operating system is loaded into memory correctly. With these, you
can perform POST and BIOS configuration. This module is a continuation of the
previous topic where you will know how to update or flash your BIOS/UEFI.
LESSON
Most PC users go without upgrading their BIOS. After all, PC output is also
not influenced by the BIOS update. And why would you do that? There are two
words: continued stability. An outdated BIOS can reduce PC performance, lower
PC reliability, weaken overclock settings, and remain incompatible with some
devices. When faced with problems, most computer users would try everything
in the book without knowing their problems emanating from an outdated BIOS.
The general advice is: you 're good before you start finding problems with
hardware reliability.
What Is a UEFI BIOS?
The BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) serves as a sort mechanism, test
and disable your hardware. It also dictates boot devices, CPU-boosting software,
overclock settings, and a number of other parameters.
BIOS stands for the basic input
and output system, and the BIOS
chip must configure the other
components on your PC, such as
the CPU, GPU, and motherboard
chipset. Yet a few years back,
motherboard makers, in
collaboration with Microsoft and
Intel, launched a replacement for
standard BIOS chips called UEFI.
Image 1.1 BIOS
The UEFI (United Extensible Firmware Interface) is the most recent
version of the BIOS. UEFI BIOS shares many similar features with old-school —
often referred to as legacy — BIOS versions. The greatest breakthrough of the
UEFI BIOS is its clickable and more open user interface (UI).
UEFI BIOS also offers fantastic additional functionality such as device
debugging, more easy overclocking usability, overclocking profiles, and faster
flashing capability. The emergence of UEFI BIOS versions has made way for large
(2.2 TB) storage structures that would not operate on the legacy BIOS. It also
allows pre-boot environments that can be used when needed to move files,
diagnose issues, and even browse the internet without the need for an operating
system (OS).
That version of BIOS depends on the model and the make of the
motherboard. Some older motherboards won't make a UEFI BIOS while new
motherboards will. Nonetheless, the procedure for updating the BIOS is basically
the same.
Updates to UEFI BIOS consist of two primary files:
A TXT file that lists unique changes made to this version of the BIOS.
The real EXE file for an update to your BIOS. Before downloading, read out
the text address.
You should find you are unable to access the EXE file like a normal executable
program. The file will be flashed, instead of loading it.
Flashing a computer involves deleting the program to load another version of
the same app from a disk. The cycle derives its name from the use of flash
instead of mechanical memory by the BIOS.
How to update/flash your PC BIOS
1. Find the latest version of the BIOS: Make sure that you are actually
downloading a new version before updating the BIOS. The best way to find your
BIOS edition is by typing msinfo into the Windows search bar to open the Device
Details app. Your BIOS version will appear in the window that opens to the right,
under your processor speed. Type your version number and date, then compare
it to the new version available on the support page of the manufacturer's
website on your motherboard.
Image 1.2
msinfo
2. Enter the UEFI BIOS: After booting your PC, you will see text that tells you
which button to press to access the UEFI BIOS. (The exact button needed, and
the actual UEFI control panel configuration of each motherboard varies, so these
instructions would be more guideposts than step-by - step instructions.)
Image 1.3
UEFI/BIOS
mode
3. Boot into the UEFI control panel (where possible): While not all
motherboards provide this feature, you can boot into the UEFI control panel on
some models and use an integrated update tool to connect to the internet and
flash the new firmware from the server of the manufacture. This incredibly
pleasant function makes the upgrading as painless as possible to newer firmware
revisions.
4. Find the latest BIOS update from the support page of your
motherboard: go to the support page on the website of the manufacturer for
your motherboard. In the support and downloads area, the new BIOS update
should be available.
5. Download and unzip the update file for BIOS.
Image 1.4
unzipping EXE
file
6. Transfer update file onto a USB flash drive.
Image 1.5 EXE
file copying
7. Reboot your PC to the UEFI control panel.
8. Start the firmware upgrade tool or flashing tool of UEFI and back up
to your flash drive the current firmware of your PC: this will protect you if
something goes wrong.
9. Using the same UEFI tool to pick the new firmware file you saved on
the flash drive: running the firmware update tool should take just a few
minutes, just make sure you don't shut down your PC during this phase. This is
crucial.
10. Restart your system until the flashing cycle is finished: Your modified
computer BIOS is ready to rock.
Your BIOS upgrade can require several restarts to the BIOS, so wait until
the entire process is complete. Then enter your BIOS again, or use the command
prompt form to search your BIOS update. Your recently revised BIOS edition will
be available at the top of the screen.
That’s it! There's a fair amount of stigma around updating the BIOS unless
it's absolutely necessary, but the procedure is really easy, painless, and in the
future, it can eliminate some PC issues.
