Where to find your BIOS version number

The fastest way to check your BIOS is to restart your computer and watch the first screen that appears before Windows or macOS loads. Most computers display the BIOS version, manufacturer, and date in the bottom corner or top corner of that initial screen — it usually appears for only a few seconds. Write down what you see, or take a photo with your phone.

If you missed it or want to check without restarting, you can find the same information through your operating system. On Windows, open the Run dialog by pressing Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Look for "BIOS Version/Date" in the System Information window. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac", then click "System Report" and look for "Boot ROM Version".

Key Takeaways

  • Your BIOS version appears on the startup screen for a few seconds, or you can find it through System Information on Windows or System Report on Mac without restarting.
  • Write down both the version number and the date shown, since the date tells you how old the BIOS is.
  • Compare your version number to your manufacturer's website to see if updates are available for your specific computer model.
  • Checking your BIOS takes five minutes and costs nothing, but updating it carries a small risk if the power fails during the process.

Using Windows System Information to check BIOS

Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows key + R at the same time. Type msinfo32 (no spaces) and press Enter. A window titled "System Information" will open. Look down the list on the left side for a line that says "BIOS Version/Date" — the information you need is on the right side of that line.

The BIOS Version/Date line will show something like "American Megatrends Inc. 1.23 12/15/2022". The number after the manufacturer name (1.23 in this example) is your version. The date at the end (12/15/2022) tells you when that version was released. Write both down before you close the window.

Using Mac System Report to check BIOS

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select "About This Mac". A window will open showing your Mac model and memory. Click the "System Report" button at the bottom. A new window opens with more detailed information. Look for "Boot ROM Version" in the list — this is your Mac's equivalent of BIOS.

The Boot ROM Version line shows a code like "12.3.2 (iBridge: 18.16.14.0.0,0.0)". The first number (12.3.2) is what you need. Macs also display the release date on the same line or nearby. Take note of both pieces of information so you can compare them to Apple's security updates.

Finding your computer's manufacturer and model

Before you search for BIOS updates, you need to know exactly which computer you own. On Windows, the System Information window (opened with msinfo32) shows "System Manufacturer" and "System Model" near the top — these are the two pieces you need. Common manufacturers are Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, and Acer. Write down both the manufacturer and the exact model number.

On Mac, the "About This Mac" window shows your model name (like "MacBook Pro 16-inch 2021") and the chip type. This is usually enough to find updates, since Apple releases BIOS updates for specific Mac models. If you are unsure, the model name shown is what you search for.

Comparing your BIOS to the manufacturer's current version

Go to your computer manufacturer's support website. For Dell, visit dell.com/support. For HP, go to hp.com/support. For Lenovo, visit lenovo.com/support. For ASUS, go to asus.com/support. For Mac, visit apple.com/support. Enter your exact model number in the search box.

Look for a section called "BIOS", "Firmware", "Downloads", or "Drivers". The page will list the current BIOS version available for your model. Compare the version number you wrote down to the one shown on the manufacturer's site. If the numbers match, your BIOS is current. If the manufacturer's version is higher, an update is available. The manufacturer's page will also show the release date and a description of what the update fixes — read this to decide whether the update matters for your situation.

What the BIOS date tells you about security

The date on your BIOS matters because manufacturers release updates to patch security vulnerabilities. A BIOS from 2020 may be missing protections against threats discovered in 2021, 2022, or 2023. However, the age of your BIOS alone does not mean you are in when ready danger — it depends on what vulnerabilities exist and whether they affect your specific computer model.

If your BIOS is more than two years old and your manufacturer has released newer versions, checking for updates is worth doing. If your BIOS is less than a year old, the security benefit of updating is usually smaller. The manufacturer's release notes will tell you whether the update addresses security issues or just adds features.

Understanding what you see on the startup screen

When you restart your computer and watch the first screen, you may see lines like "American Megatrends Inc." or "Phoenix BIOS" or "Award BIOS" — these are the names of the companies that wrote your BIOS software. Below that, you will see a version number (like "1.23" or "F.15") and a date. Some screens also show your processor type and amount of RAM, which is normal.

The screen usually displays for only three to five seconds before your operating system starts loading. If you want to read it more slowly, you can press the Pause key on your keyboard to freeze the screen, then press any key to continue. On some computers, pressing Delete, F2, F10, or Escape during startup opens the BIOS setup menu — do not do this unless you intend to change settings, since changing BIOS settings incorrectly can prevent your computer from starting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my BIOS date show a year that is older than when I bought my computer?

The BIOS date is when that version was released by the manufacturer, not when your computer was built. Manufacturers often ship computers with a BIOS version that is several months old. This is normal and does not mean your computer is outdated.

Is it safe to update my BIOS?

BIOS updates are generally safe, but they carry a small risk: if your power fails during the update, your computer may not start again. Most people never experience this. If you decide to update, plug your laptop into power or use a backup power supply, and do not turn off your computer during the process.

What if I cannot find my BIOS version using these steps?

If System Information shows no BIOS Version/Date line, your computer may use a different name for this information — look for "Firmware Version" or "System Firmware". If you still cannot find it, restarting and watching the startup screen is the most reliable method. Take a photo if the screen disappears too quickly.

Do I need to update my BIOS if it is old but my computer works fine?

Working fine now does not mean security vulnerabilities do not exist. However, updating is a choice based on your risk tolerance. If your computer is offline most of the time, the risk is lower. If you use it for banking or sensitive work, updating is more important.

Can I check BIOS version on a computer that will not start?

If your computer will not reach the operating system, you can still see the BIOS version on the startup screen — it appears before Windows or macOS loads. If the screen is blank or shows an error, the computer may have a hardware problem that requires professional repair.