A computer's BIOS is a firmware interface between the hardware components and the machine's operating system. The BIOS, like any other software component, can also be updated. Knowing the version of the BIOS installed on your computer, you can quickly find out if there is a more up-to-date version that you can use. On Windows systems, you can find the BIOS version in several ways: using the Command Prompt, directly accessing the BIOS menu and, on computers with Windows 8 pre-installed, using the new UEFI interface which allows you to enter the BIOS without restarting the computer. Macs don't have a BIOS, but you can find the firmware version through the Apple menu.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using Command Prompt (Windows)
Step 1. Access the Start menu and select the Run item
In Windows 8, select the Start menu with the right mouse button, then select the Run option. Alternatively, you can use the Windows + X hotkey combination
Step 2. From the Run window, type cmd command in the Open field
Step 3. The Command Prompt window will appear
- The Command Prompt is a command line interface that allows you to control your computer via text commands.
- Type the command wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion. The string of letters and numbers following the SMBBIOSBIOSVersion label is the version of the BIOS installed on the computer.
Step 4. Make a note of your computer's BIOS version number
Method 2 of 4: Using the BIOS Menu (Windows)
Step 1. Restart your computer
Step 2. Enter the BIOS
While the computer is rebooting, to enter the BIOS menu, press one of the following keys depending on the BIOS model installed: F2, F10, F12, or Del.
- You may have to press the key repeatedly, as some computers start up very quickly.
- Find the BIOS version. From the BIOS main menu, look for one of the following labels: BIOS Revision, BIOS Version, or Firmware Version.
Step 3. Make a note of your computer's BIOS version number
Method 3 of 4: On Computers with Windows 8 Preinstalled
Step 1. Restart your computer
During the boot phase, hold down the Shift key until the advanced boot menu appears.
Step 2. Enter the Troubleshoot menu
From the start menu, select the Troubleshoot option.
Step 3. Access the UEFI firmware settings
From the Advanced Options menu, select the UEFI Firmware Settings icon.
If you don't find the UEFI Firmware Settings option, it means your computer doesn't have Windows 8 pre-installed. In this case you can find the BIOS version via Command Prompt or via the BIOS menu
Step 4. Select the Restart item
The computer will restart and you will be able to access the UEFI firmware settings.
Step 5. Look for the UEFI version
Depending on the hardware components of your computer, you will find different information. The UEFI version is usually present in the main menu or home tab.
Step 6. Make a note of your computer's UEFI firmware version number
Method 4 of 4: Find the Firmware Version of a Mac
Step 1. Go to About This Mac option
To do this, access the Apple menu and select the About this Mac item.
Step 2. Access your Mac's system information
To do this, press the More information button and then select the System Report item.
Step 3. Find the version of the Boot ROM and SMC
Select the Hardware item from the menu that appeared, then, from the right panel, take note of the Boot ROM and SMC version.
- The Boot ROM is the software that controls the Mac boot process.
- The SMC is the software that controls the power management, such as the activation of the Stop mode.
