How to Check BIOS Version

Multiple ways to check your BIOS version on Windows and Mac

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: June 2, 2022 References

A computer's BIOS is the firmware interface between a computer's hardware and its operating system. Like any software, the BIOS can be updated. Knowing your computer's BIOS version can tell you if you have the most up-to-date version of the BIOS. Learn how to check your BIOS version from the Command Prompt, from your computer's BIOS menu, on a Windows 8 computer, and how to check the firmware version of a Mac.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Finding the BIOS Version on Windows Computers Using the Command Prompt

1
Click the Start menu, and then click Run.
- In Windows 8, right-click the Start menu, and then click Run. You can also access this menu by pressing the WIN + X keys.^{[1]
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2
In the Run dialog box, type cmd.

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3
The Command Prompt window opens.
- The Command Prompt is a program lets you control your computer with text commands.
- Type wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion. The string of letters and numbers following SMBBIOSBIOSVersion is your BIOS version.^{[2]
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4
Write down the BIOS version number.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Finding the BIOS Version on Windows Computers Using the BIOS Menu

1
Reboot your computer.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Expert Interview. 13 November 2020.}
2
Open the BIOS menu. As the computer reboots, press F2, F10, F12, or Del to enter your computer BIOS menu.^{[4]
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Research source}^{[5]
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Expert Source

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Expert Interview. 13 November 2020.}
- You may need to press the key repeatedly, as boot times for some computers can be very quick.
- Find the BIOS version. In the BIOS menu, look for text that says BIOS Revision, BIOS Version, or Firmware Version.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Luigi Oppido
  Computer & Tech Specialist
  Expert Interview. 13 November 2020.}
3
Write down the BIOS version number.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Finding the BIOS Version on a Pre-Installed Windows 8 Computer

1
Restart your computer. While the computer reboots, press and hold the Shift button until you see the boot options menu.
2
Open the Troubleshoot menu. On the boot options screen, click Troubleshoot.
3
Open UEFI Firmware Settings. On the Advanced options screen, click UEFI Firmware Settings.
- If you don't see UEFI Firmware Settings, your computer didn't have Windows 8 pre-installed, and you'll need to get the BIOS version via the command prompt or the BIOS menu.
4
Click Restart. The computer reboots into the UEFI firmware settings screen.
5
Look for the UEFI version. Depending on your computer hardware, you'll see different information. The UEFI version will usually be under the Main or starting tab.
6
Write down the UEFI number.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Finding the Firmware Version on a Mac

1
Open About This Mac. Click the Apple menu, and then click About This Mac.
2
Get the Mac system report. Click More Info, and then click System Report.
3
Get the Boot ROM Version and the SMC Version. Under Hardware Overview, write down the Boot ROM Version and SMC Version (system).^{[7]
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- The Boot Rom Version is the software that controls the Mac booting process.^{[8]
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- The SMC Version is the software that controls the power management on the Mac, such as when it goes to sleep.^{[9]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Is there a way to do this without restating or using the command prompt?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

Yes, your BIOS version is listed in the device manager. So, go to your control panel or system preferences, open the device manager, and then scroll down and look for something called "firmware." This will tell you your BIOS version.
Question

Can you look your BIOS up online?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

Yes! If you type in your operating system and the architecture you're on (Dell, HP, etc.), you'll be able to find your most recent BIOS version online.
Question

How can I update the BIOS on Windows XP?

sawyer bergeron

Community Answer

It relates less to what OS you have and more to what computer you have. Generally, the manufacturer will have a utility to update it. Only update if you have a real reason to (as in something isn't working properly, and an update to the BIOS is known to fix it) as the process carries a non-zero chance of bricking your motherboard.