How to update the BIOS of your custom built computer to run Windows 11

As Windows 11 continues to become the standard operating system for many users, ensuring your custom-built computer meets its requirements is essential. One crucial element is the system BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), the intermediary between your operating system and hardware components. If you're planning to upgrade to Windows 11, you'll likely need to update your BIOS to ensure compatibility and optimize performance. This article will guide you through the steps necessary to update your BIOS for a smooth transition to Windows 11.

Before diving into the update process, it’s essential to understand what BIOS is and why it matters. BIOS is firmware stored on a chip on your motherboard that initializes hardware during the booting process and provides runtime services for operating systems and programs. An updated BIOS can improve hardware compatibility, increase system stability, and add new features. For Windows 11, the updated BIOS can enable features such as Secure Boot and TPM (Trusted Platform Module), which are crucial for the operating system's security features.

Warning: Incorrectly flashing the BIOS of any motherboard can render it nonfunctional. In the computer lingo, it is called Bricking a board.

The first thing you will need to do is find out what version of BIOS your motherboard currently has. There are two (2) ways to find out: Inside Windows or booting into the BIOS. Let's start with System Information inside Windows, and we'll use the Run dialog box to bring it up.

1. Press the Windows logo key + R.

or

1. Right-click on the Start menu to bring up the Power User menu.
2. Left-click on Run.

In the Run dialog box that appears, type msinfo32 and then click OK.

When System Information appears, look for BIOS Version/Date in the right-hand column. Make note of the version.

Or you can boot your computer into the BIOS to find the version.

1. Restart your computer. When the manufacturer's logo appears, continually press F2 or Delete to enter the BIOS setup. Some manufacturers use alternate keys to access the BIOS (Esc or F10). You may have to refer to the manufacturer's website for the manual.
   
2. Once inside the BIOS, look for Version, BIOS Version, or Firmware Version. Make note of the version number.
3. Save and exit the BIOS setup.

Once you know the current BIOS version, you must check the manufacturer's website and see what they have for BIOS versions.

1. Open a browser and perform a Google search for the make/model of your motherboard. The manufacturer's web page for your motherboard should be on the top of the results.
2. Navigate to the support section, usually found under Drivers or Downloads.
3. Look for the latest BIOS version and release notes. Scroll through the history of BIOS updates and see if there is one that states it is for Windows 11. It should be dated sometime in 2021.

When you find a BIOS update that states it is for Windows 11, you have verified your motherboard is Windows 11 compatible. Go back to the top of the BIOS updates and download the latest non-beta BIOS. It usually comes as a compressed file; you must extract the contents. Check the contents of the BIOS update file for any additional programs you may need to run to prepare the BIOS file to be installed. Some BIOS come with a renamer program.

If you do not find a BIOS update that states it is for Windows 11, then your motherboard is likely not compatible with Windows 11.

Before updating the BIOS, it’s always wise to back up important data. While updating the BIOS is generally safe, there’s always a risk of an unexpected failure. Use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another backup solution to keep your data safe.

You will need a USB drive formatted in Fat32 to update the BIOS.

1. Copy the file you extracted to the USB drive.
2. Leave the USB drive connected to your computer and restart your computer.
3. When the manufacturer's logo appears, continuously press the key that you used earlier in this article to access the BIOS setup (F2, Delete, F10, Esc).
4. Look for a menu option like EZ Flash, M-Flash, or Q-Flash, depending on your motherboard.
5. Choose the option to update the BIOS via USB. Browse to the USB drive, select the BIOS file, and confirm the update process.
6. The BIOS update process will typically include prompts to confirm the update. Make sure to not turn it off during this critical process.
7. Once the update finishes, the system will reboot. You may need to re-enter the BIOS to reconfigure any custom settings, such as boot order or overclocking.

After the computer restarts, go back into the BIOS setup to ensure the update was successful. Again, check the BIOS version. It should now display the latest version you installed. With the updated BIOS, you're now in a better position to install Windows 11. Ensure that your system meets other requirements (like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot), and you’ll be ready for the upgrade.

Updating the BIOS of your custom-built computer is a straightforward but critical task when preparing to upgrade to Windows 11. With the proper precautions and steps, you can ensure a successful update and a smoother transition to the new operating system. With your updated BIOS, you'll be well-equipped to enjoy all the latest features and enhancements Windows 11 offers.