How to Check Your BIOS Version in Windows 11: Easy Steps for Optimal Hardware Support

Before diving into complex troubleshooting or hardware upgrades, knowing how to check your BIOS version in Windows 11 can be an invaluable first step. Most Windows users don’t think to do this until confronted with nagging compatibility issues or when planning upgrades for core components like CPU, RAM, or storage drives. Yet, this information forms the backbone of many essential maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrade operations on your PC. Without an up-to-date or compatible BIOS, even the most advanced hardware can underperform—or worse, not function at all.
In a recent example shared on Techloy, the author highlighted discovering the importance of the BIOS version only after new RAM sticks failed to register on their system. A BIOS update was required for compatibility, prompting deeper exploration into straightforward ways to identify the current firmware version on a Windows 11 machine. Here’s a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts and everyday users alike, blending hands-on steps, expanded technical context, and a critical overview of what this information means for your Windows experience.

BIOS: The Hardware Gatekeeper​

BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is a foundational firmware that boots your hardware into life before Windows even loads. It checks, identifies, and activates your system’s main components—CPU, RAM, drives, and more—each time you power on your PC. Through decades of evolution, modern systems increasingly use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), sometimes referred to interchangeably for PC management tasks. Nevertheless, the principle remains: BIOS or UEFI forms the critical link between your hardware and operating system.
Understanding which BIOS version is running is essential when:

• Planning hardware upgrades that may require updated firmware for compatibility.
• Troubleshooting system instabilities, crashes, or unresponsive hardware.
• Applying security patches or bug fixes delivered through BIOS updates.
• Maintaining optimal boot performance and reliability on your PC.

Given regular advances in processor, memory, and storage technologies, motherboard manufacturers frequently release new BIOS firmware to unlock features, support new chipsets, and improve security. Microsoft and leading PC vendors often advise users to ensure their BIOS is up to date, particularly before installing newer Windows 11 releases or high-performance components.

How to Check Your BIOS Version in Windows 11: Step-By-Step​

Method 1: Using System Information (MSInfo32)​

One of the easiest, most visual methods to find your BIOS version is through the built-in System Information tool—here’s how:

• Right-click the Start menu button on your taskbar and select “Run”.
• In the Run input box, type msinfo32 and press Enter.
• In the System Information window, look for the BIOS Version/Date entry in the System Summary section.
• Here, you’ll see details about the manufacturer, version, and release date of your system firmware.

This approach is valued for its speed and no-nonsense clarity. The msinfo32 summary not only gives the version but typically reveals whether you’re on a legacy BIOS or UEFI-driven system, which can be important for advanced troubleshooting or transformations like switching to Secure Boot for Windows 11 compliance.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt​

For those comfortable with command-line tools, the Command Prompt offers a rapid alternative:

• Open the Start menu, search for “cmd”, and select the Command Prompt app.
• Type wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion and press Enter.
• The BIOS version will be displayed directly beneath the SMBIOSBIOSVersion header.

WMIC (Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line) delivers a succinct version string, ideal for copying or remote support scenarios. While Microsoft has deprecated WMIC in newer Windows 11 builds, it remains functional on many systems, and alternative PowerShell commands can provide similar results.

PowerShell Alternative​

If WMIC is unavailable, launch PowerShell and type:
Get-WmiObject win32_bios | Select-Object Manufacturer, SMBIOSBIOSVersion, ReleaseDate
This delivers a more detailed readout, including manufacturer information and firmware release date, providing greater context for diagnosing compatibility or support issues.

Why BIOS Version Matters for Windows 11 Users​

Hardware Upgrades and Compatibility​

With the rapid cadence of processor, memory, and peripheral innovation, staying up to date on your motherboard’s BIOS version is critical. For instance:

• Newer RAM and CPUs might not be visible to your system without a firmware update, as highlighted by Techloy’s real-world RAM upgrade experience.
• SSDs leveraging next-gen PCIe protocols sometimes require BIOS-level tweaks or microcode updates.
• Graphics card support, especially for integrated GPUs or PCIe 4.0/5.0 discrete GPUs, can be tied to BIOS-level changes.

Consulting your motherboard or system manufacturer’s official site is vital before buying new parts. Leading brands like ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and Dell maintain detailed support matrices specifying which BIOS releases support each hardware generation. Installing an incompatible processor, for example, could render your machine unbootable until a supported BIOS is flashed—sometimes necessitating a compatible older CPU or specialized tools.

Security and Firmware Patch Cycles​

Firmware vulnerabilities occasionally make headlines—think Spectre, Meltdown, or recent UEFI rootkit threats (see official advisories from Microsoft, Intel, and AMD). Regularly updating your BIOS/UEFI helps defend against these threats, often closing security holes that can’t be patched at the operating system level alone. Windows 11, with its focus on Secure Boot, TPM, and virtualization-based security, increasingly depends on compliant and up-to-date firmware.
Checking your BIOS version before applying any update ensures you’re running the latest security-fixed firmware, but also prevents unnecessary updates (which carry their own risks), and ensures compliance with Microsoft’s latest Windows hardware certification standards.

Troubleshooting Unstable Systems​

Unexplained blue screens, failed boots, or new hardware not appearing in Windows Explorer? An outdated or corrupted BIOS is a prime suspect. Not only can you check your version as a baseline, but you can reference release notes on your vendor’s support page to see if known bugs, performance improvements, or compatibility fixes apply to your version. Caution: never interrupt a BIOS update process, as incomplete firmware flashes can leave your PC unbootable.

Critical Perspectives: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Risks​

Notable Strengths​

• Accessibility: Windows 11 includes multiple built-in pathways—graphical (msinfo32), command-line (WMIC, PowerShell), and even scripting (via WMI)—to check BIOS information without requiring third-party tools or risky reboots.
• Speed: The process takes seconds to complete, crucial during live troubleshooting or walk-through calls.
• Compatibility: Both legacy BIOS and UEFI systems are supported, ensuring broad applicability across all modern Windows PCs.

Potential Risks and Limitations​

• Deprecation of WMIC: Microsoft is gradually retiring the classic WMIC tool, so reliance on this command may yield errors on very new systems. PowerShell remains a safe fallback.
• Firmware Update Risks: While checking your BIOS is low risk, actual updates should be performed cautiously—incorrect updates, power failures during flash, or misapplied files are leading causes of “bricked” motherboards. Always consult your manufacturer’s step-by-step guides and use officially sourced BIOS files.
• Interpretation Complexity: Version formatting varies by vendor, and matching BIOS versions listed on vendor sites with your current installed version may not always be straightforward. Always cross-reference with your motherboard or PC’s exact model.
• False Sense of Security: Not all issues are BIOS-related. Users sometimes expect firmware updates to magically fix unrelated software or driver problems. Advanced users should pair BIOS checks with robust system diagnostics.

Extended Use Cases: Going Beyond​

Automating BIOS Checks in Enterprise Environments​

In business or managed environments, IT administrators often need to verify BIOS versions fleet-wide for compliance or update planning. Tools like Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (formerly SCCM), Windows Admin Center, or customized PowerShell scripts enable auditing and bulk reporting of BIOS/UEFI firmware. Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) hooks can expose version data for integration with central dashboards, simplifying patch cycles and security management at scale.

BIOS Version and Windows 11 Feature Unlocks​

The push towards Secure Boot, virtualization (VBS), and advanced security requires BIOS/UEFI that fully supports Windows 11’s required hardware baseline. For example, enabling features like Memory Integrity or Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) may only be possible after applying the latest firmware from your manufacturer. Checking your BIOS version isn’t just about readiness—it’s about unlocking the full feature set promised by Windows 11.

Best Practices When Checking and Updating BIOS​

• Document Your Current Version: Always record your existing BIOS version and settings before making changes.
• Research Update Notes: Consult vendor release notes for any BIOS update, ensuring they address your specific hardware or issue.
• Backup Data: While BIOS queries are non-invasive, updating firmware carries risk. Regular backups ensure peace of mind.
• Keep Recovery Tools Ready: Some motherboards include dual-BIOS or recovery modes—know how to access these before proceeding.
• Stay Official: Download BIOS files and tools only from your PC/motherboard manufacturer’s official support page.

Troubleshooting: When BIOS Version Won’t Display​

Rarely, msinfo32 or command-line queries may not reveal BIOS information, especially on custom-built or older systems. In such cases, consider:

• Accessing BIOS/UEFI Directly: Reboot your PC and enter setup (usually by pressing “Del”, “F2”, or a similar hotkey during startup). The BIOS version is typically displayed on the main screen or in system summary menus.
• Motherboard Documentation: Reference your original motherboard manual or download a digital copy from the manufacturer’s website.
• Third-Party Diagnostic Tools: As a last resort, utilities like CPU-Z or manufacturer-specific updating tools (e.g., ASUS EZ Update, MSI Live Update) can sometimes detect and display BIOS versions accurately. Always use trusted sources to avoid malware.

Summary: Simple, Essential, and Worth Mastering​

Checking your BIOS version in Windows 11 is not merely a technical trivia exercise—it’s a critical skill for troubleshooting odd system behaviors, ensuring smooth hardware upgrades, maintaining security, and unlocking every feature your motherboard supports. Whether you choose the graphical System Information method or the Command Prompt/PowerShell route, Windows 11 ensures this process is accessible, fast, and reliable for users at every skill level.
In tech, tiny details can have massive impacts. A quick BIOS version check—taking less than a minute—can spare hours of frustration, prevent costly mistakes, and help you keep your Windows 11 PC running as its designers intended. Always validate any version or update information directly with your device or motherboard manufacturer, and follow best practices to ensure every BIOS and UEFI interaction is safe and effective.
For anyone who wants to stay at the top of their Windows game, mastering BIOS fundamentals is not optional—it’s essential.

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Source: Techloy How to Check BIOS Version in Windows 11