A flash drive holds the BIOS update without operating system assistance.
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is responsible for many things, including booting your computer, assuring that there are no hardware errors and controlling data flow between the operating system (OS) and your computer's hardware.
Without an OS, updating the BIOS is still possible, as long as you have a proper installation medium and the latest version of the BIOS. Though updating the BIOS can be dangerous, an update can increase your computer's performance and stability.
Instructions
Preparing to Update the BIOS
1. Determine which motherboard you have and the version of the currently installed BIOS. Locate and write down the following information for later reference: motherboard manufacturer, motherboard model and BIOS version.
You can find the motherboard manufacturer and BIOS version within BIOS. Start your computer, access BIOS by pressing the correct key (often one of the F keys) and locate the correct information. Current BIOS information is also available through your OS; it's called "System Information" in Windows.
2. Download the latest BIOS update from your motherboard manufacturer's website. Confirm that you download the appropriate BIOS files for the motherboard and the removable medium; for example, a flash drive's BIOS download will be different than a 3.5-inch floppy's. Save the BIOS upgrade to your removable medium and to your computer's hard drive for storage.
3. Locate the Read Me file (usually called "readme.txt") provided with your BIOS download for exact installation instructions. Make sure you fully understand the process provided by the Read Me file to avoid improperly installing the BIOS.
Installing the BIOS
4. Insert the installation medium when appropriate. Insert flash drives and floppy disks when the computer is off and insert CDs when the computer is on.
5. Restart the computer and program it to boot from the installation medium holding your BIOS upgrade. To do this, press "F12" while the computer is booting and select the appropriate boot device.
6. Wait for the BIOS update to finish completely. Avoid touching any keys on the keyboard or turning the computer off. When the update is finished, remove the installation medium and allow the computer to restart normally.
Tags: your computer, installation medium, BIOS update, motherboard manufacturer, BIOS download, BIOS upgrade, BIOS version