MSI BIOS Update Instructions

Use this guide for general BIOS update guidance and to address Intel 13th and 14th Gen Processor issues.

Before updating your BIOS, it's important to consider the risks involved. If something goes wrong—like a power failure during the update—it could render your computer inoperable. Additionally, BIOS updates are typically less frequent and only necessary when they address specific issues or add new features. Unlike Windows updates, which can often improve security and performance, unnecessary BIOS updates can introduce instability. Always ensure you really need the update before proceeding and follow manufacturer instructions carefully.

You will need:

  • USB flash drive (at least 1GB or 2GB)

Step 1: Identify your motherboard model (before downloading the BIOS)

Before we can start the process of flashing a new BIOS, we will first need to identify the exact model of your motherboard. Below are instructions for a few ways that you can do this.

Disclaimer: The motherboard model mentioned in the instructions below is provided solely as an example. Please ensure that you follow the specified steps to correctly identify your own motherboard model.

Method 1: Windows (System Information)

  1. Click the Start button or press Windows Key on your keyboard.
  2. Type System Information in the search bar.
  3. Click on System Information from the search results.
  4. It should open up to the System Summary. The BaseBoard Product will show the motherboard model.

Method 2: BIOS

  1. While the system is powering on or after restarting it, repeatedly press the DELETE key until you enter the BIOS.

  2. While in the BIOS, in both EZ Mode and Advanced Mode, you'll see the motherboard model located in the upper right-hand corner where it says MB.

Step 2: Downloading a BIOS

Here are a few popular MSI motherboards that MAINGEAR has offered:

  1. Open your web browser and go to the MSI official website.
  2. On the MSI homepage, use the search bar at the top of the page.
  3. Type in your motherboard model (e.g., "MSI Z790 CARBON WIFI").

  4. If there are multiple models listed, make sure that you select your exact motherboard (see image below for example of the MSI Z790 CARBON WIFI) from the search results to go to the product page.

  5. On the product page, click on the Support tab, usually found under the product name or in the main navigation menu.
  6. Under the Support tab, find and click on BIOS or Drivers & Downloads.
  7. A list of available BIOS versions will be displayed.
  8. Find the most recent BIOS version that is compatible with your motherboard model. We typically do not recommend using beta BIOSes.

  9. Click on the Download button next to the BIOS version you want to download.

  10. Save the downloaded ZIP file to your desktop.

Step 3: Formatting a USB and moving the BIOS onto it

  1. Connect a flash drive to one of the USB ports on your motherboard. For most BIOS updates, even a small capacity flash drive (1GB or 2GB) will be large enough.
  2. Open the File Explorer (press Windows Key + E).
  3. Find your flash drive under "This PC" or "My Computer." It will usually be labeled as "Removable Disk" or similar.

  4. Right-click the flash drive and select Properties and then Format.

  5. Enter the following:
    • File System: FAT32.
    • Allocation Unit Size: Default
    • Volume Label: (Optional) You can name the flash drive if you want.

    • Quick Format: Ensure the "Quick Format" option is checked.

  6. Click Start.
  7. Open the File Explorer and navigate to your Desktop to locate the ZIP file containing the new BIOS.

  8. Right-click the ZIP folder and choose Extract All.

  9. Select Browse.

  10. Select This PC on the left menu and then click on the USB drive. Click Select Folder.

  11. Click Extract.
  12. Your USB is now ready to update the BIOS.

Step 4: Updating the BIOS

  1. Restart your computer and repeatedly press the Delete key as it boots to enter the BIOS.
  2. In the BIOS menu, check to see if it says EZ Mode at the top. If it says Advanced Mode, press F7 to switch modes.

  3. Click M-FLASH option and click Yes on the window that pops up telling you that it will be entering flash mode. Your system will restart and enter the M-FLASH mode.


    If BitLocker is enabled on your system, follow the linked guides to back up the recovery key and suspend BitLocker before updating your BIOS.

    How to back up the BitLocker recovery key

    How to suspend BitLocker in Windows

  4. Under Drive, select the USB drive and then select the BIOS file under File (Your USB will be listed by its manufacturer, not the name you entered when formatting).

  5. Click Yes to start the BIOS update.

    Disclaimer: During the update process, DO NOT turn off your computer, restart it, or remove the flash drive.

  6. The system will restart automatically after the BIOS update completes.

Step 5: Confirm the BIOS update was successful

We can verify that the BIOS was installed successfully in a few different ways. Please follow either of the sets of the instructions below to confirm this.

Method 1: Windows (System Information)

  1. Click the Start button or press Windows Key on your keyboard.
  2. Type System Information in the search bar.
  3. Click on System Information from the search results.
  4. It should open up to the System Summary. The BIOS Version/Date will show the current BIOS version and date of when it was released.

Method 2: BIOS

  1. Restart your computer and repeatedly press the Delete key as it boots to enter the BIOS.
  2. Once in the BIOS, locate the BIOS Version and BIOS Build Date in the top-right corner. These should match the version and date of the BIOS you installed. (Note: The BIOS Build Date refers to the release date of the BIOS, not the date it was flashed on your system.)

  3. If the BIOS version and Build Date match, your BIOS update was successful. If it does not match, you can follow the steps again or reach out to our support team via phone 908-620-9050 or email at support@maingear.com (click here to see hours of operation).


Step 6: After completing the BIOS update, you'll want to follow these guides to complete setup.

How to set the Intel recommended processor power settings (click here)

How to enable XMP/EXPO (click here)

To request MAINGEAR's recommended fan curves, please email our support team at support@maingear.com with your Order Number or Invoice ID.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact one of our MAINGEAR Support agents: (908-620-9050) or support@maingear.com

Looking for a new gaming PC? Unleash your gaming potential with cutting-edge performance and custom-built designs. Visit maingear.com and elevate your gameplay today!

Still need help? Contact Us Contact Us