How to Update BIOS On Lenovo

BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. It’s a set of code that resides on a chip on your system’s motherboard. When a computer boots up, it looks to the chip for BIOS instructions on where to find the operating system. Among many other things, BIOS also facilitates communication between the operating system and the hardware.

Much like drivers and software, updates for BIOS are also released occasionally. However, you should have a compelling reason to update your BIOS, a process also known as flashing your BIOS. Unless you confront a specific issue, such as compatibility problems when installing new hardware that can be resolved through a BIOS update, only then should you consider updating your BIOS.

First, you’ll need to determine the version of the current BIOS installed on your system. To update the BIOS on your Lenovo computer or laptop, you must first identify which version is currently in use.

1. Hold the Windows key + R.
2. In the run window, type ‘msinfo32’ and press ‘Enter.’ The System Information window will open.

   

3. In the window, make sure System Summary is selected in the left pane.
4. In the larger right pane, locate BIOS Version/Date.
5. The value corresponding to ‘BIOS’ will be your BIOS version; please note it down. The value corresponding to ‘OS’ identifies your operating system, while the value corresponding to ‘System type’ indicates the bitness of your system. If it is ‘x64’, you have a 64-bit Windows. If it is ‘x86’, you have a 32-bit Windows.
6. The value for “System Mode” will be your exact system model. Note all of this; you’ll need it in subsequent steps.

Method 1: Updating BIOS Through Windows

Navigate to support.lenovo.com and click on ‘Detect My Product.’ An agreement will appear, upon which you should click ‘I Agree.’ The Lenovo Service Bridge will then begin to download. Once downloaded, install the file. You may receive a warning about installing the application – if so, click ‘Install.’ The download and installation will proceed automatically. Following this, the web page will redirect you automatically to your products page.

If for some reason you can’t get the above method to work, simply type your laptop’s or desktop’s model under “Search Products”. Search results will appear in a drop-down below. Now select your exact system model in the results.

The support page for your model will be opened. Scroll down a little.

1. Looking for drivers or software for your machine? You can begin by selecting a component from below.
2. Select ‘UEFI/BIOS’ from the drop-down menu located next to the ‘Component’ option.
3. Select the operating system that you previously noted under the ‘Operating System’.

In the search results below, executables and/or bootable CDs (not available for all models) of the latest BIOS will be available.

If the Version and Date of BIOS available for download is newer than the one you have currently, then click the download icon next to the BIOS update utility.

Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions. Click ‘Yes’ for any User Account Control warnings that appear from this point forward until you have completed this guide. After extraction, ensure a check is placed for the ‘Install BIOS Utility now’ option. Then, click ‘Finish’.

The update utility will now start.

1. Select “Update BIOS” and click next.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Do not turn off your computer or laptop under any circumstances during the updating process. In the case of the laptop, ensure the battery is installed and the AC adapter is connected the entire time.
4. Enter your serial number and click go.
5. Below in Download options, click on ‘Get drivers, software & firmware’.

Method 2: Creating a Thorough Bootable USB.

 If for some reason you can’t boot into Windows and still want to update your system, don’t worry, as you can do it by booting from the USB.

To check the BIOS version, turn on the target system and repeatedly press either F1 or F2, depending on the model, to access the BIOS setup. Once in the BIOS setup, look for “BIOS Revision.” The value listed next to it will be your BIOS version. If you wish to update the BIOS for a laptop, you would need to press the Lenovo key, typically located next to the power button on the front, – to access the BIOS menu while your laptop is powered off. A menu will open from which you should select ‘BIOS setup’.

1. Use the method provided in Method 1 to check if a newer version of the BIOS is available. If the results show a “BIOS Update Bootable CD iso” with a BIOS version newer than what you currently have, then download it. If no such option exists, simply download the “BIOS Update Utility for Windows.
2. Connect the USB you’re planning to make bootable to another system you have access to. Hold the Windows Key + E to open Windows Explorer. Back up any data from the USB.
3. Download Rufus from this link. We will use it to make the USB bootable. Open the downloaded file.
4. Select your USB under Device.
5. If you have downloaded the ‘BIOS Update Bootable CD iso’, then select ‘FAT32’ from the drop-down menu under ‘File System’. Also, select ‘ISO Image’ next to ‘Create a bootable disk using‘.
6. Click on the CD icon to browse and then select the downloaded file.
7. Click ‘Start’. Confirm any message that appears. Click ‘Close’ once the process is complete.

Connect the USB to the target system, power it on, and keep tapping F12 until you see the Boot menu. If F12 doesn’t work, it may be different for your model; you’ll need to check the booting process from a USB on Lenovo’s website. If you have a modern laptop, you’ll need to press the Lenovo key to access the BIOS menu while your laptop is powered off. This key is usually located next to the power button on the front. A menu will open, from which you should select the boot menu.

1. Select your USB from the list, and follow the instructions on-screen.
2. If you have downloaded a simple “BIOS Update Utility for Windows” file, proceed by selecting FreeDOS next to “Create a bootable disk using”. Then, click “Start”.
3. Click close when the process is complete.
4. Run the downloaded file “BIOS Update Utility for Windows”. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Copy the file path; it should show something similar to “C:\Drivers\Flash\j9uj22ww”.
6. After extraction, uncheck the “Install BIOS Utility now” option.
7. Now press Windows + E. Paste the previously copied file path in the address bar up above.
8. Copy everything from the opened folder to the USB you just made bootable.

Connect the USB to the target system and power it on, then keep tapping F12 until you see the Boot menu. If F12 doesn’t work, it may be different for your model, and you’ll need to check it on Lenovo’s website. If you have a modern laptop, you should press the Lenovo key to access the BIOS menu while your laptop is powered off. This key is usually located next to the power button on the front. A menu will open from which you can select the boot menu.

1. Select your USB from the list,
2. A command prompt window will appear. Type C: and press Enter.
3. Type dir to list the files on the flash drive.
4. Now type in the following and press Enter.

   WINUPTP –s

Follow the on-screen instructions. Do not turn off your computer or laptop under any circumstances during the update process. In the case of the laptop, ensure the battery is in place and the AC adapter remains connected the entire time.

If this guide didn’t work for your model, please let us know and we will provide guidance for your specific model.