Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Finding the BIOS version on Windows computers through Command Prompt
• Method 2 of 4: Finding the BIOS version on Windows computers through the BIOS menu
• Method 3 of 4: Finding the BIOS version on a Windows 8 computer
• Method 4 of 4: Finding the firmware version on a Mac

A computer's BIOS is the firmware interface between a computer's hardware and the operating system. Like other software, the BIOS can be updated. By knowing which BIOS version your computer has, you know if you have the most up-to-date version of the BIOS. On Windows computers, you can get the BIOS version via Command Prompt, using the BIOS menu during startup, and on Windows 8 computers, via the new UEFI interface, which allows you to access the BIOS without having to reboot. Macs don't have a BIOS, but you can find the computer's firmware from the Apple menu.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Finding the BIOS version on Windows computers through Command Prompt

1. Click the Start menu and then click Run.
   • In Windows 8, right click on the Start menu and then click Run. You can also open this menu with WIN + X.
2. In the Run dialog box, type cmd.
3. The Command window opens.
   • The Command Prompt is a program that allows you to operate the computer with commands.
   • Type wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion. The string of letters and numbers after SMBBIOSBIOSVersion is your BIOS version.
4. Write down the BIOS version number.

Method 2 of 4: Finding the BIOS version on Windows computers through the BIOS menu

1. Restart your computer.
2. Open the BIOS menu. When the computer restarts, press F2, F10, F12 or Del to enter the BIOS menu.
   • You may have to press the key repeatedly because some computers have little time to respond.
   • Find the BIOS version. In the BIOS menu, look for the text BIOS Revision, BIOS Version or Firmware Version.
3. Write down the BIOS version number.

Method 3 of 4: Finding the BIOS version on a Windows 8 computer

1. Restart your computer. While the computer is restarting, hold down the Shift button until you see the boot menu appear.
2. Open the Troubleshoot menu. In the start-up window, click on Fix problem.
3. Open the UEFI firmware settings. In the Advanced options screen, click on UEFI Firmware Settings.
   • If you do not see the settings of the UEFI firmware, then Windows 8 was not preinstalled and you will have to request the BIOS version via the Command Prompt, or via the BIOS menu.
4. Click on Restart. The computer boots into the UEFI firmware settings window.
5. Look for the UEFI version. Depending on the hardware on your computer, you will see different information. The UEFI version is usually found under the main tab or the boot tab.
6. Write down the UEFI number.

Method 4 of 4: Finding the firmware version on a Mac

1. Open About This Mac. Click the Apple menu and then click About This Mac.
2. Get a system report from your Mac. Click More Info and then System Information.
3. Get the Boot ROM Version and the SMC Version. Under Hardware overview, note the Boot ROM Version and SMC Version (system).
   • The Boot Rom Version is the software that controls the boot process of the Mac.
   • The SMC Version is the software that deals with the power management on the Mac, such as when the system goes into standby.