A computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is software that sets up the operating system by locating various hardware components and telling the operating system how to use them. Updating BIOS will minimize the amount of time it takes for the computer to boot up, correct compatibility issues, and improve the computer’s overall performance.
How to Change BIOS Settings on a Computer with Windows 8.1 Installed. If you are an experienced computer user, accustomed to being able to access the BIOS Setup screen by quickly hitting the ESC, DEL, F10 or F2 key (or whatever, depending on the BIOS) when the system boots, you will find that you are no longer able to do that on a computer that comes preinstalled with Windows 8.1.
The computer or motherboard manufacturer will periodically update BIOS to repair bugs, add compatibility with new devices, and make other hardware corrections that can speed up the computer’s boot time and fix other issues. These updates are usually available on the manufacturer’s website.
Warning
You have to be extremely careful when updating BIOS. You must acquire the BIOS upgrade software from a reliable source. It is always recommended to download the BIOS upgrade software directly from the manufacturer’s website.
How to Update BIOS
First, identify the BIOS version without rebooting the computer. To do this, follow these steps:
- The simplest way to identify the BIOS version is to open the System Information App in Windows.
- Type msinfo32 into the search bar if you use Windows 7 or Windows Vista. Type msinfo32 into the Run Box if you use Windows XP.
- Click System Summary.
- The BIOS version should appear on the right, under the computer’s processor speed.
- Record the version’s number. Also record the date that shows up if applicable.
Next, check the motherboard/PC manufacturer’s website to find BIOS updates. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to the manufacturer’s support website and look for listings for the PC’s specific line and model. Be sure to find the correct PC, because if a BIOS update for a different model is downloaded, it will not work on the computer.
- If one finds a BIOS update file, download it along with any documentation that comes with it. Warnings and specific instructions will mostly be in the Read Me documents.
- If you can’t remember the motherboard’s model number, look it up by downloading CPU-Z at http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,64352-order,4/description.html. Once CPU-Z is downloaded, click the Mainboard tab.
Next, read the included documentation. It is extremely important to carefully read the Read Me file. The following information might be helpful:
- The computer’s BIOS takes care of many basics. The BIOS updates on the computer manufacturer’s website will have a Read Me file. This file will probably include a list of new functions and fixes created to support new hardware.
- The BIOS updates can range from support for a new AC adapter to a fix for fan speed issues. BIOS updates typically correct issues that updating Windows cannot fix.
- The most important information in the Read Me file tells users what they need to install before updating their BIOS. For example, to install a certain patch or have a certain graphics card, users would have to update the computer’s drivers above a specific version to successfully update the BIOS. If the information in these documents are not carefully followed, it may cause the computer to be unable to boot up.
It is a good idea to backup the BIOS before updating it. Most BIOS software update versions have a Save or Backup option built in and guide users when they back up their BIOS before upgrading it.
The last step is to update the BIOS. Before updating the BIOS, make sure that the computer’s power supply is not coming from a laptop battery. The computer may shut down in the middle of the BIOS update and may not be able to boot up. It is optimal to be plugged into a power supply that cannot be interrupted. To update the BIOS, follow these steps:
- Download the .exe file on the PC manufacturer’s website.
- Exit out of all open programs.
- Run the .exe.
- Let the .exe take care of the patch.
- Reboot the computer.
Some systems may require the user to copy files to a bootable disk, restart the computer, then open the BIOS during the startup by pressing a specific key. If this is the case, the user has to change the boot order so that the system seeks a bootable USB drive or CD before it loads the operating system from the hard drive.
Upgrading Award BIOS
Phoenix Technologies outsources all Award BIOS upgrade support to eSupport.
Upgrading Toshiba BIOS
The Toshiba BIOS may require regular updates in order to speed up its performance and add more functions. Use the following steps to update Toshiba BIOS:
Step 1 – Search for the appropriate BIOS update
Download the latest BIOS archive from http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/innovation/download_bios.jsp or search for it via Google/Bing/Yahoo.
Select the appropriate Product Type, Family, Product Series, Model, and Short Model No. and click Search
Step 2 – Download BIOS update
The search result will display BIOS updates. Please download the most appropriate update for the computer.
When prompted, save and extract the Toshiba BIOS update archive into a directory on the computer. The extracted content will have a file with an exe extension.
Step 3 – Installing Toshiba BIOS update
Double click the exe file. It will start an installation wizard which will extract the package to a temporary location and initiate the setup.
A pre-installation checklist may be displayed for some updates. Make sure all the listed items are compliant with the computer’s configuration.
Once the installation is complete, it will restart the computer. During the restart, press F1 or Esc to enter the BIOS settings. Modify the BIOS settings (if needed), save, and exit.
Note: BIOS updates are prone to failure and can make the computer unusable.
Upgrading MSI BIOS
The first thing you should do is reboot your computer. When the MSI logo appears on the screen, hit the “F1” button. Scroll through the list of menu options that are available and then hit the “main” entry key. Hit enter and this will lead you to another set of options.
At the top of the screen, there should be a “BIOS Version.” Write down the version number as well as the MSI motherboard model number (you can find it underneath the “Model” heading). This will help you pick the correct update.
At the top of the screen, there should be a “BIOS Version.” Write down the version number as well as the MSI motherboard model number (you can find it underneath the “Model” heading). This will help you pick the correct update.
Now, hit the “F10” key. Highlight “Yes” and then hit the enter key to restart your computer. Once the system loads, open your web browser and check out the MSI website. Find the page that gives you the option to download and install MSI Live Update 3. What this Live Update does is automatically update BIOS and drivers for any MSI hardware. In this case, it’s the motherboard.
HP BIOS Configuration Utility (BCU)
Version | Softpaq # | Date | OS | Softpaq Exe |
---|---|---|---|---|
4.0.26.1 | sp93030 | 01/09/2019 | Windows (7, 8, 8.1,10) | sp93030.exe |
4.0.25.1 | sp88497 | 06/21/2018 | Windows (7, 8, 8.1,10) | sp88497.exe |
4.0.24.1 | sp81841 | 10/23/2017 | Windows (7, 8, 8.1,10) | sp81841.exe |
4.0.23.1 | sp80957 | 07/28/2017 | Windows (7, 8, 8.1,10) | sp80957.exe |
4.0.21.1 | sp79520 | 03/27/2017 | Windows (7, 8, 8.1,10) | sp79520.exe |
4.0.18.1 | sp78701 | 01/16/2017 | Windows (7, 8, 8.1,10) | sp78701.exe |
4.0.15.1 | sp74840 | 02/25/16 | Windows (7, 8, 8.1,10) | sp74840.exe |
4.0.13.1 | sp72014 | 08/14/2015 | Windows (7, 8, 8.1) | sp72014.exe |
4.0.11.1 | sp71412 | 05/15/2015 | Windows (7, 8, 8.1) | sp71412.exe |
3.2.3.1 | sp68876 | 09/19/2014 | Windows (XP*, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1) | sp68876.exe |
3.0.13.1 | sp65619 | 03/13/2014 | Windows (XP*, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1) | sp65619.exe |
3.0.3.1 | sp63610 | 10/18/2013 | Windows (XP*, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1) | sp63610.exe |
2.60.13 | sp62273 | 09/09/2013 | Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8) | sp62273.exe |
2.60.3.1 | sp58888 | 12/05/2012 | Windows (XP, Vista,7, 8) | sp58888.exe |
2.50.3.1 | sp57256 | 08/01/2012 | Windows (XP, Vista, 7) | sp57256.exe |
DESCRIPTION:
This package provides the HP BIOS Configuration Utility (BCU) for supported notebook, desktop, and workstation models that are running a supported operating system.
VERSION 4.0.26.1
Change Bios Settings Windows 10
- Fixes an issue where the boot order would be set incorrectly on some systems..
VERSION 4.0.25.1
- Messaging added to notify the user that a system reboot is necessary for updatted settings to take effect.
- Fiexes an issue where adding 'Disabled' to a boot option doesn't update correctly in F10 setting.
VERSION 4.0.24.1
- Enhance to automatically add system's boot order value in the BIOS config file. For example: If an additional device added to the system (e.g USB Hard drive) after BCU read, BCU will automatically add this entry under to
BCU config file.
Note: BCU will ignore to add the device if it is not in BIOS API.
VERSION 4.0.23.1
- Fixes an issue where the BIOS Configuration Utility does no replace the older BCU version when an update is run.
- Provides the ability to specify the location to save log files using the /logpath parameter. /logpath:'full path' (e.g. BCU.exe /get:repset.txt /logpath:'c:BCUlogsmylog.txt')
- Provides a warning message when incomplete settings or values for settings are not detected.
VERSION 4.0.21.1
- Added support for single value get (/getvalue:'setting name') and save it to a file.
- Fixed BCU crash issue where the BCU config file contains incomplete settings value. BCU now errors out if missing the setting's value and reports 'invalid setting value'
- Updated with new HPQPwd.exe and HPQPwd64.exe version 1.0.27.1.
- Re-signed BCU with HP Inc.
VERSION 4.0.18.1
- Fixed an issue where the BIOS Configuration Utility clears the current BIOS administrator password when the incorrect BIOS password is input
- Improves the BIOS update installation process
VERSION 4.0.15.1
- Added support Windows 10.
- Fixed the issue when setting a blank setting value, BCU no longer stops working.
- Fixed the issue of BCU stops working when generating repset file with command 'BiosConfigUtility64.exe /getconfig:test.txt /log'
- Resolved the issue of failing to use parameter/setdefaults to modify BIOS information when BIOS password is set.
- Resolved getting an operation failed error message when doing a setconfig via BCU, because of adding capability to handle an ordered list with only one item, so it reports it as an invalid value.
VERSION 4.0.13.1
- Fixed the issue where the 'TPM Activation Policy' and 'TPM Reset to Factory Defaults' settings are not exposed in the repset file.
- Fixed crashing issue when setting a blank repset file .
- Fixed crashing issue when setting a repset file in which there is a space in front of last row.
VERSION 4.0.11.1
- Compiled for Windows 7 and WinPE 3.0 or later, functionality on earlier versions not supported.
- Deprecated BIOS User support:
+ /CreateUser and /DeleteUser are no longer supported. - Config file keyword changed to 'BIOSConfig' followed by file format version '1.0'. Previous keyword 'English' still supported for backwards compatibility.
- Included HPQPswd utility in the installation
- Added new commands:
+ /unicode: query if system supports Unicode password and return, intended for batch file use
+ /getvalue: get value of given setting without using config file
+ /setvalue: set value of given setting without using config file
+ /log: generate the log file - Added BCU current setup password command line /cpwdfile to match SSM
VERSION 3.2.3.1
- Removed user guide from installation.
- Added shortcut to user's guide on web.
- Fixed failures when enumeration values contained the string 'Disable'.
- Fixed error when BCU return error code 16 in WinPE 4.0 32-bit.
VERSION 3.0.13.1
- Removed repair support from Control Panel.
- Removed clear text passwords from /CreateUser. Replaced by password file.
- Added comments to setting file when a /getconfig action is performed.
- Allowed only one /curspwdfile option. Return error 15 if specified more than once.
- Added /WarningAsErr option to include warnings in final BCU return code. Without this option, warnings are ignored and BCU returns Zero(0=success) if there are no actual errors while writing.
- Updated help message to match User guide. Updated User Guide to explain: Return code 16; BIOS write stickiness.
VERSION 3.0.3.1
- Added support for BIOS setup password as an encrypted file. The file name is passed on the command line. + Passwords are created with HPQPswd.exe
- Removed support of BIOS setup password as clear text on command line.
- Removed support for sending multiple current passwords in a single execution. + User may send only one current encrypted password file each time the program is run
- Changing current BIOS setup password requires providing name of current and new encrypted password files.
VERSION 2.60.13.1
- Changed message when BCU executes successfully.
- Added additional return codes when encountering WMI errors:
+ Return code 23: 'System not supported. Unable to connect to WMI HP_InstrumentedBIOS
+ Return code 25: 'System not supported. Unable to connect to PUBLIC WMI namespace - Note: Code attempts to connect to following sequence:
1) Public WMI namespace
2) HP WMI namespace
3) HP_InstrumentedBIOS - Example: Return code 24 indicates the application has successfully connected to Public WMI namespace but was unable to connect to HP WMI namespace or HP Instrumented BIOS
This condition will exist for non-HP systems and may also exist for HP systems using an outsourced BIOS (example - older entry level home or student platforms).
VERSION 2.60.3
- Added support for comment lines in configuration file.
- Added short command line parameters /Get and /Set equivalent to /GetConfig and /SetConfig respectively.
- Added /SetDefaults option to set the system BIOS settings to pre-set defaults.
/GetConfig or /SetConfig options are ignored if specified with /SetDefaults. - Added installer which copies the utility(both 32 and 64 bit) to program files folder and creates a link to the user guide.
VERSION 2.50.3.1
- Split from SSM
- Added 32bit/64-bit Windows 8 support
- Added 64-bit support
- Released as a separate SoftPaq
- Fixed issue where BCU was missing the last setting in /Getconfig.
- BCU now reports the return value of BIOS call in /verbose mode when reporting success of each setting change.
- Prior versions attempted to re-read settings for confirmation which could report false failure for a setting requiring a reboot prior to completion.
- This is a change in the BCU reporting method. BCU will now report success or
failure of the request made to BIOS. Any changes requiring a reboot must still
occur before the change takes effect. - In /verbose mode, when reporting the success of each setting change, BCU now uses the return value from the BIOS call.
- Previously BCU read back the setting value and compared it to previous value to decide if it was successfully changed.
This created problems sometimes when the setting value does not take effect immediately but needs a reboot. - Fixed a bug where BCU was missing the last setting in /Getconfig.
- BCU now reports the return value of BIOS call in /verbose mode when reporting success of each setting change.
- Prior versions attempted to re-read settings for confirmation which could report false failure for a setting requiring a reboot prior to completion.
- This is a change in the BCU reporting method. BCU will now report success or
failure of the request made to BIOS. Any changes requiring a reboot must still
occur before the change takes effect. - Added support for ':', '', '?' characters in password.
VERSION 2.15.A
- Versions prior to 2.50.3 were bundled with SSM and carried the same version number as the SSM version it was with.
They are not available as a separate download.
PRODUCT TYPE(S):
- Desktops
- Notebooks
- Workstations
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Windows Xp Bios Screen
- Download the file by clicking Download or Obtain Software button and saving the file to a folder on your hard drive (make a note of the folder where the downloaded file is saved).
- Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to extract the contents of the SoftPaq.