A computer is made up of various hardware and software components. In the latter area, the most common thing to think about is the operating system, which mediates between the user and the rest of the devices. However, this isn’t the only software that plays a key role in bringing the computer to life. The BIOS also contributes to this task. What is the BIOS and what is it for ? In this article, we uncover all the mysteries surrounding one of the most unknown programs in modern computing.
What is BIOS?
The first thing you should know is that BIOS is the abbreviation for Binary Input Output System . It’s software that comes pre-installed on a chip on your computer’s motherboard. It’s responsible for managing the most basic tasks a computer can perform. For example, it defines the motherboard’s behavior or manages boot devices. Obviously, this makes it the first program to run on the computer and the gateway to the operating system.
It’s important to clarify that this is a very necessary piece of software, but also very simple. The firmware included with the board has specific instructions and a very minimalist interface.
What types of BIOS are there?
There are several types of BIOS depending on the memory used to store the software. Generally speaking, there are up to three different variants:
- ROM . These are BIOSes that can only be written by the motherboard manufacturer at the time of manufacture. ROM stands for Read Only Memory. It is non-volatile memory, so it does not depend on power to keep its contents safe. This way, all changes made through the configuration panel are retained, even if the computer is unplugged.
- EPROM , or Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. This is a type of BIOS that can be modified using electrical impulses. It also allows its contents to be erased without much hassle.
- Flash BIOS. This is the most widely used BIOS today. It uses flash memory to store instructions and user-defined settings. Because these are modern BIOSes, they can be updated relatively easily using specialized programs developed by the manufacturer. As expected, this is also a non-volatile memory that stores all information even when not powered.
What is the BIOS for?
We’ve already discussed some of the BIOS’s main functions in the previous sections. However, a thorough understanding of what the BIOS does will help you understand its importance. These are some of its functions:
- It starts up all the hardware components of the computer.
- Test that all hardware is working properly.
- Launches the boot loader to start the operating system.
In older computers, the BIOS was used by the operating system and other programs to interact with input and output devices. However, today, the operating system accesses them directly. Despite this, the BIOS remains an indispensable part of any computer’s operation.
How to enter BIOS?
When we talk about entering the BIOS , we’re referring to accessing the configuration panel. From there, you can change some important parameters that affect your PC’s startup or security.
To access the BIOS settings, you need to know the key sequence defined by the manufacturer for this purpose. The most common keys to press are F2, F12, or Delete. Finding the right combination for each case is as easy as performing a quick Google search indicating the make and model of your motherboard. However, it’s also very easy to do so from Windows.
How to enter BIOS from Windows 11 or earlier
Here are the steps to access the BIOS in Windows 11. The process is very similar in Windows 10.
- The first step is to open the system settings and go to the Recovery section .
- Locate the Restart now button under Advanced startup .
- Wait for the computer to restart.
- In the options that appear on the screen, select Troubleshoot .
- Click on Advanced Options .
- Click UEFI Firmware Settings.
Clicking this last button will take you to the BIOS options . The steps may vary depending on your computer. If you can’t find the Windows startup options shortcut in the Settings app, press the Shift key while clicking Restart from the Start menu. Then follow the instructions from step 4 onwards.
How to update the BIOS?
Now that the BIOS is stored on flash memory, it’s much easier to update. This improves security and prevents malfunctions. Depending on the manufacturer, BIOS updates will vary depending on the manufacturer.
The BIOS update process isn’t usually complicated. However, you should be aware that if something goes wrong, your computer could stop working. The manufacturers themselves provide executable programs that download the latest firmware version available. The steps to follow are as follows:
- Download the latest BIOS or UEFI version from the manufacturer’s official website. It’s very important to make sure the file you download is legitimate and official.
- Run the installation program, if provided by the manufacturer. Otherwise, you must unzip the contents to a USB drive.
- Enter the BIOS setup panel and keep the USB connected.
- Use the menus to access the update options. Follow the on-screen steps to install the latest version.
Before downloading the firmware, you’ll need to know the exact make and model of your motherboard. In the following article, we’ll explain how to view all of your system’s specifications.
