Word count: approximately 800 words. Suitable for high school or undergraduate computer science / IT coursework.
The is low-level firmware stored on a motherboard chip. It initializes hardware components (CPU, RAM, storage) before handing control over to the operating system. Over the last decade, BIOS has been largely replaced by UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) , which offers faster boot times, support for drives larger than 2TB, a graphical interface, and critical security features. In the context of Windows 11, when people refer to "BIOS version," they almost always mean the UEFI firmware version.
Even if a PC’s hardware is theoretically capable (e.g., an 8th-gen Intel or AMD Ryzen 2000 series processor), the motherboard’s BIOS version often determines whether Windows 11 Setup will proceed. Microsoft’s tool explicitly checks for UEFI mode, Secure Boot enabled, and TPM 2.0 presence. If the BIOS version is too old, these features may be absent or disabled by default. bios version windows 11
Moreover, BIOS updates frequently include:
Updating BIOS is more delicate than updating software. A failed update can brick the motherboard. The typical safe process is: Word count: approximately 800 words
Once the version is known, visit the motherboard or PC manufacturer’s website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, MSI, etc.) to compare it with the latest available BIOS. If your current version predates the release of TPM 2.0 support (typically 2016 onward for Intel, 2018 for AMD), an update is essential.
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), most users still refer to it as the BIOS. Knowing your version helps you determine if you need an update to support new hardware, patch security vulnerabilities, or improve system stability. How to Check Your BIOS Version There are several quick ways to find this information without restarting your computer: 12 sites How to check bios version Windows 11 | Laptop Mag May 31, 2023 — Even if a PC’s hardware is theoretically capable (e
Windows 11 introduced strict hardware requirements, many of which are controlled directly by your BIOS firmware: UEFI vs BIOS: Differences & Windows 11 Requirements
In some cases, a motherboard’s final BIOS version never adds TPM 2.0 or proper Secure Boot. This is common for 6th and 7th-gen Intel systems (pre-2017) and first-gen AMD Ryzen (1000 series). Even with a BIOS update, these platforms remain unsupported by Microsoft. Users then have three options: