How to Address BIOS Files in Windows 11 or 10

Finding BIOS files in Windows 11 or Windows 10 starts with identifying your computer model and checking its current firmware version. Use System Information, Command Prompt, or PowerShell to view BIOS details, and use File Explorer to locate a previously downloaded update.

When you need a new firmware file, download it from the manufacturer’s official support website and follow the instructions for your exact model.

Remember that the BIOS itself is stored on a firmware chip, not in a standard Windows folder.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to find BIOS information, locate downloaded firmware files, and identify your computer’s manufacturer and model.

Table of Contents

How to Address BIOS Files in Windows 11/10?

To locate BIOS-related files in Windows 11 or Windows 10, first check your computer’s BIOS version using System Information. Then identify your computer or motherboard model, visit the manufacturer’s official support website, and download the correct BIOS update if needed.

BIOS files are not normally stored in a single Windows folder, and the update file’s location and format depend on your manufacturer.

Step 1: Check Your Current BIOS Version

Before searching for a BIOS file, check which BIOS or UEFI version your computer currently uses. This helps you determine whether an update may be necessary.

Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.

The System Information window will open. Look for the entries named BIOS Version/Date and BaseBoard Product. Depending on your computer, you may also see the system manufacturer and system model.

Write down the BIOS version, date, and computer model. You can compare this information with the version listed on the manufacturer’s support website.

Don’t assume that the newest BIOS is always necessary. Firmware updates can address security issues, hardware compatibility, and system stability, but you should review the release notes before installing one.

Step 2: Find Your Computer or Motherboard Model

A BIOS file must match your computer or motherboard. Installing firmware intended for a different model can cause serious problems, including a computer that won’t start.

To find your computer model, open Settings by pressing Windows + I. In Windows 11, select System > About. In Windows 10, select System > About.

Check the Device specifications section for your system model and manufacturer information. You can also return to System Information and look for System Manufacturer and System Model.

If you built your own desktop computer, identify the motherboard model instead. You may find it in System Information under BaseBoard Manufacturer and BaseBoard Product. If these fields are blank or incomplete, check your motherboard’s documentation or the manufacturer’s identification utility.

Use the complete model number when searching for firmware. Similar model names can use different BIOS files, so don’t rely on the brand name alone.

Step 3: Locate a Downloaded BIOS File

If you’ve already downloaded a BIOS update, you can search for it through File Explorer.

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer. Select Downloads in the left pane, or open the folder where your browser saves downloaded files.

Use the search box in the upper-right corner and enter the computer or motherboard model, the update name, or a file extension mentioned in the manufacturer’s instructions. BIOS update packages may arrive as executable files, compressed archives, or firmware files with extensions such as .CAP, .BIN, or other manufacturer-specific formats.

Keep in mind that there is no single extension used by every BIOS manufacturer. A file ending in .EXE, for example, may be a Windows-based firmware updater rather than the firmware image itself.

If you cannot find the file, open your browser’s download history and check where the download was saved. Avoid opening or running an unfamiliar BIOS file until you’ve confirmed that it came from the official manufacturer and matches your exact model.

Step 4: Download the Correct BIOS File From the Official Website

If you haven’t downloaded the firmware yet, get it from your computer manufacturer’s or motherboard manufacturer’s official support website.

Open the manufacturer’s website and find its Support, Drivers, or Downloads section. Enter your exact computer or motherboard model, then open the BIOS or firmware category if one is available.

Review the listed versions and release notes. Check the supported model, installation instructions, and any required intermediate updates. Some manufacturers provide a Windows installer, while others provide a firmware image that must be copied to a USB drive.

Download the file and save it in an easy-to-find folder, such as Downloads. If the manufacturer provides a compressed archive, extract it only as instructed.

Never use a BIOS file from an unrelated model or an untrusted download website. If you’re unsure which file is correct, check the manufacturer’s documentation or contact its support team before proceeding.

Find BIOS-Related Files Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt can help you check BIOS information and locate files, although it does not provide a universal command for finding every BIOS firmware file stored on your computer.

Open the Start menu, type Command Prompt, and select it. To display your BIOS version, enter this command:

wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion

On some Windows installations, the WMIC utility may be unavailable because it is deprecated. If the command isn’t recognized, use System Information or PowerShell instead.

To search your Downloads folder for files with a particular extension, you can use File Explorer’s search feature or run a command such as:

dir “%USERPROFILE%\Downloads\*.CAP” /s

Replace .CAP with the extension specified in your manufacturer’s instructions. This example searches the Downloads folder and its subfolders for files ending in .CAP.

Remember that finding a file with a BIOS-related extension doesn’t prove that it is valid for your computer. Verify the source and model compatibility before using it.

Check BIOS Information With PowerShell

PowerShell provides another way to view your computer’s BIOS information without entering the firmware setup screen.

Right-click the Start button and select Terminal or Windows PowerShell, depending on your Windows version. Enter the following command:

Get-CimInstance Win32_BIOS | Select-Object Manufacturer, SMBIOSBIOSVersion, ReleaseDate

Press Enter. PowerShell should display the BIOS manufacturer, reported version, and release date when that information is available.

You can use this information to compare your installed firmware with the version listed on your manufacturer’s support page.

If you want to search for a downloaded file, use a command that matches its known extension or filename. For example:

Get-ChildItem “$HOME\Downloads” -Filter “*.CAP” -Recurse

Change .CAP to the extension you’re looking for. This searches the Downloads folder and its subfolders for matching files.

PowerShell can help you identify files and firmware details, but it cannot confirm by itself that a firmware image is safe to install.

Access BIOS or UEFI Settings From Windows

Sometimes, people say they need to address BIOS files when they actually want to open the BIOS setup screen.

In Windows 11, open Settings > System > Recovery. Under Advanced startup, select Restart now. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and select Restart now under Advanced startup.

After the computer restarts, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings, if that option is available. Select Restart to enter the firmware setup utility.

The exact menus may differ by computer, and some systems do not display the UEFI Firmware Settings option. You can also enter BIOS or UEFI during startup by pressing the manufacturer’s designated key, often F2, Delete, Esc, or another key shown on the screen.

Opening BIOS settings does not automatically reveal a BIOS update file. Firmware settings and downloaded update files are separate things.

FAQs

1. Where are BIOS files stored in Windows 11 and Windows 10?

Downloaded BIOS update files are usually saved in Downloads or another folder you selected. The active BIOS or UEFI firmware is stored on a dedicated chip, not in a normal Windows folder.

2. How do I find my BIOS version?

Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Find BIOS Version/Date in the System Information window.

3. Can I update BIOS directly from Windows?

Some manufacturers provide Windows-based BIOS update utilities. Others require a USB drive or a firmware setup utility. Follow the instructions for your exact computer or motherboard model.

4. Is it safe to download BIOS files from third-party websites?

It’s best to download BIOS updates only from the official computer or motherboard manufacturer’s website. Third-party files may be incorrect, modified, or intended for a different model.

5. What happens if I install the wrong BIOS file?

The update may be rejected, or the computer may become unable to start. Some systems have firmware recovery features, but you shouldn’t rely on them. Always confirm the exact model before updating.