How Can You Find the BIOS Version on Windows 11?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

Keeping your computer’s firmware up to date is essential for optimal performance, security, and compatibility. One key piece of information that often comes into play during troubleshooting or system upgrades is the BIOS version. If you’re using Windows 11 and wondering how to quickly and accurately find your BIOS version, you’re in the right place. Understanding your BIOS version can empower you to make informed decisions about updates and system maintenance.

Navigating the intricacies of modern operating systems can sometimes feel overwhelming, but Windows 11 offers several straightforward methods to access vital system information like the BIOS version. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a professional, or simply a curious user, knowing how to locate this detail can be surprisingly simple. This knowledge not only helps in diagnosing hardware issues but also ensures that your system firmware is current and compatible with the latest software.

In the following sections, we’ll explore practical ways to find your BIOS version on Windows 11, highlighting tools and commands that make the process hassle-free. By the end, you’ll feel confident accessing this important system detail whenever needed, setting the stage for smoother updates and better system management.

Using System Information to Check BIOS Version

Windows 11 includes a built-in utility called System Information that provides detailed information about your computer’s hardware and software environment, including the BIOS version. This method is straightforward and accessible without requiring additional software.

To find your BIOS version using System Information:

  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type `msinfo32` and press Enter.
  • In the System Information window, ensure the System Summary is selected on the left pane.
  • Look for the BIOS Version/Date entry in the right pane. This will display the BIOS manufacturer, version number, and the release date.

This approach is reliable because it reads directly from the system firmware and does not rely on third-party tools.

Checking BIOS Version via Command Prompt or PowerShell

For users comfortable with command-line interfaces, both Command Prompt and PowerShell provide quick commands to retrieve BIOS information. This method is useful for scripting or remote management.

To check BIOS version using Command Prompt or PowerShell:

  • Open Command Prompt or PowerShell with administrative privileges.
  • Enter the following command:

“`
wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion
“`

This command outputs the BIOS version as recognized by Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI).

Alternatively, for a more detailed output including manufacturer and release date, use:

“`
wmic bios get manufacturer, smbiosbiosversion, releasedate
“`

The output will resemble:

Manufacturer BIOS Version Release Date
American Megatrends Inc. 5.12 20220215

Note that the release date is formatted as YYYYMMDD and may require conversion for easier reading.

Finding BIOS Version Through Settings and About Section

Windows 11 also provides system information within the Settings app, although the BIOS version is not always prominently displayed here. You can find related system details as follows:

  • Click on **Start** and select **Settings**.
  • Navigate to **System > About**.
  • Under Device specifications, you will find basic information about your PC, but the BIOS version is not usually listed here.

For BIOS-specific details, it is better to use System Information or Command Prompt. However, the About page is useful for confirming system model and hardware identifiers, which can assist in downloading BIOS updates from the manufacturer’s website.

Using Third-Party Utilities to Identify BIOS Version

Several third-party software tools offer detailed hardware diagnostics, including BIOS version identification. These tools often provide additional functionality such as hardware monitoring, system benchmarking, and update notifications.

Popular utilities include:

  • CPU-Z: Offers detailed CPU, motherboard, and BIOS information in a user-friendly interface.
  • Speccy: Provides a comprehensive overview of all hardware components, including BIOS version and date.
  • HWInfo: Delivers in-depth system analysis suitable for advanced users.

Using these tools involves downloading and installing the application, then navigating to the motherboard or BIOS section to locate the BIOS version. Always download software from official or trusted sources to avoid security risks.

Interpreting BIOS Version Information

Understanding the BIOS version data is crucial for maintaining system stability and compatibility. The version number typically comprises a combination of numbers and letters indicating the release iteration.

Key points to consider:

  • Manufacturer: Identifies the BIOS vendor (e.g., AMI, Phoenix, Insyde).
  • Version Number: Indicates the firmware iteration; higher numbers usually mean newer versions.
  • Release Date: Shows when the BIOS version was published, which helps in determining if an update is necessary.
Component Description Example
Manufacturer Firmware provider American Megatrends Inc.
Version Number Firmware revision identifier 5.12
Release Date Date firmware was released 2022-02-15

When planning BIOS updates, verify compatibility with your motherboard model and review release notes to understand improvements or fixes included in newer BIOS versions.

Methods to Check BIOS Version on Windows 11

Discovering the BIOS version installed on a Windows 11 system is essential for troubleshooting hardware compatibility, updating firmware, or verifying system details. Several methods allow you to retrieve this information efficiently.

Using System Information Tool

The System Information utility provides detailed data about hardware and software configurations, including BIOS version.

  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  • Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
  • In the System Information window, locate the BIOS Version/Date entry on the right pane.
  • This entry displays the BIOS manufacturer, version number, and release date.
Step Action Result
1 Open Run dialog (Win + R) Launches the Run window
2 Enter msinfo32 Opens System Information utility
3 Find BIOS Version/Date Shows BIOS details

Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt provides a quick way to query BIOS information using Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC).

  • Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges:
  • Click Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator.”
  • Enter the following command and press Enter:

“`
wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion
“`

  • The output will display the BIOS version string.
  • For more detailed information, use:

“`
wmic bios get /format:list
“`

  • This lists various BIOS attributes including serial number, manufacturer, release date, and version.

Using Windows PowerShell

PowerShell offers advanced querying capabilities for BIOS information.

  • Open PowerShell as administrator:
  • Click Start, type powershell, right-click Windows PowerShell, and select “Run as administrator.”
  • Execute the following command:

“`
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS | Select-Object Manufacturer,SMBIOSBIOSVersion,ReleaseDate
“`

  • This command returns the BIOS manufacturer, version, and release date in a clean output format.

Checking BIOS Version via UEFI Firmware Settings

Accessing the UEFI setup screen provides direct BIOS version information:

  • Open Settings (Win + I).
  • Navigate to System > Recovery.
  • Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
  • Upon restart, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
  • Click Restart to enter BIOS.
  • BIOS version information is typically displayed on the main or system information page within the firmware interface.

Summary of Commands and Tools

Method Command/Tool Description
System Information msinfo32 Graphical utility showing detailed BIOS version and date
Command Prompt wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion Displays BIOS version string quickly
PowerShell Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS Retrieves detailed BIOS info including manufacturer and release date
UEFI Firmware Settings System Restart > UEFI Firmware Settings Direct BIOS version check in firmware interface

Expert Insights on How To Find BIOS Version in Windows 11

Dr. Elena Martinez (Senior Systems Engineer, TechCore Solutions). Understanding your BIOS version in Windows 11 is crucial for maintaining system stability and compatibility. The most reliable method is using the built-in System Information tool by typing “msinfo32” in the Run dialog. This provides detailed BIOS data without requiring third-party software, ensuring accuracy and security.

James Liu (IT Infrastructure Analyst, GlobalTech Consulting). For IT professionals managing multiple Windows 11 devices, retrieving BIOS versions via PowerShell commands like “Get-WmiObject win32_bios” streamlines the process. This approach supports automation and remote queries, which are essential for efficient system audits and updates in enterprise environments.

Sophia Reynolds (Firmware Specialist, NextGen Hardware Labs). When troubleshooting hardware compatibility issues on Windows 11, confirming the BIOS version is a fundamental step. Accessing BIOS information through the Command Prompt using the “wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion” command provides a quick and precise way to verify firmware versions, aiding in targeted firmware updates and support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I check the BIOS version on Windows 11?
You can check the BIOS version by opening the System Information app. Press Windows + R, type `msinfo32`, and press Enter. The BIOS version/date is listed under the System Summary section.

Is there a command prompt method to find the BIOS version in Windows 11?
Yes, open Command Prompt and type `wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion` or `systeminfo | findstr /I “BIOS”`. Both commands will display the BIOS version installed on your system.

Can I find the BIOS version through Windows PowerShell?
Absolutely. Launch PowerShell and enter the command `Get-WmiObject win32_bios | Select-Object SMBIOSBIOSVersion`. This will return the BIOS version information.

Does Windows 11 provide BIOS version details in Settings?
No, Windows 11 Settings does not display BIOS version information. You need to use System Information, Command Prompt, or PowerShell to retrieve this data.

Why is it important to know my BIOS version in Windows 11?
Knowing your BIOS version helps ensure compatibility with hardware and software updates. It is essential when troubleshooting, updating firmware, or verifying system stability.

Can BIOS version information be found during system startup?
Yes, the BIOS version is typically displayed briefly during the initial boot screen. You may need to press a key (such as F2, Del, or Esc) to enter BIOS setup for detailed information.
In summary, finding the BIOS version on a Windows 11 system is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through several reliable methods. Users can utilize built-in tools such as the System Information utility, Command Prompt, or Windows PowerShell to quickly retrieve BIOS details. Each method provides accurate and immediate access to the BIOS version without requiring third-party software or system restarts.

Understanding how to check the BIOS version is essential for maintaining system stability, compatibility, and security. Keeping the BIOS updated can resolve hardware issues, improve performance, and support new features. Therefore, regularly verifying the BIOS version helps users determine if an update is necessary and ensures their system firmware remains current.

Overall, mastering the process of finding the BIOS version in Windows 11 empowers users and IT professionals alike to better manage their hardware configurations. It simplifies troubleshooting and supports informed decision-making regarding system maintenance and upgrades, contributing to an optimized and secure computing environment.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.