How Can I Check the BIOS Version on Windows 11?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

Unlocking the full potential of your Windows 11 PC often begins with understanding the core components that keep your system running smoothly. One crucial piece of information that many users overlook is the BIOS version installed on their machine. Knowing how to see the BIOS version in Windows 11 not only helps with troubleshooting and system updates but also ensures compatibility with the latest hardware and software enhancements.

Navigating the BIOS might seem like a task reserved for advanced users, but Windows 11 offers straightforward ways to check this vital system detail without needing to reboot or dive into complex menus. Whether you’re a casual user curious about your system’s specifications or a tech enthusiast preparing for an upgrade, having quick access to your BIOS version can save time and prevent potential headaches.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of the BIOS version and guide you through simple methods to find this information directly within Windows 11. By the end, you’ll feel confident in identifying your BIOS version and understanding why it matters for maintaining an optimized and secure PC environment.

Using System Information to Check BIOS Version

One of the simplest and most straightforward methods to find your BIOS version in Windows 11 is through the built-in System Information tool. This utility provides detailed information about your system’s hardware and software environment, including BIOS details.

To access your BIOS version using System Information, follow these steps:

  • Press `Win + S` to open the search bar and type System Information.
  • Click on the System Information app from the search results.
  • In the System Information window, ensure the System Summary tab is selected on the left pane.
  • Look for the entry labeled BIOS Version/Date on the right pane.

The BIOS Version/Date entry displays the manufacturer’s name, BIOS version number, and the date it was released. This information can be useful for troubleshooting, updating BIOS, or verifying your current system firmware.

Checking BIOS Version via Command Prompt

Advanced users may prefer using the Command Prompt to quickly retrieve BIOS information without navigating through graphical interfaces. The Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool offers a powerful way to query system details including BIOS.

To find the BIOS version using Command Prompt:

  • Press `Win + R`, type `cmd`, then press `Enter` to open the Command Prompt.
  • Enter the following command and press `Enter`:

“`
wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion
“`

This command returns the BIOS version string directly. For more comprehensive BIOS details, you can use:

“`
wmic bios get /format:list
“`

This extended command outputs a detailed list of BIOS properties such as manufacturer, version, serial number, release date, and more.

Viewing BIOS Version with Windows PowerShell

Windows PowerShell is another command-line interface that provides robust system management capabilities. Retrieving the BIOS version via PowerShell involves querying the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) class.

Use these steps to get the BIOS version:

  • Open PowerShell by pressing `Win + X` and selecting Windows Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  • Type the following command and hit `Enter`:

“`powershell
Get-WmiObject win32_bios | Select-Object Manufacturer, SMBIOSBIOSVersion, ReleaseDate
“`

This command outputs a neatly formatted table with the BIOS manufacturer, version, and release date, which helps in identifying the firmware precisely.

Finding BIOS Version Through System Settings

Windows 11 offers a modernized Settings app where you can find basic system information, including BIOS version details, without using command-line tools.

To check BIOS version via Settings:

  • Press `Win + I` to open **Settings**.
  • Navigate to **System** > About.
  • Scroll down to the Device specifications section.
  • Look for the BIOS version/Date entry.

This method provides a quick glance at your BIOS version alongside other system details such as processor, RAM, and device name.

Comparison of Methods to Check BIOS Version

Each method to check the BIOS version in Windows 11 has its unique advantages depending on user preference and context. The table below summarizes key aspects of each approach:

Method Ease of Use Information Detail Recommended For
System Information Easy Basic BIOS version and date General users
Command Prompt (WMIC) Moderate BIOS version and extended details Advanced users, scripting
PowerShell Moderate Detailed BIOS information in table format Power users, administrators
Settings App Very Easy Basic BIOS version and date Casual users

Methods to Check BIOS Version in Windows 11

Determining the BIOS version on a Windows 11 system is essential for troubleshooting, updating firmware, or verifying hardware compatibility. Windows 11 provides multiple straightforward ways to access this information without requiring third-party software.

Using System Information Tool

The built-in System Information utility offers a detailed overview of your system, including the BIOS version.

  • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
  • In the System Information window, ensure “System Summary” is selected in the left pane.
  • Locate the BIOS Version/Date entry in the right pane; it lists the BIOS manufacturer, version, and release date.
Field Description
BIOS Version/Date Displays manufacturer name, BIOS version number, and date of release
System Manufacturer Indicates the PC or motherboard manufacturer
System Model Specifies the model number or name of the system

Using Command Prompt

The Command Prompt provides a quick method using Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC).

  • Open Command Prompt by pressing Windows + S, typing cmd, and selecting Run as administrator.
  • Enter the following command and press Enter:
wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion

This command outputs the BIOS version string directly. For additional details, use:

wmic bios get manufacturer, smbiosbiosversion, biosreleasedate

This provides the manufacturer, BIOS version, and release date in one output.

Using Windows PowerShell

PowerShell offers a flexible alternative with rich formatting options.

  • Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or open PowerShell with administrative privileges.
  • Run the following command:
Get-WmiObject win32_bios | Format-List Manufacturer,SMBIOSBIOSVersion,ReleaseDate

This command displays the BIOS information in a clear list format, including:

  • Manufacturer: BIOS vendor
  • SMBIOSBIOSVersion: Current BIOS version
  • ReleaseDate: BIOS release date (in YYYYMMDD format)

Checking BIOS Version Through Settings (Indirect Method)

While Windows Settings do not directly show the BIOS version, you can find related system information:

  • Open Settings via Windows + I.
  • Navigate to System > About.
  • Click on Advanced system info under Related links.
  • This opens the System Properties window. Click the Hardware tab and then Device Manager for hardware details, but BIOS information is not displayed here.

For direct BIOS version details, rely on the System Information tool, Command Prompt, or PowerShell as described above.

Expert Insights on Viewing BIOS Version in Windows 11

Dr. Elena Martinez (Senior Firmware Engineer, TechCore Solutions). Understanding how to access your BIOS version in Windows 11 is crucial for troubleshooting hardware compatibility issues. The most reliable method is using the Command Prompt with the command `wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion`, which provides a direct and accurate BIOS version without needing to reboot your system.

James Liu (IT Systems Analyst, Global IT Consulting). For Windows 11 users, checking the BIOS version via the System Information tool is an efficient approach. By typing `msinfo32` in the Run dialog, users can quickly locate the BIOS version under the System Summary, offering a user-friendly way to verify firmware details without advanced technical steps.

Sophia Patel (Cybersecurity Specialist, SecureNet Technologies). Regularly verifying your BIOS version in Windows 11 is essential for maintaining system security and stability. I recommend using PowerShell commands such as `Get-WmiObject win32_bios | Format-List SMBIOSBIOSVersion` to automate this process, especially in enterprise environments where firmware updates must be tracked systematically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I check the BIOS version on Windows 11?
You can check the BIOS version by opening the Command Prompt and typing `wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion`, then pressing Enter. The BIOS version will be displayed immediately.

Is there a way to find the BIOS version through Windows Settings?
Windows Settings does not directly display the BIOS version. However, you can use System Information or Command Prompt to find this information.

Can I view the BIOS version using System Information in Windows 11?
Yes, open the Start menu, type `System Information`, and press Enter. The BIOS version/date is listed under the System Summary section.

Does Windows PowerShell provide a method to check the BIOS version?
Yes, launch PowerShell and enter the command `Get-WmiObject win32_bios | Select-Object SMBIOSBIOSVersion`. This will return the BIOS version installed on your system.

Why is it important to know my BIOS version in Windows 11?
Knowing your BIOS version helps determine compatibility with hardware updates, troubleshoot system issues, and ensure your firmware is up to date for security and performance.

Can I update my BIOS version directly from Windows 11?
Some manufacturers provide BIOS update utilities that run within Windows 11. Check your motherboard or PC manufacturer’s website for specific tools and instructions.
checking the BIOS version in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through multiple methods, including using the System Information tool, Command Prompt, or Windows PowerShell. Each method provides quick access to the BIOS version details without requiring a system restart or access to the BIOS setup during boot. This accessibility ensures users can easily verify their BIOS version for troubleshooting, updates, or compatibility checks.

Understanding how to locate the BIOS version is essential for maintaining system stability and performance. Keeping the BIOS updated can resolve hardware compatibility issues and enhance security features. Therefore, regularly verifying the BIOS version and comparing it with the latest manufacturer releases is a best practice for both casual users and IT professionals.

Overall, Windows 11 offers convenient built-in utilities that simplify the process of BIOS version retrieval. Leveraging these tools not only saves time but also empowers users with critical system information necessary for effective system management and maintenance.

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.