The functionality and interface of the BIOS receive at least some serious changes quite rarely, so there is no need to update it regularly. However, if you have assembled a modern computer, but an outdated version is installed on the MSI motherboard, then it is recommended to think about updating it. The information below is only valid for MSI motherboards.
Depending on how you decided to update, you will have to download either a special utility for Windows, or the files of the firmware itself.
If you decide to update from the utility built into the BIOS or from the DOS line, then you will need an archive with the installation files. In the case of the utility that runs under Windows, you may not need to download the installation files in advance, since the utility has the ability to download everything you need from MSI servers (depending on the type of installation chosen).
It is recommended to use standard methods for installing BIOS updates - built-in utilities or the DOS line. Updating through the operating system interface is dangerous because in the event of a bug, there is a risk of interrupting the process, which can lead to serious consequences up to the failure of the PC.
Stage 1: Preparatory
If you decide to use standard methods, then you need to make the appropriate preparation. First, you will need to find out information about the BIOS version, its developer and the model of your motherboard. All this is necessary so that you can download the correct version of BIOS for your PC and make a backup copy of an existing one.
To do this, you can use both built-in Windows tools and third-party software. In this case, the second option will be more convenient, therefore, further step-by-step instructions are considered using the AIDA64 program as an example. It has a user-friendly interface in Russian and a wide range of functions, but at the same time it is paid (although there is a demo period). The instruction looks like this:
Now download all BIOS update files from MSI official website using this guide:
To perform the installation using the standard method, you need to prepare a USB stick or CD / DVD in advance. Format the media to the file system FAT32 and transfer the BIOS installation files from the downloaded archive there. Make sure that there are elements with extensions among the files BIO and ROM... The update will not be possible without them.
Stage 2: Flashing
At this stage, we will consider the standard flashing method using the utility built into the BIOS. This method is good because it is suitable for all devices from MSI and does not require any additional work other than those discussed above. Immediately after you have dropped all the files on the USB flash drive, you can proceed directly to the update:
Method 2: Update from Windows
If you are not a very experienced PC user, you can try updating through a special utility for Windows. This method is only suitable for desktop users with MSI motherboards. If you have a laptop, it is strongly recommended that you refrain from this method, as it may cause it to malfunction. It is noteworthy that the utility is also suitable for creating a bootable USB flash drive for updating via the DOS line. However, the software is only suitable for updating via the Internet.
Instructions for working with the MSI Live Update utility are as follows:
Method 3: Via DOS line
This method is somewhat confusing, as it involves creating a special bootable USB flash drive for DOS and working in this interface. It is strongly discouraged for inexperienced users to update using this method.
To create a flash drive with an update, you will need the MSI Live Update utility from the previous method. In this case, the program itself will download all the necessary files from the official servers. Further actions are as follows:
Now you have to work in the DOS interface. To enter there and do everything right, it is recommended to use this step-by-step instruction:
Updating the BIOS on MSI PCs / Laptops is not that difficult, and there are a variety of ways that you can choose the one that works best for you.
Key Features:
Supports AMD FX / Phenom II / Athlon II / Sempron processors for AM3 + socket
- Supports DDR3-2133 (OC) Memory
- USB 3.0 + SATA 6Gb / s
- Audio Boost 2: Reward Your Ears with True Quality
- Killer Ethernet: Kill Your Lag
- OC Genie 4: Overclock in 1 Second
- Click BIOS 4: Easily Fine-tune Your System
- AMD CrossFire Support
- Sound Blaster Cinema 2: Realistic Surround Sound Experience
- Gaming Device Port: Optimized with Triple Gold-plating for High Polling Rate Gaming Devices
Changes:
Correct SATA port definition.
- Improved memory compatibility.
- Updated AGESA code.
WARNING:
DON "T FLASH WHEN YOUR SYSTEM IS RUNNING FINE
- DON "T FLASH IF YOU DON" T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING
Flash AMI UEFI BIOS by MFLASH:
- Extract the BIOS-zip file that you have downloaded and paste it to your USB storage device.
- Press “delete” key to BIOS, select “M-Flash”
- Click “Select one file to update BIOS and ME”
- Select USB storage that comes with the downloaded BIOS.
- Select BIOS which you want to update and press “Enter”.
- A warning message comes out “Don`t remove USB drive or shutdown system” and then System will be reset to update BIOS after 5 seconds.
- If your motherboard is equipped with multi BIOS then system will pop up
- "Please set the multi BIOS switch to the target BIOS ROM then press any key to continue." Otherwise it`ll proceed with next process.
- The system will start to update BIOS & ME
- After BIOS & ME update is finished, please press del key to enter BIOS setting menu to make sure that BIOS have been updated successfully.
Flash AMI UEFI BIOS by USB Disk Under DOS Mode
Download the BIOS that match your motherboard and version number to your USB device.
- Extract the BIOS-zip file that you have downloaded and paste it to your USB storage device (Note: Make sure that your USB is bootable).
- Boot your system from a USB storage device
- When you get the DOS prompt, execute the following sequence:
- Reboot your system when prompted
- After bios update is done, C: prompt will appear on your screen.
- After system restart, Press del key to enter BIOS setting menu to make sure that BIOS have been updated successfully.
About OS Independent BIOS:
Although installing a newer BIOS version might add new features, update various components, or improve the device’s usability, this process is very risky, so the upgrade is recommended to be performed only when it is really needed.
In addition to that, this task should be performed by someone who has the knowledge to successfully complete the installation; regular users may fulfill it at their own risk.
When it comes to applying a new version without taking into account the computer’s operating system, the most commonly used method to flash the BIOS is by creating a bootable USB or CD containing the update file, and running it from DOS.
Still, regardless of the method used or whether the upgrade is performed by a regular or power user, it’s recommended that the new BIOS be applied in a steady power environment such as the one ensured by a UPS unit.
The Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) is a very important software that loads the currently installed OS, and tests all of the system's hardware components - so make sure you flash it correctly.
Bear in mind that failing to perform a successful installation could seriously damage your device, and the faulty BIOS resulted from the process might even render it unusable.
So, if this release includes useful changes, hit the download button, get the package, and update your BIOS version. Otherwise, check with our website as often as possible, so that you don’t miss the release that you need.
It is highly recommended to always use the most recent driver version available.
Try to set a system restore point before installing a device driver. This will help if you installed an incorrect or mismatched driver. Problems can arise when your hardware device is too old or not supported any longer.
At the end of our series of articles on updating BIOS, we will tell you how to update MSI BIOS, because motherboards from them have their own characteristics!
BIOS update in a device equipped with MSI motherboard is generally done as follows:
- the specific model of your motherboard is installed;
- checks for updated versions of the system you are interested in;
- install them directly.
If you know exactly the model of your hardware and the version of the system to reinstall, then all that remains is to find out on your motherboard from the MSI brand. The firmware you need can be downloaded both to the computer itself and to a portable device.
How to update BIOS from MSI brand using a USB flash drive?
You can launch the version of the I / O software update you are interested in directly from the desktop.
For the convenience of carrying out this operation, you can use a special Click BIOS II interface, suitable for working with devices from the Taiwanese manufacturer we are considering. In the "Utilities" section you will find a suitable M-Flash program for installing from a USB flash drive, which will help you update the I / O software.
This specialized utility will prompt you to use the "Update Bios" option. With its help, the required update file is selected from the flash drive, previously downloaded from the manufacturer's official website, and then it is installed in automatic mode. It is recommended that you restart your computer before continuing to work with your computer.
MSI live update 6 is located in the same section. We are talking about a special utility with which you can find out the version of your motherboard using the "System Information" section. 
Also, this program will help you to check in real time for the latest updates for your device, by doing it manually or automatically. When choosing the first option, you will need to put a tick in front of the second item "MB Bios" before starting the scan. 
Understanding motherboard models and utilities from a Taiwanese manufacturer
It is worth remembering that under the abbreviation for the equipment, the BIOS update for which we are trying to install, is the name of a company specializing in the production of motherboards.
It sounds like Micro-Star International. Thus, we are not talking about any specific version of the motherboard, but rather about their whole family. For example, you may have MSI z270 a pro or MSI h110m pro vd on your computer.
You can find out your motherboard model in order to subsequently update the I / O system in various ways, including:
Have a great day!
One way or another, many users of computers and laptops, regardless of the OS installed, are faced with the concept of a primary input / output system, called BIOS or BIOS. And quite often it is necessary to install an update, in particular on MSI motherboards. specifically for this manufacturer, now it will be considered. The topic of correcting possible errors that may appear during the installation of new firmware will be discussed separately.
MSI: and why is it needed?
Of course, when buying a computer or laptop, no one particularly delves into the technical characteristics of the motherboard. The potential user is more interested in the processor, RAM, hard disk capacity, video card, etc. And not everyone is aware of the fact that all these components are installed on the "motherboard", and for the correct operation of all devices, a primary system in the form of BIOS or UEFI is required.
Nothing is eternal. As device drivers become outdated and constantly require updates, not to mention the Windows systems themselves, the BIOS does not last forever either. Let's see how on a laptop (MSI board is used as a base) or on a stationary computer. Basically, there is not much difference.
General rules for installing firmware
To install BIOS updates, you should clearly understand that an incorrect firmware version or its incorrect installation can have simply disastrous consequences. Therefore, you need to use strictly defined packages designed exclusively for this brand of MSI motherboard. How to update BIOS? First, you need to fulfill several prerequisites.
As the first thing to do
First of all, you need to find out the modification of the "motherboard". The MSI name doesn't say anything yet. To do this, you can use a few simple methods.
For example, a detailed description of the configuration can be accessed using utilities like Everset, where a description of all devices in the computer system, including the motherboard, will be displayed.
However, you can do it even easier, since Windows systems initially have a viewer of all information. To do this, use the msinfo32 command entered in the Run execution console. Moreover, it is absolutely not necessary that it be launched on behalf of the administrator. You can also rummage in the "Device Manager", where you will have to find two identifiers DEV and VEN, and then search for them (by the way, this is the best option).
Required software
Basically, after that you can start installing the update. Note that not all programs for searching and installing driver updates can perform a corresponding search. Therefore, using automated programs like Driver Booster will have no effect here.
This means that you will have to go to the site yourself through any web browser. In the browser itself, a special AdBlock blocker may be enabled by default, which should be temporarily inactive.
If the required update is found, you just need to download and install it running at the administrator level. Otherwise, you can download a specialized utility called MSI Live Update on the same site.
MSI Live and "A" drive error fix
Finally, let's see how to update the BIOS. MSI Live Update is not that hard to learn as a program. The most important function here is to start scanning.
The application, by the way, works in the same way as automatic driver updaters, but has a specific focus. After the distribution files are found, you just need to select the version for installation that exceeds the modification available on the computer.
The process itself boils down to the fact that the source distribution is saved on the hard drive, but it is better to specify the save location manually, since the program uses such a deep path by default that it can be problematic to find the downloaded file itself. The file itself is an archive from which you need to extract data by any archiver or simply by means of the system. Only after that you can start the executable files, the whole process will take place in automatic mode, after which a complete reboot will be required.
In principle, for updating it is not recommended to use what is proposed to resolve the issue of how to update the MSI BIOS from a USB flash drive. Firstly, you will have to write information to the drive, and secondly, such a device is not immune to failures. As it turns out, the easiest way to update is from a file saved on the hard drive.
After starting the utility, you just need to agree with the automatic installation of the firmware, after which the process starts. Then you just need to wait for it to finish (note: some additional installations may be required in Windows 7).
In the case of the "seven", an error of reading disk "A" may be issued. This is normal, especially since floppy drives have not been used for a long time. To fix the problem, enter the settings and select the Standard CMOS Setup section there, where set the value for the Floppy Drive device to Not Installed, save the changes (F10, and then confirm by pressing the "Y" button). This will be followed by an automatic restart and the problem will disappear completely.
Instead of a total
Actually, that's all about MSI motherboards. Hopefully, how to update the BIOS is already clear. Most interestingly, many users are afraid to do this, believing that in this way they can simply harm the system. Nothing wrong with that. It is believed (this is evidenced by the reviews of many experts) that after updating the BIOS, even an increase in the performance of computer systems is often noticed. And the update process itself, in general, is not particularly difficult. The most important thing here is to correctly determine the model of the "motherboard" and download for it exactly the update that corresponds to it. Well, then, as they say, a matter of technology. Moreover, any user can easily perform such operations, observing several main conditions described above.
