Updating your system’s BIOS is a critical process that can enhance compatibility, improve performance, and unlock new features for your ASUS device. ASUS provides a user-friendly tool called EZ Flash Utility (also known as ASUS Firmware Update) integrated directly into the BIOS, making this update process straightforward and safe. This guide will walk you through the steps to update your ASUS Notebook, All-in-One PC, Gaming Handheld, or MiniPC BIOS using the EZ Flash Utility.
Important Precautions Before You Begin:
- No Downgrading: It is crucial to understand that downgrading your BIOS version is not recommended and may lead to system instability.
- Backup Your Data: Before proceeding with any BIOS update, backing up your personal files is essential to prevent data loss in case of unexpected issues during the update process. Think of this as a vital safety net before making significant system changes.
- Power Stability: Ensure your device remains connected to a stable power supply (AC adapter) throughout the entire BIOS update process. Power interruptions can cause serious damage to your system.
- Interface Variations: Be aware that the BIOS interface may slightly differ depending on your specific ASUS model.
- Seek Expert Help: If you encounter any difficulties or uncertainties during the process, it’s always best to consult the ASUS Service Center for professional assistance.
For a visual walkthrough, you can also refer to ASUS’s official video tutorial on updating BIOS with EZ Flash:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR19bBJU-DA
Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions on how to update your BIOS using the ASUS EZ Flash Utility.
Step 1: Downloading the Correct BIOS File from the ASUS Support Website
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Navigate to the official ASUS support website. You’ll need to identify your device’s specific model name. If you’re unsure how to find this, ASUS provides a helpful guide: How to check the model name. You can also learn more about searching for and downloading BIOS files here: How to search and download BIOS.
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Once on your product’s support page, locate the BIOS category. Look for files labeled [BIOS for ASUS EZ Flash Utility] or simply [BIOS version]. Click the [Download] button to obtain the BIOS file.
Step 2: Preparing a Portable Storage Device and Copying the BIOS File
Before using EZ Flash, you need to prepare a portable storage device, typically a USB flash drive, and transfer the downloaded BIOS file onto it.
Important Considerations for your USB Drive:
- FAT32 Format: The USB flash drive must be formatted in FAT32 to be recognized by the BIOS utility. If your drive isn’t in FAT32, you can find instructions on how to convert it here: How to convert the USB flash drive format to FAT32.
- File Extraction: The downloaded BIOS file is usually compressed in a ZIP format. You’ll need to extract the BIOS file before copying it to your USB drive.
Steps to Prepare Your USB Drive:
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After downloading the ZIP file, right-click on the file① and choose [Extract All]②.
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Select a Destination③ for the extracted files and click [Extract]④.
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Once extracted, locate the BIOS file (it will have a
.CAP
extension and a name corresponding to your model, e.g.,B9450FAAS.302.CAP
). Connect your prepared USB drive to your ASUS device. Right-click on the BIOS file⑤, then select [Show more options]⑥ (This step might be different depending on your Windows version). -
Choose [Send to]⑦, and then select [Your portable device]⑧ to copy the BIOS file to the USB drive.
Step 3: Accessing the BIOS Setup and Launching EZ Flash
With the BIOS file on your USB drive, you now need to enter the BIOS setup screen to initiate the update process using EZ Flash.
- Ensure your device is completely powered off.
- Press and hold the [F2] key on your keyboard.
- While holding [F2], press the power button to turn on your device.
- Continue holding the [F2] key until the BIOS setup screen appears, then release it. For Gaming handhelds, you might need to press and hold the volume (-) button instead of F2 while powering on.
- If you need further assistance entering the BIOS setup, ASUS provides a guide here: How to enter the BIOS setup screen.
Step 4: Updating BIOS using EZ Flash in Different BIOS Interfaces
Once you’re in the BIOS setup, you’ll encounter one of three interface types: UEFI, Legacy, or MyASUS in UEFI. Follow the instructions relevant to your BIOS interface.
Method 1: Updating BIOS in UEFI Mode
In UEFI mode, you can use your keyboard’s arrow keys, the Enter key, touchpad, or mouse to navigate.
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Upon entering the BIOS Utility, switch to Advanced Mode by pressing the [F7] hotkey or clicking with your cursor①.
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Go to the [Advanced] section②.
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Select [ASUS Firmware Update]③. Some models might display this as [ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility].
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Choose the storage device where you saved the BIOS file④, and then select the BIOS file⑤. ASUS BIOS files are named following the format ‘Model’AS.’BIOS Version’ (e.g., B9450FAAS.302). Ensure your device is plugged into a power source and has at least 20% battery before proceeding.
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When prompted to confirm the update, click [Yes]⑥.
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Verify the BIOS file information and click [Yes]⑦ again to proceed.
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The BIOS update process will now begin. Do not interrupt the process or power off your device. Once complete, your device will automatically restart into Windows.
Method 2: Updating BIOS in Legacy Mode
In Legacy mode, you’ll navigate using only the arrow keys and Enter key on your keyboard.
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In the BIOS Utility, navigate to the [Advanced] section①.
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Select [ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility] and press Enter②.
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Select your storage device③, and then the BIOS file④. BIOS file names follow the ‘Model’AS.’BIOS Version’ format (e.g., UX32LNAS.203). Ensure power is connected and battery is above 20%.
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Select [Yes] and press Enter⑤ to confirm and begin the BIOS update.
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Wait patiently for the update to complete. Do not shut down or power off the device during the process. The device will restart automatically upon completion.
Method 3: Updating BIOS in MyASUS in UEFI Mode
In MyASUS in UEFI, navigation is similar to UEFI mode, using arrow keys, Enter, touchpad, or mouse.
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Enter Advanced Settings by pressing [F7] or clicking with the cursor①.
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Go to the [Advanced] section②, and select [ASUS Firmware Update]③.
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Choose your storage device④ and the BIOS file⑤. File names follow the ‘Model’AS.’BIOS Version’ convention (e.g., X1505ZAAS.310). Ensure power is connected and battery is above 20% before continuing.
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Confirm the update by clicking [Confirm]⑥.
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Verify the BIOS file information and click [Confirm]⑦ again.
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The BIOS update will commence. Do not interrupt the process or power off your device. The system will automatically restart into Windows once finished.
Conclusion
Updating your ASUS BIOS using the EZ Flash Utility is a straightforward process when you follow these steps carefully. Remember the critical precautions: always back up your important data before starting, maintain a stable power supply, and never interrupt the update process. By keeping your BIOS updated, you ensure your ASUS device operates at its best, with optimal compatibility and the latest features.