BIOSversion

BIOSversion refers to the version string of a computer system’s firmware, the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). The BIOS initializes hardware, performs the Power-On Self-Test, and provides runtime services used by the operating system during the early stages of boot. In modern systems, firmware typically uses UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), but the term BIOS version remains common as a way to identify the installed firmware build on the motherboard.

The BIOS/UEFI firmware is produced by the motherboard or system vendor and may be updated to add features, fix bugs, improve stability, or support new CPUs, memory, or other hardware. The version number, often accompanied by a date, helps determine compatibility with hardware components and software. The exact naming and format of the version string vary by vendor; some use a single numeric/alphanumeric identifier, others include a release date.

How the version is viewed varies by operating system. In Windows, the BIOS Version/Date is shown in system information tools; in Linux, commands like dmidecode reveal the BIOS information. Users should consult the motherboard or system documentation to interpret the version and determine whether an update is needed.

Updating BIOS/UEFI firmware can provide benefits but carries risk, including the potential to render a system unbootable if interrupted. Updates should be performed using vendor-supported tools and carefully followed instructions, with power stability ensured and a verified backup of current settings and data. After an update, the new firmware may alter security features, hardware compatibility, or available options in the firmware setup.