The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a vital firmware that initializes your hardware before your operating system takes over. Updating the BIOS is essential to ensure the system’s security and optimal performance. However, it is a critical task, and many people are hesitant to update the BIOS.
This article provides a step-by-step guide on the HP BIOS update. We will discuss three safe and trusted methods to update the BIOS of HP systems. Let's start!
Part 1: HP BIOS Update via HP Support Assistant (Beginner-Friendly)
The easiest method to update the BIOS of an HP device is to use the HP Support Assistant utility. HP Support Assistant is a tool designed by HP that helps users perform different critical tasks on their HP systems. You can update the BIOS using HP Support Assistant by following the steps below.
Step 1: Click the Start Menu (located in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
Step 2: Type "HP Support Assistant" into the search bar.
Step 3: Click on the HP Support Assistant app from the results to open it. If you don’t have HP Support Assistant, you can download it from HP’s official site.
Step 4: Once HP Support Assistant is open, click on the "My devices" tab if it’s not already selected.
Step 5: Select your HP device.
Step 6: Click on "Updates" or "Check for updates and messages." The tool will scan for available updates, including BIOS.
Step 7: In the list of available updates, look for an entry labeled "BIOS Update" or System Firmware. If you see it, check the box next to it. You can also check any other updates you want to install.
Step 8: Click "Download and install". HP Support Assistant will download the update and start the installation. Your computer may restart during the process. Do not turn off your computer while it’s updating.
Step 9: After your PC restarts, you can reopen HP Support Assistant. Go to "Updates" to see if the BIOS update is marked as installed. You can also check the BIOS version during startup (press Esc or F10 when booting).
Pros
Safe and secure HP BIOS key method
Automatically checks and updates the BIOS
No manual file handling
Part 2: HP BIOS Update via Windows Executable (.exe)
Suppose HP Support Assistant doesn’t display a BIOS update, or you prefer to install it manually. In that case, you can download a BIOS update file from HP’s official website and run it as a Windows executable (.exe) file.
Step 1: Find Your Product Name or Serial Number
Press Windows + S and type System Information.
Open it and look for “System Model” (e.g., HP Pavilion 15-ec1xxx).
You can also find your Serial Number here or on a sticker under the laptop.
Step 2: Go to HP’s Support Website
Open a web browser and go to https://support.hp.com.
Click “Identify your product” or enter your product name/serial number.
Select your exact model from the list if prompted.
Step 3: Locate the BIOS Update
On your product’s support page, click “Software, Drivers and Firmware.”
Choose your Windows version from the dropdown menu.
Scroll down and look for “BIOS” or “Firmware.”
Click the arrow next to the BIOS update to expand it, then click “Download.”
💡 Tip: Check the version/date — only download a newer version than the one currently installed.
Step 4: Run the BIOS Update File (.exe)
Locate the downloaded file (usually in your Downloads folder).
Double-click the .exe file to run it. Follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to agree to a license and click “Next” or “Install.”
The tool will prepare the update and ask you to restart your computer.
Step 5: Let the BIOS Update Finish
Your PC will restart automatically and enter the BIOS update screen.
Do not press any keys or power off your computer.
The update may take a few minutes, and the system may restart once it's complete.
Step 6: Confirm the BIOS Version
After the update:
Press Esc or F10 while your computer is starting up.
Enter the BIOS setup and check the BIOS version and date on the main screen.
You can compare it to the version you downloaded.
Pros:
You choose the BIOS version and when to install it.
Often more up-to-date, direct from HP’s website.
No need for USB tools or BIOS interface.
Cons:
Risk of downloading the wrong BIOS if you're not sure of your model.
Slightly more technical, still simple, but less automated than HP Support Assistant.
It won’t work if your system doesn’t boot into Windows.
Part 3: HP BIOS Update via Bootable USB (For Non-Functional Systems)
If your HP computer won’t start properly or can’t boot into Windows, you can still update or recover the BIOS using a bootable USB drive. This method can help fix BIOS corruption or restore a non-working system.
Step 1: Download the BIOS Update on a Working PC
On a working computer, go to: https://support.hp.com
Enter your HP product name or serial number.
Go to the “Software, Drivers and Firmware” section.
Select your Windows version (doesn’t matter if the target system isn’t working).
Look under the “BIOS” category.
Click “Download” next to the BIOS update package.
Step 2: Create the Bootable USB with BIOS Files
Double-click the downloaded .exe BIOS file on the working PC.
When prompted, choose “Create Recovery USB flash drive”. Do not install the BIOS on the working PC.
Insert your USB drive and select it when prompted.
The tool will format the USB drive and copy BIOS recovery files onto it.
💡 Tip: The USB must be formatted in FAT32 (this will happen automatically during creation).
Step 3: Insert USB into the Non-Functional HP System
Plug the USB drive into the non-working HP computer.
Press and hold the Windows + B keys.
While holding those keys, press and hold the Power button for 2–3 seconds, then release the Power button while continuing to hold Windows + B.
You may hear beeps or see the BIOS recovery screen appear after a few seconds.
Step 4: Perform BIOS Recovery or Update
Once the HP BIOS Update screen appears, follow the on-screen instructions to update or recover the BIOS.
The system may restart several times.
When the update is finished, your PC should boot normally (if the BIOS was the issue).
Your HP system has now been updated or recovered using the USB BIOS tool. If it still doesn’t boot, the issue may not be BIOS-related.
When to Use This Method
PC won't boot or be stuck on a black screen.
BIOS is corrupted or interrupted during the update.
You need to recover from a failed BIOS install.
Pros:
Useful if Windows won’t boot or be stuck on initializing.
Can recover from failed BIOS updates.
Works on non-bootable systems.
Cons:
Most complex method.
Requires creating a bootable USB.
More risk if instructions aren’t followed carefully.
Part 4: Manage System Documents After BIOS Updates with WPS Office
After updating your BIOS, it’s a good idea to organize your system-related documents for future reference. This includes BIOS update logs, download receipts, system reports, and any backup notes. You can use WPS Office, a free and user-friendly office suite, to efficiently manage these files. You can use WPS Office on your HP computer to perform the following tasks.
1. Create a BIOS Update Record
Use WPS Writer to create a simple record to include:
BIOS version before and after
Date of update
Update method used (e.g., HP Support Assistant)
Any issues or notes
This is useful for warranty claims, troubleshooting, or future updates.
2. Organize Files into Folders
Create a new folder called "BIOS Updates" in your Documents folder.
Move related files into it:
BIOS update log (from WPS Writer)
Downloaded BIOS files (optional)
Screenshots or receipts
You can also use WPS Spreadsheet to track the update history in a simple table.
3. Convert or Save Files as PDF
To make your files more secure or shareable:
In WPS Writer or Spreadsheet, go to File > Export to PDF.
Save your update logs or tables as PDFs for future reference.
4. Backup Your BIOS Records
Store a copy on WPS Cloud or a USB drive. This ensures you’ll have access to them even if your computer crashes.
You can also add passwords to WPS documents if they contain sensitive information. Use consistent naming like BIOS_Log_June2025.pdf for easy searching. You can also keep track of driver updates and Windows patches the same way.
FAQs About HP BIOS Update
Q1: Do I Really Need to Update My HP BIOS?
Not always. BIOS updates are primarily used to fix bugs, improve hardware compatibility, or enhance performance. If your HP system is running fine, updating the BIOS may not be necessary.
Q2: What Should I Do Before a BIOS Update?
Ensure your device is connected to power and has a stable internet connection.
Back up important files and close all running programs. Read the BIOS update notes to understand what’s changing.
Q3: Can I Use WPS Office to Manage BIOS Documentation?
Yes, WPS Office is great for creating, editing, and organizing BIOS update logs. You can use Writer for notes, Spreadsheets for tracking updates, and export files as PDFs.
Q4: What If BIOS Update Fails or Freezes?
Don’t turn off your PC immediately; wait to see if it resumes. If it's unresponsive for too long, force shut down and restart. If the system won’t boot, contact HP Support or use BIOS recovery tools.
