Elevate Your System: How to Update MSI Motherboard BIOS

Imagine your system fails to recognize a new CPU, memory upgrade, or operating system because the firmware is out of date. If you’re asking how to update MSI motherboard BIOS, you’re taking a crucial step toward system stability, hardware compatibility, and cybersecurity readiness. For IT managers, cybersecurity pros, and founders overseeing tech infrastructure, updating your motherboard BIOS ensures you’re not left vulnerable due to outdated firmware. This detailed article walks you through each stage—identifying your motherboard and version, choosing a method (M-Flash, BIOS Flashback, MSI Center), executing the update, and recovering if something goes wrong—so you can proceed with confidence.

Why You Should Learn How to Update MSI Motherboard BIOS

Updating your BIOS might sound like a routine task, but it’s much more than clicking a button. When you know how to update MSI motherboard BIOS correctly:

• You ensure hardware compatibility with new CPUs, memory modules or graphics cards.
• You fix firmware bugs and reduce system crashes or instability.
• You apply security patches at the firmware level, protecting against low-level threats.
• You unlock new features and optimizations from MSI that weren’t originally present.
  In enterprise and cybersecurity contexts, firmware-level management is often overlooked—but it’s essential for resilient infrastructure.

Key Preparations Before You Update BIOS

Before attempting to update your BIOS, it’s critical to prepare thoroughly. Skipping preparation can lead to a bricked board or system downtime.

Identify Your Motherboard Model & Current BIOS Version

1. Restart your PC and press Delete (or the key indicated by your system) to enter the BIOS setup.
2. In the BIOS setup, look for system information or mainboard identification—note the board model, revision and current BIOS version/date.
3. Alternatively, within Windows open msinfo32 (System Information) and check the “BIOS Version/Date” field.
   Ensuring the correct model is critical when you search for the update file.

Download the Correct BIOS File

• Visit the official MSI website.
• Search your exact motherboard model number (including revision like “WiFi”, “Pro”, “Max”).
• Go to the Support → BIOS section and download the latest stable BIOS version.
• Read the release notes—sometimes updates need prior versions installed first (incremental updates).
  Using the wrong BIOS file can render the board unusable.

Ensure Stable Power and Backup

• Use a reliable power source—preferably an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for desktops.
• Backup any critical data or system partitions (while the BIOS update usually doesn’t touch this, it’s best practice).
• Have a USB flash drive ready (formatted FAT32) and ensure you note the required naming/placement of the BIOS file.
  Preparation significantly reduces risk when you update MSI motherboard BIOS.

Review Risk vs Reward

• If your system is stable, you may choose not to update the BIOS unless there’s a specific fix or hardware upgrade need.
• If you are adding new hardware (CPU, memory), or encountering bugs/firmware vulnerabilities, then updating is justified.
  Evaluating whether and when to update is part of the process.

Methods to Update MSI Motherboard BIOS

There are multiple ways to update your BIOS on an MSI motherboard. Choose the one most suitable for your scenario (desktop, workstation, server, enterprise fleet).

Method 1: M-Flash (Within BIOS)

This is the most direct, reliable method and often recommended.
Steps:

1. Insert the USB drive containing the correct BIOS file into the PC.
2. Restart and press Delete (or equivalent) to enter BIOS.
3. Within MSI BIOS, look for M-Flash (sometimes in Tools or Easy/Advanced mode).
4. Confirm that you wish to enter flash mode.
5. Select the USB drive and BIOS file. Press Enter and confirm.
6. Do not power off or interrupt while flashing.
7. After completion, the system will reboot. Re-enter BIOS and confirm new version.
   Updating via M-Flash is straightforward and widely supported.

Method 2: BIOS Flashback (For No-CPU / Recovery or High-End Boards)

Some MSI boards support BIOS update without a CPU or even memory installed—especially useful for recovery.
Steps:

1. Format USB drive to FAT32. Rename BIOS file if required (check manual).
2. Insert the USB into the port labelled Flash BIOS (or similar).
3. With the system powered off but PSU connected, press the Flashback button.
4. Wait—usually an LED will blink during the update process.
5. When done, the LED stops. Power on system and check BIOS version.
   This method enables updating in emergency or build-ready scenarios.

Method 3: MSI Center or LiveUpdate (Windows Utility)

For users comfortable in Windows, MSI offers update utilities via software.
Steps:

1. Install MSI Center (or MSI Live Update) from MSI’s website.
2. Launch application and navigate to BIOS update section.
3. Download latest BIOS via the utility and click update.
4. System will reboot and apply the update.
   While convenient, this method carries more variables (OS state, drivers) and thus slightly higher risk. Use when appropriate and ensure backup.

Post-Update Steps & Best Practices

Completing the update is just part of the journey. Post-update tasks ensure system integrity and functionality.

Load Defaults and Re-Configure

• After updating, enter BIOS Setup and choose Load Optimised Defaults or Reset to Default.
• Re-enable any specific settings you used (overclock, XMP/DOCP, fan profiles, custom boot orders).
• Check memory speed, PCI-Express configuration and CPU settings.

Verify BIOS Version and Hardware Functionality

• In BIOS, check that version number matches what you installed.
• Boot into OS and check system information.
• Confirm that critical hardware (memory, storage, GPU) functions correctly and is properly recognized.

Monitor System Stability

• Run stress tests: memory benchmark, CPU/bus load, storage I/O.
• Check event viewer in Windows for any errors (hardware status, driver issues).
• If you experience instability, consider rolling back to previous BIOS version if possible, or use recovery methods.

Maintain Firmware Update Inventory

• For IT managers: log the date, version, and system upgraded.
• Track which devices in network were updated and ensure consistency across endpoints.
• Set reminders for future BIOS updates or manufacturer-released security patches.

Risks & How to Mitigate While Updating BIOS

Updating BIOS has benefits but also inherent risks. Knowing them helps you manage proactively.

Risk: Power Loss During Flash

Mitigation: Use UPS or ensure stable power. Never perform update during storms or unstable power conditions.

Risk: Wrong BIOS File / Incorrect Model

Mitigation: Always double check board model and revision. Download from official MSI support page only.

Risk: System Unbootable / Corrupted BIOS

Mitigation: Use boards with BIOS Flashback or dual-BIOS where available. Keep a USB recovery drive ready.

Risk: Introduced Bugs or Incompatibilities

Mitigation: Read release notes, user forums. If your system is stable, evaluate if update is necessary. Avoid beta BIOS unless you need a specific fix.

When Should You Update Your MSI Motherboard BIOS?

Knowing when to update is as important as knowing how—mistiming can introduce instability unnecessarily.

Situations Where Update Makes Sense

• Upgrading to a new CPU or memory kit that requires BIOS support.
• Encountering system instability, boot issues or firmware-related bugs.
• When there is a documented security/microcode vulnerability in your current BIOS.
• When new BIOS adds performance improvements or new features beneficial to your workflow.

Situations Where You May Wait

• System is stable and performing well. “If it ain’t broke…” applies to firmware.
• No planned hardware upgrades and manufacturer states no urgent firmware patch is required.
  Evaluate carefully before proceeding.

Best Practices for IT Managers / Cybersecurity Teams

For organizations managing fleets of motherboards and endpoints, updating BIOS becomes part of device lifecycle and governance.

Inventory Management

• Maintain a database of motherboard models, current BIOS versions, update history.
• Standardise revisions where possible across fleet to simplify support.

Policy and Procedure

• Create an update policy: when and how BIOS updates are applied (e.g., quarterly, with hardware refresh).
• Include rollback planning and documented recovery procedures for failed updates.

Security Integration

• Link BIOS updates to vulnerability management workflows—firmware updates often include microcode patches.
• Ensure endpoint management systems can query BIOS versions and flag outdated systems.

Training and Documentation

• Support teams should be trained on the correct method (M-Flash, Flashback, MSI Center).
• Maintain internal documentation referencing each motherboard model’s update process.

By integrating how to update MSI motherboard BIOS into your operational workflow, you move from reactive fixes to proactive infrastructure stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I update my MSI motherboard BIOS from within Windows?
A1: Yes—using MSI Center or LiveUpdate. However, the most reliable method remains M-Flash from the BIOS interface or Flashback on supported boards.

Q2: What happens if the BIOS update fails?
A2: If your board supports Flashback or has dual-BIOS, you can often recover. Otherwise you may need to re-flash via USB or send the board for repair. Always ensure you follow instructions and have power stability.

Q3: Will updating BIOS improve system performance significantly?
A3: Sometimes. BIOS updates may add support for newer hardware, fix bugs, or optimise memory/CPU behaviour. But it isn’t guaranteed to produce major gains—major performance boosts usually come from hardware upgrades.

Q4: How often should I check for BIOS updates?
A4: For individual systems: when you upgrade hardware, encounter issues, or when a security bulletin is issued. For enterprise fleets: integrate into quarterly firmware review cycles.

Q5: Is it safe to skip BIOS updates if my system works fine?
A5: Yes—if your system is stable and no hardware upgrade or security patch is required, you may skip for now. BIOS updates should be purposeful, not routine without reason.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to update MSI motherboard BIOS empowers you to maintain a secure, stable, and future-proof system. Whether you’re upgrading hardware, tightening security, or managing multiple endpoints across an organisation, handling firmware updates at the motherboard level is critical for device lifecycle management.

By following a prepared process—identifying correct models, downloading verified BIOS files, choosing the appropriate method (M-Flash, Flashback, MSI Center), verifying results, and documenting updates—you reduce risk, enhance compatibility, and reinforce your infrastructure’s reliability.

Ready to put this into action? Standardise your firmware update workflow, integrate into your device governance processes, and ensure every system in your environment is running the right BIOS version with confidence.

Start your free trial now and empower your team with Comodo’s unified endpoint management suite—bringing you firmware visibility, device compliance tracking, and simplified system updates across your entire infrastructure.