Motherboard BIOS Update -> Beta? Or Not?

[GemStater]

I'm planning on updating my computer. I'll be installing a new M.2 SSD and fresh install of Windows 11. But before I do that, thinking it might be a good idea to update the motherboard BIOS.

Below, a sampling of current available updates:

10.31 [Beta] - 8/26/24
10.20 - 7/5/24
10.08 [Beta] - 1/31/24

Currently on version 5.70 - 10/21/22

Question: Is it okay to install a Beta version or should I just stick with, I'd guess you'd call it, stable channel version, e.g., version 10.20?

Thanks!

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

Forget the beta versions. Stick with 10.20.

 

[researcher]

yes I agree go with the 10.20 version

 

[ka9mnx]

NEVER install a "Beta" on anything. Unless you want to be a test bed!

 

[berniedd]

Why do you need to update the BIOS? (If it ain't broke, don't fix it)

If something goes wrong during the update, you could end up with a dead motherboard. I only do BIOS update if I really, really have to, and always with the computer plugged in to my UPS.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

BIOS updates are released for a few reasons, patching security vulnerabilities being the biggest one nowadays. Here at work, they are mandating monthly BIOS updates for the tens of thousands of Dell laptops employees use here for exactly that reason.

My wife's Dell PC has had nine new BIOSes released in the last year mainly to address security issues. NINE.

Fixing Windows 11 compatibility is another big one. In either event it's worth doing.

Updating a computer BIOS isn't the cross-your-fingers, 'Boy, I sure hope this doesn't brick it' process it used to be.

 

[Danno]

To get ready for Win11, I had to update my 2017 ASUS BIOS.
Computer worked fine, except didn't pass the Win11 test.
Updated it a month ago, ready to go.

As stated, use the 10.20 - 7/5/24 BIOS.

 

[KrisZ]

No beta for sure, unless it solves for a specific problem you're experiencing. Other than that read the update summary on the manufacturer's website. If it includes any security/vulnerability reasons, I would go for it. Otherwise, I would stay on the current bios version.

 

[OVERKILL]

No beta for sure, unless it solves for a specific problem you're experiencing. Other than that read the update summary on the manufacturer's website. If it includes any security/vulnerability reasons, I would go for it. Otherwise, I would stay on the current bios version.

Yup, this.

If the BETA bios addresses an issue you are specifically experiencing, then it may make sense, if it doesn't, then just use the latest stable release.

 

[jcy]

Reminder to all, don't perform a BIOS update before bitlocker or any other form of disk encryption has been disabled/suspended.

 

[Lubener]

Unless you are addressing a specific problem which is mentioned in the update , I would not do a bios update. Sometimes new problems are created doing updates on a good working machine.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

To get ready for Win11, I had to update my 2017 ASUS BIOS.
Computer worked fine, except didn't pass the Win11 test.
Updated it a month ago, ready to go.

As stated, use the 10.20 - 7/5/24 BIOS.

There's a workaround for non Win 11 compliant MB?

 

[dogememe]

If you are using a 13th/14th gen Intel CPU, you NEED the latest BIOS updates, and you should check again in a few months to see if a new update is available. They are trying to fix an issue with power management that leads to instability and/or premature failure of the CPUs.

If you're using anything else, a BIOS update is good, but not as necessary. I'd say go ahead and install the latest non-beta version. There is really no harm in doing it.

 

[Pew]

There's a workaround for non Win 11 compliant MB?

Rufus used to let you disable the checks when you created a Win11 ISO install. However, the last time I used the latest version of Rufus with 24H2 in October, it did not give me those options.

 

[dogememe]

There's a workaround for non Win 11 compliant MB?

Yes, there are workarounds, but at this point, just buy a newer computer. Platforms that don't support Win11 are OLD at this point, and technology has a come a long way. Depending on your power costs, a newer, more efficient PC might pay for itself over a 5 year period anyway, if you use it a lot.

 

[Danno]

There's a workaround for non Win 11 compliant MB?

I believe the test that failed was TPM 2.0. A newer BIOS fixed the failed test.
Search your MB model and see if a newer BIOS can fix what fails on the Win 11 test when you run it.
Seems like Win11 requires a more secure boot sequence.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

I believe the test that failed was TPM 2.0. A newer BIOS fixed the failed test.
Search your MB model and see if a newer BIOS can fix what fails on the Win 11 test when you run it.
Seems like Win11 requires a more secure boot sequence.

Thx. Iirc the Win11 MB contain a needed chip.

 

[Danno]

Thx. Iirc the Win11 MB contain a needed chip.

My MB build is from 2017. A 2022 Bios update did the trick.
Do you know your MB model and Bios version?

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

My MB build is from 2017. A 2022 Bios update did the trick.
Do you know your MB model and Bios version?

Ya. I'll check Asus when I get home.

 

[Danno]

ASUS Prime Z390 here. Version 3006.
Actually a 2021 Build.

The update is a little convoluted.
These might help.