Times When You Should Use USB BIOS Flashback
USB BIOS Flashback can seem like it’s actually more effort than just using the BIOS menu or running an update straight through Windows or Linux. You have to:
Go to another computerFind the correct BIOS update onlineLoad it onto a USB Move to the motherboard that needs updatingPerform the BIOS flashback
That’s a lot more steps than just entering the BIOS menu from your startup screen and pressing update, right? But, there are certain times when using USB BIOS Flashback is much more convenient. One such time is when you’re assembling a new PC from scratch. There are often times when the processor or other parts you bought are compatible with your motherboard, but only after a BIOS update. So how would you enter the BIOS menu without a processor or ram installed first? You guessed it, through a USB BIOS Flashback port. Of course, you can run into similar issues when updating hardware, and you only realize you should have updated the BIOS firmware before you installed the new parts. Using USB BIOS Flashback will prevent you from reinstalling your old parts, updating the BIOS, and replacing the components again.
How to use USB BIOS Flashback
The steps to performing a USB BIOS Flashback are relatively straightforward. They can vary slightly between manufacturers, so it may be best to check your manual to ensure you’re doing it correctly. Still, we’ll give you a basic outline that should work for most motherboards. Sometimes, you will still need to use a USB stick to perform a BIOS flash from the BIOS menu. In this case, you just have to follow steps 1-3 above, then:
Can I Flashback Bios While My CPU and CPU Cooler Are Connected?
Yes, you can. In fact, some motherboards still require a CPU to be connected. However, most that have USB Flashback capabilities don’t need the CPU or cooler to be connected. If your CPU were going to cause any issues with the flashback, your motherboard would be likely to automatically about the flashback process and revert back to its previous settings.
Is USB BIOS Flashback Safe?
Absolutely! In most cases, using USB BIOS Flashback is actually the most fail-safe method of updating your BIOS.
Why Do I Need Bios Flashback?
There are a ton of reasons to update your BIOS ranging from hardware compatibility to faster processing and even security. Just like any other part of computing, having the latest software is generally the best way to keep your computer safe from hacking, ransomware, viruses, and other potential threats to your PC.
How Long Should Bios Flashback Take?
BIOS flashback, whether through the USB method or not, does not take a long time. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, with three minutes tending to be the absolute maximum time needed.
How Do I Know If I Can Use USB Bios Flashback?
All you have to do is check for the button on the back of your motherboard. If it doesn’t have a button, you won’t be able to use this method to flash your BIOS.
How Often Should I Flash My Bios?
Not very often, this is not like Windows updates that happen every day, week, or month. You’ll likely have to do it no more than once every six months to a year.
What Are the Risks of Updating My Bios?
The risk associated with updating your BIOS is quite dire. If you do it incorrectly or with a corrupted file, you risk turning your computer into an expensive brick. You need to make sure you get the update from a reliable source like the manufacturer’s website and choose the correct one.
