Updating your MSI motherboard BIOS can unlock new features (like support for the latest CPUs), fix bugs, improve stability, or enhance compatibility with new hardware. While BIOS updates might seem technical, MSI provides user-friendly tools to simplify the process. However, a failed update can damage your motherboard, so following the steps carefully is critical. This guide breaks down the process into safe, easy-to-follow steps.
BIOS updates are not risk-free—preparation is key to avoiding mistakes.
You need to know your current BIOS version to check if an update is necessary (and to download the correct file).
In Windows: Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Look for BIOS Version/Date in the system summary. Note the version (e.g., “E7C91AMS.150”).
In BIOS/UEFI: Restart your PC and press Del (or F2) repeatedly when the MSI logo appears to enter the BIOS. The version is usually displayed on the main screen.
Never download BIOS files from third-party sites—use MSI’s official page to avoid malware or incorrect files.
Enter your motherboard’s model (e.g., “B760 Tomahawk WiFi”) in the search bar and select your model from the results.
Go to the Support tab, then click BIOS in the left menu.
Compare the latest BIOS version with your current one. If the latest is newer (e.g., “160” vs. your “150”), download it.
Note: MSI BIOS files are usually named with the motherboard model and version (e.g., “B760TOMAHAWKWIFI_E7C91AMS.160”) and saved as a .CAP file—this is the update file you’ll use.
A USB flash drive: Format it to FAT32 (important—BIOS can’t read NTFS/exFAT). Keep it empty (no other files) to avoid confusion.
Stable power: Connect your PC to a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) if possible. A power outage during the update will brick the motherboard.
Backup (optional): If your BIOS has a “Backup BIOS” feature, enable it first (check your motherboard manual). Some MSI motherboards have a dual-BIOS design to recover from failures, but don’t rely on this.
MSI Center is a Windows-based tool that automates BIOS updates. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable using software and your PC boots to Windows normally.
Install MSI Center: If not already installed, download it from the MSI Center page. Launch the app after installation.
Navigate to BIOS Update: In MSI Center, go to the Support tab (or “Toolkit” on some versions), then select BIOS Update.
Scan for Updates: The tool will automatically detect your motherboard model and check for the latest BIOS version. If an update is available, click Download to save the .CAP file to your PC.
Start the Update: After downloading, click Update. The tool will prompt you to confirm—read the warning (do not turn off the PC during the process), then click Proceed.
Wait for Completion: Your PC will restart automatically and enter the BIOS update screen. A progress bar will show the update status. Do not interrupt this process (no pressing keys, no powering off). Once done, the PC will restart again.
M-Flash is MSI’s built-in BIOS update tool that works directly from the BIOS interface. It’s more reliable than software-based methods, especially if you can’t boot into Windows or prefer a offline update.
Save the BIOS File to USB:
Copy the downloaded .CAP BIOS file (from the MSI website) to your FAT32-formatted USB drive. Do not put it in a folder—save it directly to the root directory (e.g., “E:\B760TOMAHAWKWIFI_E7C91AMS.160.cap”).
Safely eject the USB drive from your PC.
Enter BIOS/UEFI Interface:
Restart your PC and press Del (or F2) repeatedly when the MSI logo appears to enter the BIOS.
Launch M-Flash:
In the BIOS, click the M-Flash icon (usually on the main screen, or in the “Tools” tab). A warning will appear—read it, then click Yes to proceed.
Select the BIOS File:
The tool will detect your USB drive. Select your USB drive from the list, then choose the .CAP BIOS file you saved earlier.
Confirm the selection. The tool will display the current and target BIOS versions—double-check they match your motherboard model, then click Yes.
Complete the Update: The M-Flash screen will show a progress bar. Do not touch the PC until the update finishes. Once done, the PC will restart automatically, and the new BIOS will be active.
To confirm the update worked:
Restart your PC and enter the BIOS (press Del/F2). Check the BIOS version on the main screen—it should match the latest version you downloaded.
If you updated for CPU support, install your new CPU (if not already installed) and ensure the PC boots normally.
Do not power off the PC during the update. Even a brief power loss can render the motherboard unbootable.
Use the correct BIOS file: A file for the wrong motherboard model will brick your device. Triple-check the model number.
Update only when necessary: BIOS updates aren’t required unless you need new features or are fixing a specific issue.
Avoid overclocking before updating: If your CPU is overclocked, reset BIOS settings to default first (use “Load Optimized Defaults” in BIOS) to prevent stability issues during the update.
Updating your MSI motherboard BIOS is safe when done correctly. By following these steps—preparing carefully, using official tools, and avoiding interruptions—you can successfully unlock your motherboard’s full potential.
