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Stephen Harrison, M.Sc., CITP 🗓️ Updated ⏱️ — 📝 —

American Megatrends BIOS Update - A Safe, Step-by-Step Guide

The American Megatrends BIOS Update process is much simpler today than it has ever been before. However, caution is still strongly advised. Please take the time to read the safety notice, so you do not fall foul of the pitfalls when updating your computer's BIOS.

What Is American Megatrends (AMI) And What Does BIOS/UEFI Mean?

The Basic Input Output System (legacy BIOS) or Unified Extensible Markup Language (UEFI and the modern BIOS replacement) is the small program that checks your computer is in working order before it starts up. Like any other software program, new updates are released by the manufacturer to improve stability, security, and the performance of your device.

American Megatrends Inc. (AMI) developed their Aptio BIOS/UEFI firmware, which is customised by computer and motherboard manufacturers, such as Dell, HP, Gigabyte, ASRock etc., to work specifically with their systems. This is why it is important to only install the BIOS software issued by your computer or motherboard manufacturer.

Should You Update Your BIOS?

One of your first considerations is whether you actually need to update your BIOS. I seldom update the BIOS of my computers because I prefer a stable system over the need to have the latest software installed. If there is no need, I don't update.

I do, however, periodically check the vendor change logs of the latest release of their BIOS firmware. If the summary of changes includes security fixes or improvements to system stability, for example, only then do I run through the update steps.

The Infographic below shows the decision-making steps and considerations for updating your computer's BIOS.

Need Help Deciding?
Follow The Infographic Decision Tree Above

Download Decision Tree (JPG)

Decide Your Preferred BIOS Update Method

There are three ways to update your computer's BIOS. They are:-

• The easy way most computers users update - The Windows Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Updater
• The 'DIY' way, undertaken by computer enthusiasts, often with specialist motherboards - The UEFI Built-in Tools
• The AMI Firmware Update advanced method - The AMI Aptio AFU tools

Each approach has its pros and cons, as outlined in Table 1 below. Click or tap each button for each section.

The Best 6-Step Approach to Updating Your BIOS Using Windows OEM Files

As mentioned in Table 1 above, this is the most appropriate method for pre-built computers 'straight out of the store', such as HP, Dell and Lenovo.

The 6-step approach guides you through the process, where I update one of my Laptops. This is followed by the answers to some of the common issues when updating in this way. We then look at the Computer enthusiast's method (link), and then the AMI AFUWIN method (link). 

Carefully follow each step below. Do not miss out on any of the steps or try and cut corners. This is how mistakes happen. There is an interactive and downloadable checklist (link) for you to use at the end of the process.

Step 1 — Identify your Exact Computer Model and BIOS Version

The easiest and fastest way to identify your computer model and motherboard is to Press Win+R → type msinfo32 → Enter.

In the System Summary, note:-

• System Manufacturer and Model
• BIOS Version/Date

It is also worth noting your BaseBoard Manufacturer and Product for completeness, although this is usually required for those with custom build computers only. BaseBoard is another name for Motherboard.

Identify Your Computer Model and BIOS Version in Microsoft Window

Another way you can identity your BIOS version is to run the following command in PowerShell:-

• Run the following command in PowerShell Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_BIOS

I usually run the msinfo32 command. Why complicate matters? The image below shows the PowerShell command outcomes.

PowerShell BIOS Version Command

Step 2 — Read The OEM Release Notes

Your next step is to go to your computer's official support page. Then download and read the release notes, also known as the change log, for the latest release of the BIOS software available, and for the exact model of computer that you own.

Check the BIOS version available against the version installed on your computer. Is it different? Supported computers generally have a newer BIOS version available to be installed.

In my example, the release notes for my Lenovo Laptop documented a fix for a security issue.

Lenovo BIOS Changelog Showing A Security Issue

The Intel website states the security issue is a BIOS firmware or authenticated code module problem for some Intel CPU’s, that may allow escalation of privileges or information disclosure.

This is a high severity vulnerability, and, following the flow chart above, there is a justifiable reason to update my BIOS version now.

Step 3 — Download Your OEM BIOS File

As a reminder, only download from the official website, and for your exact model of computer. I find searching for updates using my computer's serial number, rather than the model, is more accurate. You often find the serial number printed on the back of your computer, or on the bottom of your Laptop.

If you enter the following command into your command prompt, your device's serial number displays on screen:-

• wmic bios get serialnumber

Checksum & signatures (Lenovo System Update: Update Drivers, BIOS, and Applications - Lenovo Support DE)

Step 4 — Complete the Pre-installation Checklist

Review the interactive checklist below and ensure you complete each task before you run the BIOS updater file.

Click the print button and either print out onto paper, or print to PDF (Save as PDF) for a local copy of the checklist.

Step 5 — Run the BIOS Update File

Run the EXE, or executable as an administrator, to avoid any potential permissions issues. This is an unlikely problem in my experience, but better to be safe than sorry.

Now, simply follow the on-screen instructions. If you are uncertain, accept the default options.

Below are a couple of screenshots that shows that the Lenovo BIOS Update Utility looks like. The installation wizard is familiar to those who has installed software before.

Lenovo BIOS Update Utility Wizard Opening Screen

Lenovo BIOS Update Utility Wizard Last Screen

After clicking Finish, your computer will reboot, but before it loads as normal, a command prompt appears, and prints on screen the step it is taking to update, or flash, your BIOS. The screenshot below shows part of what appeared of my Laptop screen when it rebooted.

At this stage, there is usually no need to abort the process. Let the update utility complete its task, and wait for the device to reboot. Do not switch off your device, unplug anything, or press any keys on your keyboard.

My 7-year-old Laptop took about 4 minute to run the BIOS update and reboot to the login screen. The BIOS update file is small, typically around 5-6Mb, so the update process is quick, and likely faster on more modern computers.

Lenovo BIOS Flashing in Action

Step 6 — Complete the Post-Installation Checklist

Review the interactive checklist below and ensure you complete each task after you run the BIOS updater file.

Click the print button and either print out onto paper, or print to PDF (Save as PDF) for a local copy of the checklist.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Windows BIOS Executables (Q&A)

Watch Official OEM BIOS Update Videos (By Brand)

To support your American Megatrends BIOS Update, or your OEMs version of the AMI BIOS to be precise, have a flick through the video carousel below to see if your computer manufacturer's video instructions for updating your BIOS is listed.

The video's below are the official OEM guides only. Pick your brand, then press play.

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The Computer Enthusiast's BIOS Update Method

I call this method the computer enthusiast's method because it is more involved than simply running a downloaded BIOS file.

Advanced users generally build their own computers, and buy specialist motherboards that have a built-in "flasher", that requires the use of customised "flashing tools" to update the BIOS. These include, for example:-

• ASUS → EZ Flash / EZ Flash 3 Tools
• MSI → M-Flash Tool
• GIGABYTE → Q-Flash / Q-Flash Plus / @BIOS Tools
• ASRock → Instant Flash Tool

The criteria for whether to update your BIOS or not, and all the safety considerations, apply just as much to this method as the Windows installer method.

Steps 1-4 above equally apply to this method. For example, reading through the BIOS release notes, determining the exact model of your motherboard brand (BaseBoard) and sourcing the exact BIOS file for download are critical to a successful update. 

For this method, however, you need a USB stick which is formatted with the FAT32 file system. Yes, this file system is over 30 years old, and has long since been superseded by the NTFS File System format. However, FAT32 is universally recognised by BIOS firmware, unlike NTFS. It is therefore safer to use the FAT32 format.

Once you have done this, extract the downloaded BIOS file and copy it to the USB pen. Do not put it inside a folder on the USB pen. Copy it to the 'root' of the USB pen.

Now, reboot your device, and enter the BIOS/UEFI, usually through pressing a specific key or combination of keys on the keyboard, at the appropriate time (very early in the boot process - keep an eye out for the prompt on screen). For example, the F2 key provides access on a Dell computer.

Once you are in the BIOS/UEFI, launch the update/flasher utility inside the BIOS/UEFI and run the flash file. The UEFI sometimes has a launcher in the Advanced menu.

From here, be patient and wait for the update to complete. Do not panic if your computer reboots more than once during the update process. Do not touch the USB pen. After the update is completed, follow the post-installation checklist above. Did you remember to suspend BitLocker?

Troubleshooting Common Issues with BIOS Update Flashing Tools (Q&A)

Watch Official Specialist BIOS Update Videos (By Motherboard Type)

To support your American Megatrends BIOS Update, or your OEMs version of the AMI BIOS to be precise, have a flick through the video carousel below to see if your motherboard or BaseBoard manufacturer's video instructions for updating your BIOS is listed.

The video's below are the official OEM guides only. Pick your brand, then press play..

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The AMI Aptio Method For Advanced Users

TBC

·         Aptio is the brand name American Megatrends Inc. (AMI) uses for its modern UEFI firmware platform

·         Older AMI systems use AMIBIOS (old legacy BIOS)

·         New systems use Aptio, built on the UEFI Standard, to replace the old legacy BIOS

·         Aptio v5 is currently the latest version

·         Aptio versions are generations of AMI’s UEFI platform, similar to how Windows has versions (7, 10, 11). A newer Aptio version = better support for modern hardware and security features.

·         AMI provides a utility called Aptio AFUWIN /AFUDOS, but it’s generally for OEMs and advanced scenarios

·         AMI Firmware Update tool - AFUWIN – Runs in Windows, AFUDOS – Runs in Command Line etc.

·         Everyday users should not use AFU unless the OEM explicitly tells you to, because it bypasses safety checks and increases the risk of “bricking” the motherboard.

·         Consider Screenshots

Add a “What AMI is (and isn’t)” explainer to clarify AMI vs. your motherboard/system OEM (crucial to relevance & accuracy)

FAQ (plain-English)

Do I need to update my BIOS?

Not always. If your PC is stable and there’s no security/compatibility fix you need, you can wait.

Is it safe?

Yes, if you use your brand’s official file and instructions, keep power connected, and don’t interrupt the process.

Windows updater or USB/BIOS tool?

Use what your brand recommends for your model. Most laptops/desktops use a Windows updater. Most DIY motherboards use a BIOS/USB tool.

BitLocker keeps asking for a key — what is that?

It’s a security feature. A BIOS change can trigger a Recovery Key prompt. Before updating, Suspend BitLocker or have the key ready (from your Microsoft/organization account).

Can I go back to an older BIOS if I don’t like the new one?

Often no. Many brands block downgrades. Decide before you flash.

My PC won’t boot after an update — what now?

Look for built-in recovery features (e.g., ASUS CrashFree, USB BIOS FlashBack; GIGABYTE DualBIOS/Q-Flash Plus). If those aren’t available or don’t work, clear CMOS, try a different FAT32 USB, reseat RAM, or contact your brand’s support.

Recovery quick reference (only if things go wrong)

• ASUS: CrashFree BIOS 3 / USB BIOS FlashBack (some models)
• GIGABYTE: DualBIOS / Q-Flash Plus (some models can flash with only power + USB)
• MSI / ASRock / Others: Check your model’s support page for recovery instructions

If you’re not comfortable doing recovery steps, stop and contact support. It’s better to get help than to guess.

• Or: clear CMOS, try different USB, reseat RAM/GPU

Ask a Question

Not sure about your specific model?

Have a BIOS update that doesn’t look like the guides above?

Click the button below to ask me a question — include your brand, model, and what step you’re stuck on.

I’ll help you find the right official support link and the safest method for your computer.

Ask a question

Check out hints and tips for recovering your device if the worst happens after updating your BIOS

References

NOTES

Keyword Search Intent

• Users typically want to learn how to update an AMI/Aptio BIOS safely, or where to get the correct update
• Many searchers intend to land on official support pages (usually OEM support, not AMI) or the AMI Firmware Update Utility (AFU) doc pages.
• PAA - “Is it safe?”, “How do I back up the current BIOS?”, “What if update fails?”, “How to use AFU/AFUDOS/AFUWIN?”, “Aptio IV vs V?” How do I update without USB?”, “Where to download AMI BIOS?”
• Videos: YouTube tutorials (EZ Flash, M-Flash, Q-Flash, AFU tools
• Related searches:-  ami bios update; windows american megatrends aptio setup utility update;  ami firmware update utility / afuwin / afudos download, aptio iv vs aptio v update, is it safe to update bios
• People also ask -  “How do I update AMI (Aptio) BIOS safely?”  “Should I update BIOS if my PC works fine?” “Where do I download AMI BIOS updates — AMI or my motherboard vendor?” “How do I use AFUWIN / AFUDOS?” “What’s the difference between Aptio IV and V?” “Can I update BIOS from Windows?”
• Recommendations for OVERdelivering content:0
• Safety-first structure: Back up current settings, ensure stable power, avoid unnecessary updates, verify exact model/revision, match Aptio IV vs V, explain rollback risk.
• How-to variants: 1. By vendor tools (EZ Flash, M-Flash, Q-Flash, @BIOS, Dell/HP/Lenovo utilities). 2. Methods: BIOS/UEFI utility, USB BIOS Flashback, Windows-based utilities (pros/cons).
• AFU coverage (careful): Explain AFUWIN/AFUDOS usage, risks, and when not to use it (prefer OEM method).
• Trust: Changelogs, checksum guidance, and verification steps; caution about third-party “driver updater” software.
• Audience micro-intents (useful for page structure): DIY desktop builders (board vendors’ flash tools, BIOS Flashback methods).Laptop/enterprise users (OEM Windows executables/Update utilities).Advanced users (AFU tools, force-flashing, recovery/CH341A—explain risks; steer to safer OEM paths).
• Method sections: BIOS/UEFI utility (preferred), USB BIOS Flashback, OEM Windows tools (pros/cons), AFU (advanced; warn).
• one-page cheatsheet
• PAA questions to target as H2/H3 + 40–55 word answers: “Do I get AMI BIOS updates from AMI or my motherboard maker?” “Is it safe to update BIOS if my PC works fine?” “How do I update AMI/Aptio BIOS without USB?” “What’s the difference between Aptio IV and V updates?” “Can I update from Windows? Is it riskier than flashing in UEFI?”

Entities/terms to naturally include

AMI, UEFI firmware, firmware capsule, SMBIOS version, Secure Boot, CMOS, XMP/EXPO, EZ Flash, M-FLASH, Q-Flash, Instant Flash, BIOS Flashback, Dual BIOS, service tag/serial, release notes, checksum/MD5/SHA-256.

Images: Add 6–10 annotated screenshots (BIOS screens across vendors)

1. Recovery Matrix by Brand (what to try, in order)

• Post-flash checklist: first boot delay, load defaults if advised, re-apply XMP/EXPO & boot order.
• Recovery section: BIOS Flashback/Dual BIOS/crash-free update, clear CMOS, crisis recovery order of operations.

• HowTo + FAQ schema for richer SERP and scannability.

1. FAQ ideas (mark up with FAQPage)

• Is AMI the same as my motherboard brand? (No; AMI supplies firmware; updates come from your OEM.)
• Do I need to update if my PC is stable? (Usually no; exceptions…)
• Can I downgrade BIOS? (Sometimes; OEM-dependent; risks explained.)
• What if power fails during flash? (Recovery options by brand; when to use Flashback.)
• Will a BIOS update improve performance? (Rarely; more about stability/CPU support/security.)

• Link policy: Only to OEM/AMI official docs/utilities; warn against unofficial ROMs/tools.

• PAA answers: 40–55 words, plain language, define when/why, link to relevant section.

• Video: 60–120s, clear on prerequisites, show EZ Flash/M-Flash/Q-Flash with captions.

• Match exact model/board revision; wrong ROM can brick devices.

Add brand support links once you publish so users can jump straight to their page.

• Post-flash checklist: Clear CMOS/Load Optimized Defaults (if appropriate), re-set custom configs, re-check temps/fans.

• Troubleshooting matrix: Common error messages, beeps/LED codes; what to do if Windows BIOS updater freezes, etc.

• A universal BIOS recovery flowchart.

Updating the BIOS is much easier to do now. When I was a fledgling computer technician, I had to deal with corrupted BIOS software, and BIOS password lockouts, often when computers were passed on to someone else, and the previous owner had put a password onto the BIOS settings. Moving the jumpers (little black plastic sleeves) onto different motherboard pins to remove the unknown password was a joy!