How to Update the System BIOS in an HP Pavilion

By Gregory Hamel

A computer's system BIOS, or basic input/output system, is firmware that allows a motherboard to boot, test basic system devices to ensure that they are working properly and prepare the system for booting up the operating system stored on the computer's hard drive. The basic black or blue text screens that appear when a computer is first turned on are part of the BIOS utility. Updating a computer's BIOS can help ensure that it boots up and runs as efficiently as possible.

Step 1

Turn on your HP Pavilion.

Step 2

Determine the exact model number of your HP. There should be a sticker on the computer with the model number.

Step 3

Go to HP's driver support center online. (See Resources.)

Step 4

Enter your computer model into the field provided and search for updates.

Step 5

Download the newest BIOS update applicable for your computer model. If there are more than one BIOS update available, you may have to identify your motherboard model. To do this, you can either open up your computer and look at the labels on the motherboard itself or download a free system scanning program, such as CPU-Z, and run it to display information on your motherboard.

Step 6

Run the newly installed BIOS after it is downloaded. Restart your computer after the installation is complete.

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