Updating the BIOS is one of those tasks that sounds more intimidating than it actually is. When done correctly, it can improve system stability, add support for newer CPUs, fix hardware compatibility issues, and patch important security vulnerabilities. MSI provides multiple ways to update your BIOS—some of which don't even require a USB drive, making the process more convenient for most users. This guide covers both MSI BIOS update methods, what you should do after the update, and how to troubleshoot potential issues if something goes wrong, ensuring a safe and smooth upgrade process.
Before You Update — Read This First
Don't update if your system is stable. If everything is working fine, a BIOS update introduces risk with no guaranteed benefit. Only update for a specific reason: new CPU support, a known bug fix, or a security patch
Ensure stable power. If you're on a laptop, keep it plugged in. Desktop users should ideally use a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to guard against power cuts
Know your motherboard model. Look at the board itself for the model name (e.g., MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK), or check MSI Center under System Info
Note your current BIOS version. This helps you confirm whether an update is actually available
Back up important data. BIOS updates don't touch your storage, but it's good practice any time you're making low-level system changes
Method 1: Update BIOS Using MSI Center (Recommended)
Step 1: Open MSI Center. If you don't have MSI Center installed, download it from MSI's official website and install it. It's free and designed specifically for MSI hardware
Step 2: Navigate to Live Update. In the MSI Center dashboard, click on Support in the left sidebar, then select Live Update
Step 3: Scan for Updates. Click Scan or it may scan automatically. MSI Center will check for available updates for your system, including drivers, firmware, and BIOS
Step 4: Select the BIOS Update. If a BIOS update is available, it will appear in the list with the version number and release notes. Review the changelog — if it addresses something relevant to your system, proceed. If not, you can skip it
Step 5: Install. Click Install next to the BIOS update. MSI Center will download the file and prepare the update
Method 2: Update BIOS Using M-Flash Internet Download
Step 1: Connect via Ethernet. Plug an Ethernet cable from your router directly into the LAN port on your PC. BIOS environments almost never support WiFi adapters
Step 2: Enter the BIOS. Restart your PC and press the Del key repeatedly during boot until the BIOS menu appears
Step 3: Open M-Flash. Look for the M-Flash option in the top menu bar or within the Advanced menu. The exact location varies by board generation
Step 4: Select Flash from Internet. Inside M-Flash, look for an option labeled Download & Flash, Flash from Internet, or similar. If this option doesn't appear, your board doesn't support this method
Step 5: Choose Your Region and Confirm. Select your nearest region for the download server. The BIOS will connect to MSI's servers, download the latest BIOS file for your board, and begin flashing automatically
Check Your Hardware Drivers
This is the step almost everyone overlooks. A BIOS update can disrupt hardware drivers. Firmware-level changes sometimes alter how Windows interacts with components like the network adapter, audio device, chipset, or GPU — and drivers that worked perfectly before may suddenly show errors or stop functioning.
Troubleshooting: Common BIOS Update Problems
System won't boot after update: Enter BIOS, select Load Optimized Defaults, save and exit
MSI Center not detecting BIOS update: Update MSI Center itself first, then rescan
M-Flash internet option is missing: Your board doesn't support it — use the USB method instead
Screen stays black after update reboot: Wait — some boards take longer on first boot after a BIOS update
Conclusion
Updating your MSI BIOS without a USB drive is straightforward once you know which tools to use. For most users, MSI Center's Live Update is the right choice — it's official, guided, and takes just a few clicks from within Windows. If you need to update outside of Windows, M-Flash's internet download feature handles it directly from the BIOS on supported boards.
