Three examples of modern BIOS and UEFI tools
Australian listing check — 27 September 2026: Scorptec listed the MSI at $299 and ASUS at $339; PCByte listed the Gigabyte at $269. Delivery, stock and prices can change. These boards illustrate firmware features; you do not need to buy a motherboard to follow this guide.
MSI B850M GAMING PLUS WIFI
Its M-Flash utility, Flash BIOS button and Clear CMOS control illustrate three different jobs: updating from setup, using a dedicated flash procedure and resetting settings. They are not interchangeable.
The BIOS—or, on modern computers, its successor UEFI—is the motherboard software that starts before Windows. It checks and prepares essential hardware, decides which device to boot from and hands control to the operating system. Most computer owners never need to change it, but PC builders and troubleshooters may occasionally use it to enable a memory profile, adjust fans, choose a boot drive or install an important firmware update.
The motherboard examples at a glance
- MSI B850M GAMING PLUS WIFI: M-Flash and a dedicated Flash BIOS button.
- ASUS TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI: UEFI settings and dedicated BIOS FlashBack.
- Gigabyte B850 EAGLE WIFI6E: Q-Flash Plus, with revision-specific support.
How we chose these examples
These Australian-listed AM5 motherboards show three manufacturers’ firmware tools and dedicated update features. Their official documentation supplies the feature descriptions. This is a research-based explanation, not a hands-on motherboard performance test or a ranking of the best boards. For an existing laptop or prebuilt PC, use the computer manufacturer’s support page, even if the internal motherboard looks similar.
1. MSI B850M GAMING PLUS WIFI
A compact example of modern firmware and recovery controls.
MSI lists M-Flash for updating firmware from its setup utility, plus a separate Flash BIOS button that can work with a connected power supply without a CPU or memory installed. These are different procedures: use the instructions for the method you intend to run.
Useful firmware features
- Built-in M-Flash firmware utility.
- Dedicated Flash BIOS button and Clear CMOS button.
Checks before choosing
- The similar WIFI6E model uses its own support files.
- Micro-ATX layout: check expansion requirements before buying.
Consider this board if: you are planning a compatible AM5 build and want a compact board with documented update and reset controls.
2. ASUS TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI
A full-size example of ASUS firmware tools.
This ATX model provides ASUS UEFI settings and a dedicated BIOS FlashBack button. ASUS EZ Flash operates from the firmware interface; FlashBack is a separate USB-based procedure. The required port, file preparation and completion indicators must come from this exact model’s instructions.
Official ASUS TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI information and support
Useful firmware features
- Dedicated BIOS FlashBack support.
- Manufacturer documentation for UEFI and EZ Flash.
Checks before choosing
- Needs a case that accommodates ATX.
- Do not use files for the B850M-PLUS or another TUF variant.
Consider this board if: you are planning an ATX AM5 build and prefer ASUS’s documented firmware tools.
3. Gigabyte B850 EAGLE WIFI6E
An example of why the printed board revision matters.
Gigabyte lists Q-Flash Plus for this model family, allowing a firmware update without installing a CPU, memory or graphics card. Check the revision printed on the physical board before choosing its support page. A product-family name alone is not enough to select an update file.
Useful firmware features
- Dedicated Q-Flash Plus update feature.
- Official revision-specific support information.
Checks before choosing
- Check the actual PCB revision before downloading firmware.
- Requires an ATX-compatible case.
Consider this board if: you are planning an ATX AM5 build and will verify the board revision and Q-Flash Plus instructions.
BIOS and UEFI at a glance
| Term | What it means | What you need to know |
|---|---|---|
| BIOS | Basic Input/Output System | The traditional PC firmware system; the name is still commonly used for modern firmware menus |
| UEFI | Unified Extensible Firmware Interface | The modern replacement for legacy BIOS, supporting newer boot, security and storage features |
| Firmware | Software stored on hardware rather than the normal Windows drive | A BIOS update is a motherboard firmware update |
| CMOS | A term commonly used for the small store of firmware settings and its supporting battery | Clearing CMOS restores firmware settings, but does not reinstall Windows or erase ordinary files |
| POST | Power-on self-test | The initial hardware check performed when the PC starts |
What happens when you turn on the computer?
- The motherboard firmware begins running before Windows.
- It initialises essential hardware such as the processor, memory, graphics and storage controllers.
- It performs startup checks and may display a logo, diagnostic light or error code.
- It reads saved configuration such as boot order, memory settings and fan controls.
- It locates a bootable operating system or recovery device.
- It transfers control to the Windows boot process.
If the computer cannot complete these early steps, it may show no picture, repeatedly restart, emit beep codes or illuminate a motherboard diagnostic LED. Those symptoms occur before Windows has properly started, so changing Windows settings may not help.
Why people still call UEFI “the BIOS”
Most current PCs use UEFI rather than the original style of BIOS. UEFI can offer a graphical interface, mouse support, Secure Boot, modern partition support and more flexible firmware tools. However, manufacturers and users continue to say “BIOS” when referring to the firmware itself, its setup screen or an update.
For an ordinary owner, the distinction is less important than following the instructions for the exact computer. A manufacturer may call the menu BIOS Setup, UEFI Setup, Firmware Settings or System Setup.
What settings are normally found in the BIOS?
| Setting area | What it controls | Should a beginner change it? |
|---|---|---|
| Boot order | Which drive or USB device the computer tries first | Only when installing or recovering an operating system |
| XMP, EXPO or memory profile | The tested performance profile stored on compatible memory | Reasonable for a PC builder after confirming compatibility |
| Fan controls | Fan response to temperature | Usually safe when adjusted conservatively and temperatures are checked |
| Secure Boot | Whether trusted boot software is required during startup | Leave enabled unless trusted instructions require otherwise |
| TPM or firmware TPM | Security functions used by features including device encryption and Windows 11 requirements | Do not clear or disable it casually |
| Virtualisation | Hardware support for virtual machines and some security features | Leave the existing setting unless software or trusted instructions require a change |
| CPU voltage and multiplier | Processor power, clock behaviour and overclocking | No, unless following expert model-specific guidance |
| Storage mode | How storage controllers operate, such as AHCI or RAID modes | Avoid changing after Windows installation without a planned migration |
Do you ever need to enter the BIOS?
You may have a genuine reason to enter it when:
- building a new PC and checking that the processor, memory and drives are detected;
- selecting a USB drive to install or repair Windows;
- enabling a supported XMP or EXPO memory profile;
- adjusting case-fan or CPU-fan behaviour;
- enabling a feature specifically required by software or hardware;
- checking hardware information during troubleshooting;
- restoring safe defaults after an unstable configuration; or
- updating firmware to fix a relevant problem, vulnerability or compatibility issue.
You do not need to enter it for ordinary web browsing, gaming, updates to normal applications or routine Windows use.
How do you enter the BIOS?
During startup
Turn on or restart the computer and press the manufacturer’s setup key as startup begins. Common keys include Delete, F2, F10 or Esc, but the correct key depends on the motherboard or computer. The startup screen or manual normally identifies it.
Through Windows
On a supported UEFI system, Windows can restart into its recovery environment and open UEFI Firmware Settings. The exact menu wording can change between Windows versions, so use Microsoft’s current instructions rather than an old screenshot.
What are XMP and EXPO?
Memory sold at an advertised performance speed may initially operate at a conservative standard setting. Intel Extreme Memory Profile, known as XMP, and AMD Extended Profiles for Overclocking, known as EXPO, store tested timing and voltage profiles that compatible firmware can apply.
Enabling the correct profile is a common step after building a PC, but it is still a form of memory overclocking. Success depends on the processor’s memory controller, motherboard, BIOS version, memory kit and number of modules. If the computer becomes unstable, return to the previous setting or load defaults.
Never assume that combining separate memory kits will work at the advertised profile merely because their model numbers appear similar.
Should you adjust fan settings?
A motherboard fan curve controls how quickly connected fans run as temperature changes. A gentler curve can reduce noise; a more aggressive curve may improve cooling. The safe approach is to make small adjustments and then monitor temperatures under a realistic workload.
Before changing a header’s control mode, confirm whether the connected fan is a three-pin DC or four-pin PWM model. An AIO pump should be connected and configured according to the cooler and motherboard instructions rather than treated like an ordinary case fan.
What are Secure Boot and TPM?
Secure Boot is a UEFI security feature designed to allow trusted software in the startup chain. A Trusted Platform Module, or TPM, supports security functions used by Windows and features such as device encryption. Windows 11 uses UEFI, Secure Boot capability and TPM 2.0 in its system requirements.
Do not disable Secure Boot or clear the TPM simply to follow a random troubleshooting video. Security or encryption changes may affect access to the system. Before changing these settings, make sure important files are backed up and any BitLocker or device-encryption recovery key is accessible through the appropriate account or records.
Do you need to update the BIOS?
Not every new version must be installed immediately. A BIOS update can be worthwhile when the manufacturer identifies:
- support for a new processor you intend to install;
- a security fix relevant to the computer;
- improved memory or hardware compatibility;
- a stability correction for a problem you are experiencing;
- a critical reliability update; or
- a prerequisite version required before another update.
If the computer is stable and the release notes contain nothing relevant, updating purely because a higher version exists may provide no practical benefit. Laptop and prebuilt-PC manufacturers may distribute important firmware automatically through their own tools or Windows Update, so follow the support guidance for that exact machine.
Why a BIOS update needs special care
Updating the BIOS rewrites firmware used to start the motherboard. Installing a file intended for another model, losing power during the write or interrupting the process can prevent the computer from booting.
Some motherboards provide recovery features such as a secondary firmware image or a USB flashback function, but availability and procedure vary. Do not assume your board can recover until its manual confirms it.
A safe BIOS-update checklist
- Identify the exact model and revision. Similar names may use different firmware.
- Read the release notes. Confirm that the update addresses something relevant.
- Use the official support page. Do not download firmware from a driver-aggregation website.
- Read every prerequisite. Some updates require an earlier version, companion firmware or a specific method.
- Record current settings. An update may restore defaults.
- Back up important files. Also confirm access to encryption recovery keys. Follow any manufacturer instruction to suspend BitLocker protection before the update, then resume protection after confirming normal startup. Suspending protection is different from clearing the TPM or decrypting the drive.
- Use stable power. Connect a laptop to its charger and do not deliberately interrupt the process.
- Use the approved update method. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly.
- Allow the computer to restart. The first startup may take longer or restart more than once.
- Recheck settings afterwards. Confirm boot order, memory profile, fan configuration and security settings.
Should you update from Windows or inside the BIOS?
Use the method specified for the exact motherboard or computer. Some manufacturers provide a Windows updater, while many retail motherboards include a built-in firmware flashing utility that reads the update from a USB drive. Certain boards also offer a dedicated flashback feature.
There is no universal method that is safest for every device. Mixing instructions from another manufacturer or motherboard generation creates unnecessary risk.
Settings beginners should generally leave alone
- manual CPU core voltage;
- load-line calibration;
- advanced memory timings and voltages;
- storage-controller mode after Windows is installed;
- Secure Boot keys;
- TPM clearing or reset controls;
- firmware downgrade options;
- PCIe link-generation forcing without a troubleshooting reason; and
- automatic overclocking features you have not researched.
An option appearing in the menu does not mean changing it will improve performance. Motherboard automatic-overclocking settings can increase voltage, heat and power consumption for little real benefit.
What does “load optimised defaults” do?
This restores the manufacturer’s default firmware configuration. It can help after an unstable overclock or incorrect setting, but it may also disable a memory profile, reset fan curves, change the boot order or restore other choices you previously made.
Defaults do not normally delete personal files or reinstall Windows. However, a changed storage, security or boot setting can stop the existing installation from starting until the correct configuration is restored.
What is clearing the CMOS?
Clearing CMOS resets stored firmware settings when the system cannot enter setup normally or an unstable configuration prevents startup. Depending on the motherboard, this may involve a rear button, pins on the board or temporarily removing the coin-cell battery after disconnecting power.
Use only the procedure in the motherboard or computer manual. Never move unidentified jumpers or work inside a powered computer. After a reset, the first boot may take longer while the system retrains memory and detects hardware.
Common BIOS mistakes
- Changing several settings at once: This makes it difficult to identify which change caused the problem.
- Using instructions for another motherboard: Menu names, safe values and update files are model specific.
- Downloading the wrong update: A similar product name is not proof of compatibility.
- Interrupting an update: Do not switch off the computer because the screen appears inactive.
- Forgetting encryption recovery: Security changes can lead to a recovery-key request.
- Enabling every performance option: Automatic settings can produce excess heat or instability.
- Changing storage mode casually: Windows may fail to boot afterwards.
- Clearing the TPM unnecessarily: This can disrupt access to protected data or credentials.
- Assuming an update preserves settings: Check important options after the update.
What if the computer will not boot after a change?
- Stop repeatedly changing unrelated options.
- Return the last setting to its original value if the BIOS still opens.
- Load defaults if the previous configuration is unknown and the manual recommends it.
- Check that the intended Windows drive is detected and first in the appropriate boot order.
- Use the documented CMOS-clear procedure if an unstable setting prevents startup.
- Consult the diagnostic LEDs, beep codes or support instructions for the exact model.
- Use the manufacturer’s recovery procedure if a firmware update failed.
If the device contains important encrypted data, avoid destructive recovery steps until you have confirmed the backup and recovery-key situation.
Frequently asked questions
Can opening the BIOS damage the computer?
Simply opening the setup screen and leaving without saving changes should not damage it. The risk comes from inappropriate settings or an incorrectly performed firmware update.
Does resetting the BIOS erase Windows?
It normally resets motherboard settings rather than deleting files. Windows may temporarily fail to start if the reset changes the required boot, storage or security configuration.
Does the BIOS affect gaming performance?
It can. Correct memory-profile, processor and PCIe settings may affect performance, but careless overclocking can create crashes, extra heat or worse results. Most users should retain safe automatic processor settings.
How often should the BIOS be updated?
There is no universal schedule. Review updates when building, upgrading, troubleshooting or responding to a manufacturer security notice. Install an update when its benefit applies to your system and follow the official procedure.
Why does my BIOS clock keep resetting?
An ageing motherboard coin-cell battery can cause the clock or saved settings to reset after power is removed. Confirm the diagnosis and correct battery type in the computer or motherboard documentation.
Can I update the BIOS without a working CPU?
Some motherboards have a dedicated USB BIOS flashback feature that can operate without a supported CPU, but many do not. Check the exact manual, required USB port, filename and button procedure.
Is a graphics-card BIOS the same thing?
No. A graphics card has its own firmware, sometimes called a VBIOS. Do not apply motherboard BIOS instructions or files to a graphics card.
Official sources and listing checks
- Microsoft Support: Windows 11 and Secure Boot
- Microsoft Support: Find your BitLocker recovery key
- Microsoft: Windows 11 specifications and requirements
- Dell Support: BIOS and UEFI updates
- ASUS Support: Updating BIOS with EZ Flash
- Intel Support: Finding the BIOS version and motherboard manufacturer
- MSI B850M GAMING PLUS WIFI: official specifications and support
- ASUS TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI: official specifications and support
- Gigabyte B850 EAGLE WIFI6E: official specifications and support
Sources and Australian retailer listings checked on 27 September 2026. Prices are in Australian dollars and exclude any delivery charge. Confirm current stock, the exact model and PCB revision, CPU support and the official update procedure before proceeding.
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