How to Update Dell BIOS Using a USB Flash Drive

Summary: Learn how to update Dell BIOS using a USB flash drive, including how to download the BIOS file, prepare the USB drive, and use the F12 BIOS Flash Update menu.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Check out other resources

Instructions

Important: This article covers one specific method for updating your BIOS using a USB drive. For complete guidance on all BIOS update methods and troubleshooting, visit our comprehensive BIOS and UEFI Update Guide, which includes detailed instructions for multiple update methods, compatibility checks, and advanced troubleshooting steps.

When Should You Use This Method?

Updating BIOS from USB is especially handy in a few situations:

  • Your computer won't boot into Windows
  • You tried running the BIOS .exe file, but it failed to start
  • You need to update without AC power connected (on supported systems)

What You'll Need Before You Start

  • A USB flash drive
  • A working computer connected to the Internet
  • Dell computer that supports F12 boot menu BIOS update
Note: Not all Dell computers support updating from the F12 One-Time Boot menu. If yours doesn't, you'll want to Create Bootable USB for Windows using Dell Diagnostic Deployment Package instead. And if you want to explore other BIOS methods, our BIOS update guide covers them all.

Step 1. Download the BIOS File

  1. Go to the Dell Drivers & Downloads page.
  2. Enter your Dell computer's using the Service Tag or Express Service Code so Dell can identify your exact model.
  3. Select your operating system fro the list.
  4. Under Category, choose BIOS
  5. Find the latest System BIOS update listed.
  6. Click Download and save the file to your computer.

Step 2. Prepare the USB Flash Drive

Your USB drive needs to be formatted as FAT32 for the BIOS update to work correctly.

If your USB drive is 32 GB or smaller:

  • Plug the USB drive into your computer
  • Open File Explorer, right-click the flash drive, and select Format
  • Under File System, choose FAT32.
  • Click Start and let it finish formatting.

If your USB drive is larger than 32 GB:

Windows won't let you format larger drives to FAT32 through File Explorer, so you'll need PowerShell instead.

  1. Open PowerShell with Administrator privileges
  2. Type: format /FS:FAT32 X: (replace X with your drive letter)
  3. Press Enter and wait for the formatting to complete.

Step 3. Copy the BIOS File and Flash It

  1. Copy the BIOS file you downloaded earlier onto your freshly formatted USB drive.
  2. Plug the USB drive into the Dell computer you want to update.
  3. Restart the computer, and as soon as you see the Dell splash screen, start tapping F12.
  4. From the boot menu, look for Other Options and select BIOS Flash Update.
  5. On the next screen, you should see your BIOS file listed. Highlight it using your mouse or the Tab key.
  6. Click the file, or press Enter, to start the update.
  7. Watch the progress bar, don't turn off your computer or unplug the USB drive during this process.

Once it's done, your computer will restart, and you'll be running the latest BIOS version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I update the BIOS on a Dell computer using USB?
A: Download the latest BIOS file from Dell's Drivers & Downloads page, save it to a FAT32-formatted USB flash drive, then restart your computer and press F12 to access the boot menu. From there, select BIOS Flash Update and follow the on-screen instructions.

Q: How do I update Dell BIOS if Windows will not boot?
A: You don't need Windows to update your BIOS. Use a working computer to download the BIOS file onto a USB drive, then plug that drive into the non-booting computer. Restart it, press F12, and choose BIOS Flash Update from the boot menu.

Q: What file system should the USB drive use for a Dell BIOS update?
A: Your USB drive needs to be formatted as FAT32. This is required for the BIOS Flash Update tool to recognize and read the file properly.

Q: Where do I download the Dell BIOS file?
A: You can download the correct BIOS file from Dell's official Drivers & Downloads page. Just enter your Service Tag or Express Service Code to make sure you get the right version for your specific computer.

Q: How do I access Dell BIOS Flash Update from USB?
A: After copying the BIOS file to your USB drive and plugging it into your computer, restart the system and press F12 during startup. Navigate to Other Options in the boot menu, then select BIOS Flash Update to begin.

Need More Help?

This article covers flashing BIOS from USB through the F12 menu, but that's just one of several ways to update your Dell BIOS. Depending on your situation, you might prefer:

Visit our complete BIOS and UEFI Update Guide for detailed information on all available methods.

Affected Products

Alienware, Dell All-in-One, Dell Pro All-in-One, Dell Pro Max Micro, Dell Pro Max Slim, Dell Pro Max Tower, Dell Pro Micro, Dell Pro Slim, Dell Pro Tower, Dell Slim, Dell Tower, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, G Series, Alienware , Dell Laptops, Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged, Vostro, XPS, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations, Dell Pro Max Micro XE FCM2250, Inspiron 5000, Inspiron 5000e, Inspiron 700M, Inspiron 710M ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000123870
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 19 Aug 2026
Version:  20
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.