How to Update BIOS and Drivers on a Gaming Laptop

Why update the BIOS and drivers on a gaming laptop

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the low-level software that starts your laptop and initializes the hardware. Drivers are the software that lets the operating system talk to components like the graphics card, network adapter, and storage. Keeping both current helps your laptop run with the latest fixes and compatibility improvements.

For a gaming laptop, the graphics driver is especially important. The maker of your graphics processor, such as NVIDIA, provides driver updates that add support for new features and improve stability. The laptop maker also releases BIOS updates that can fix hardware quirks or add support for new components.

This guide explains how to find and install official updates from your laptop maker's support page. The process is the same for most brands, though the exact layout of the support page varies. If you are choosing a new laptop, you can start with the best gaming laptops to see what models are available.

Find your exact laptop model

Before you visit the support page, you need to know the exact model and sometimes the sub-model of your laptop. The model name is usually printed on a label on the bottom of the laptop or shown in the system information. For example, a laptop might be listed as a 16-inch model with a specific series name and a further identifier.

The support page for your laptop maker will have a search box where you can type the model name. If you are unsure, the maker's support site often has a tool that can detect your model automatically, or you can find the model in the system information of your operating system.

Having the exact model matters because BIOS and driver files are specific to each model. Installing a BIOS from a different model can make the laptop unstable or even prevent it from starting. For guidance on choosing a model that fits your needs, see the best 15 and 16 inch gaming laptops.

Download from the official support page

The only safe place to get BIOS and driver updates is the laptop maker's official support page. The page will list available downloads for your model, usually sorted by category such as BIOS, chipset, graphics, audio, and network. Download the files you need, and do not use third-party download sites.

For the graphics driver, you have two options. You can use the laptop maker's version from the support page, which is tuned for that specific laptop, or you can use the driver from the graphics processor maker's site. The laptop maker's version is often the safest choice because it has been validated for that model.

The graphics processor maker, such as NVIDIA, also provides drivers through its own site. The page for GeForce RTX 50 Series laptops mentions that the NVIDIA app includes Game Ready and Studio Drivers, which are the official driver channels. However, for a laptop, the maker's version is usually the recommended starting point. If you are looking for a laptop with a specific GPU, check the best RTX 5070 gaming laptops for examples.

Install the BIOS update first

If you have both a BIOS update and driver updates, install the BIOS update first. The BIOS is the foundation, and a newer BIOS can change how the hardware behaves, which may affect how drivers work.

The laptop maker's support page will include instructions for the BIOS update. Typically, you download a file, run it, and the laptop restarts to apply the update. Some makers provide a tool that works from Windows, while others require you to create a bootable USB drive. Follow the maker's instructions exactly.

During the BIOS update, keep the laptop plugged into power and do not turn it off. An interruption can leave the BIOS corrupted, which may require service. The process usually takes a few minutes, and the laptop may restart several times.

Install drivers after the BIOS update

After the BIOS update is complete, install the drivers you downloaded. The order is not critical, but a common approach is to install the chipset driver first, then the graphics driver, and then other drivers like audio and network.

The chipset driver is important because it helps the operating system recognize and manage the motherboard components. The graphics driver is the one that most affects gaming, as it controls the GPU. The graphics processor maker's driver page, such as the one for GeForce RTX 50 Series, describes the driver as part of the NVIDIA app, which is the official way to get updates.

After installing each driver, restart the laptop if the installer asks you to. This ensures the new driver is fully loaded. You can check the device manager in Windows to confirm that the driver version matches what you downloaded. For laptops with high refresh rate displays, updating the graphics driver is especially important; see the best 240Hz gaming laptops for models that benefit.

Check for updates regularly

Updates are released over time, so it is a good habit to check the support page every few months. The laptop maker may release a new BIOS to fix a bug or improve stability, and the graphics processor maker releases new drivers for new game releases and feature updates.

The graphics processor maker's site, such as the NVIDIA page for GeForce RTX 50 Series, mentions that the NVIDIA app provides Game Ready and Studio Drivers. This means you can use that app to keep the graphics driver current, but the BIOS and other drivers still come from the laptop maker.

You do not need to update every time a new version appears. Only update when there is a change that matters to you, such as a fix for a problem you are having or support for a new feature. If your laptop is running well, you can wait. For laptops with large graphics memory, driver updates can also improve performance; explore the best 16GB VRAM gaming laptops if you are considering a new model.

What to pick for your play

Updating the BIOS and drivers is not about choosing a laptop, but it is part of keeping the laptop you have in good shape. If you are buying a new gaming laptop, the model you choose will determine how you update it. The guides below can help you find a laptop that fits your play style.

For competitive play, a laptop with a high refresh rate display and a fast GPU is important. For large single-player worlds, more graphics memory helps. For streaming while playing, more RAM and a strong CPU matter. The guides link to laptops that match those needs.

What to pick for your play

Questions

How often should I update the BIOS on my gaming laptop?

Only update the BIOS when the laptop maker releases a new version that fixes a problem you are having or adds a feature you need. There is no set schedule. Check the support page every few months to see if a new version exists.

Can I update the graphics driver from the GPU maker's site instead of the laptop maker's?

Yes, the GPU maker, such as NVIDIA, provides drivers through its own app and website. The laptop maker's version is tuned for that specific model, so it is often the safer choice. The GPU maker's version may offer newer features, but it is not always validated for your laptop.

What happens if I install the wrong BIOS update?

Installing a BIOS from a different model can make the laptop unstable or prevent it from starting. Always download the BIOS from the support page for your exact model and follow the maker's instructions. If the update fails, the laptop may need service.

Do I need to update drivers for every component?

You do not need to update every driver. Focus on the graphics driver, chipset driver, and network driver, as these affect gaming and connectivity. Other drivers, like audio, can be updated if you have a specific problem.

Is it safe to use a driver update tool from the laptop maker?

Yes, the laptop maker's support page may offer a tool that scans your system and installs the correct drivers. This is safe because it uses official files. Avoid third-party driver updater tools, as they may install incorrect or unwanted software.