Hi Chris
Sometimes, if there is a change to Windows Security, an update can contain a BIOS update, but this is not guaranteed to happen . . .
You should always check the support page for your device on the Dell website for available BIOS updates
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When Windows 10 does its automatic updates to the latest version, does it include any needed changes to my Dell PC BIOS? Or should I go to the Dell website separately after the Windows 10 update and see if their SupportAssist detects that my PC has a BIOS update and then install it?
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Hi Chris
Sometimes, if there is a change to Windows Security, an update can contain a BIOS update, but this is not guaranteed to happen . . .
You should always check the support page for your device on the Dell website for available BIOS updates
Two points:
Certainly don't do it just because it's X years old and there are upgrades available. Although a BIOS upgrade normally goes well, it is not without danger. If something goes wrong while the upgrade is an progress (for example, a lapse in power) you can be left with no BIOS at all, and an unbootable computer.
Do a BIOS upgrade if you need to--because you are having a problem that the new version is known to fix--not just because one is available.
Windows and the BIOS are two separate things. Windows comes from Microsoft, while the BIOS comes from the manufacturer of your motherboard. Practically speaking, since almost everyone buys a pre-assembled computer with a customized motherboard, the BIOS comes from the computer manufacturer.
In your case, BIOS updates come from Dell and you get them from Dell's website. They aren't included in updates from Microsoft.
You can go directly to the software download page for your model or you can use the Dell Support Assistant. Both ways are fine.
When Windows 10 does its automatic updates to the latest version, does it include any needed changes to my Dell PC BIOS? Or should I go to the Dell website separately after the Windows 10 update and see if their SupportAssist detects that my PC has a BIOS update and then install it?
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Hi ChrisGAngel,
Your best bet is to get the Del "SupportAssistant" utility from the Dell support site. That is if you don't already have it installed from Dell when you purchased your unit. Then it will run from time to time and check for Needed drivers/files and of course the latest Bio's update for your particular model of Del.
I Hope This Helps You...
A BIOS update is different from a driver update.
For a driver, the rule of thumb is 'if it ain't broke don't fix it.' Which is to say, if an updated driver does not address a specific issue that you are facing, don't update the driver.
The BIOS affects the essential functioning of your computer, so when Dell issues a BIOS update, you should install it. The scary thing about updating the BIOS is: if you make a mistake, it's hard to fix it. So you must be sure to follow Dell's instructions very carefully.