[How To] Update BIOS via Windows Update
Answer
When an issue on an MSI notebook requires a firmware-level fix, MSI may release a BIOS update to resolve it. To ensure users obtain genuine BIOS updates from an official source, MSI provides two update methods: downloading the BIOS file from the MSI official website and updating it through the BIOS menu, or updating BIOS directly through Windows Update. This article explains the Windows Update method. Refer to this article if you want to update your notebook's BIOS without manually downloading the file and entering the BIOS menu.
This article applies to all MSI notebooks.
Before You Begin
A BIOS update modifies the notebook's firmware directly. Keep the notebook connected to AC power throughout the entire update process, and do not turn off or restart the notebook manually until the update and any automatic restart fully complete.
Interrupting a BIOS update midway can leave the notebook unable to start.
Update BIOS via Windows Update
1. Open Windows “Settings”.
2. Go to the following page based on your operating system:
- Windows 11: “Windows Update” > “Advanced options”.
3. Select “Optional updates”.
4. Expand the list of available optional updates.
5. Select “Micro-Star International Firmware”, then click “Download and install”.
Note: If “Micro-Star International Firmware” is not listed, no BIOS update is currently available for your notebook through this channel.
6. Wait for the update to complete, then restart the notebook when prompted.
Note: Restarting completes the BIOS flashing process. Do not manually power off the notebook during this restart.
7. After restarting, check Settings > Windows Update > Update history, or check the BIOS version in BIOS setup (press Delete at startup), to confirm the new firmware version installed successfully.
Common Questions (Q&A)
What is the difference between updating BIOS via Windows Update and via the BIOS menu?
Both methods install the same official MSI BIOS firmware. The Windows Update method downloads and applies the update automatically from within Windows, while the BIOS menu method requires manually downloading the BIOS file from the MSI website and flashing it from within the BIOS setup screen. Use whichever method is available and listed for your notebook.
Why does “Micro-Star International Firmware” sometimes not appear under Optional updates?
Not every BIOS version is distributed through Windows Update, and availability depends on your notebook model, current BIOS version, and Windows Update rollout timing. If it is not listed, use the BIOS menu update method described in the linked articles instead.
Related topic :
Please refer to the articles below to update the BIOS correctly.