Main points
- This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to update the BIOS on your Surface Laptop 3, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.
- Updating the BIOS on your Surface Laptop 3 is a simple and straightforward process that can significantly improve the performance and security of your device.
- No, a USB flash drive is required to create a bootable device for the BIOS update.
Updating the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) on your Surface Laptop 3 is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and security. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to update the BIOS on your Surface Laptop 3, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.
Prerequisites
Before proceeding with the BIOS update, ensure that you have the following:
- A stable internet connection
- A fully charged Surface Laptop 3
- A USB flash drive with at least 512 MB of storage space
Downloading the BIOS Update File
1. Visit the Microsoft Surface Support website: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface
2. Select “Surface Laptop 3″ from the list of devices.
3. Click on “Drivers and Downloads.”
4. Locate the latest BIOS update file for your Surface Laptop 3 model.
5. Click on the “Download” button and save the file to your USB flash drive.
Creating a Bootable USB Drive
1. Insert the USB flash drive into your Surface Laptop 3.
2. Open the “Command Prompt” as an administrator.
3. Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
diskpart
“`
4. Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
list disk
“`
5. Identify the disk number of your USB flash drive.
6. Type the following command and replace “X” with the disk number of your USB flash drive:
“`
select disk X
“`
7. Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
clean
“`
8. Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
create partition primary
“`
9. Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
format fs=fat32 quick
“`
10. Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
assign letter=Y
“`
11. Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
exit
“`
12. Copy the downloaded BIOS update file to the USB flash drive (drive letter Y).
Updating the BIOS
1. Restart your Surface Laptop 3 and press the “Volume Down” button repeatedly during the boot process.
2. This will open the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) settings.
3. Navigate to the “Security” tab.
4. Select “Secure Boot” and disable it.
5. Navigate to the “Advanced” tab.
6. Select “UEFI Firmware Settings” and press Enter.
7. Select “Update UEFI Firmware” and press Enter.
8. Select the USB flash drive (drive letter Y) containing the BIOS update file.
9. Select the BIOS update file and press Enter.
10. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the BIOS update process.
Re-Enabling Secure Boot
Once the BIOS update is complete, re-enable Secure Boot by following these steps:
1. Restart your Surface Laptop 3 and press the “Volume Down” button repeatedly during the boot process.
2. Navigate to the “Security” tab.
3. Select “Secure Boot” and enable it.
4. Exit the UEFI settings.
Verifying the BIOS Update
To verify that the BIOS update was successful, follow these steps:
1. Open the “Command Prompt” as an administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion
“`
3. The output will display the current BIOS version. Compare it to the version of the update file you downloaded to confirm that the update was successful.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues during the BIOS update process, try the following troubleshooting steps:
1. Ensure that your Surface Laptop 3 is fully charged.
2. Use a different USB flash drive.
3. Re-download the BIOS update file.
4. Contact Microsoft Surface Support for assistance.
The Importance of BIOS Updates
Regular BIOS updates are essential for the following reasons:
- Improved system stability and performance
- Enhanced security against vulnerabilities
- New features and functionality
- Compatibility with new hardware and software
Recommendations
Updating the BIOS on your Surface Laptop 3 is a simple and straightforward process that can significantly improve the performance and security of your device. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful BIOS update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I update the BIOS on my Surface Laptop 3?
A: It is recommended to check for BIOS updates regularly, typically every few months.
Q: Can I update the BIOS without using a USB flash drive?
A: No, a USB flash drive is required to create a bootable device for the BIOS update.
Q: What are the risks of updating the BIOS?
A: If the BIOS update process is interrupted or performed incorrectly, it can damage your Surface Laptop 3. Always follow the instructions carefully and ensure that you have a stable internet connection and a fully charged device before proceeding with the update.