Dell BIOS Update Failed: Why It Happens & How to Fix?

Jerry updated on Oct 25, 2024 to Computer Instruction | How-to Articles

If you're struggling with the 'Dell BIOS update failed' problem, you're at the right destination. We'll start by outlining why this issue occurs. The tutorial will then discuss 3 methods to solve the problem. You'll also learn to efficiently backup your PC before updating the BIOS.

Updating the BIOS upon installing new hardware on your Dell PC is vital. This could also be the case if your computer system faces boot issues. It's possible to witness the "Dell BIOS update failed" error when updating your BIOS. What leads to this issue? Are there possible solutions? Read on as EaseUS outlines how to handle this error on your Dell computer.

Why Dell BIOS Update Fails

"My Dell Inspiron 15 laptop has bumped into a BIOS update failure. What is the reason behind it? Are there possible fixes?" Question from Quora.

You may encounter this issue due to the following reasons:

  • Corrupted BIOS file: the update process may fail if you download a corrupted BIOS file.
  • Power failure: a power interruption during the update process could also cause the problem.
  • Incompatible BIOS file: a BIOS update may fail if you download the wrong file version.
  • Hardware failure: a faulty hard drive or RAM could also prevent BIOS from successfully updating.

Keep reading to learn how you can fix BIOS update issues.

How to Fix Dell BIOS Update Failure on Windows

A failed BIOS update means that you cannot keep using your Dell computer as normal. You'll need to find ways to fix the issue first. This section will discuss three methods to fix the problem as follows:

  1. Method 1. Install BIOS in Order
  2. Method 2. Update BIOS with USB
  3. Method 3. Recover BIOS

Method 1. Install BIOS in Order

You can use this method if your Dell computer is still bootable. The method entails installing BIOS but not the latest version. You'll first need to install the current BIOS version, and when it's successful, you can consider updating to the next version until you get to the latest one. Check these steps:

Step 1. Browse to the Dell official support page.

Step 2. Scroll down on the right and click on "Browse All Products."

Step 3. Go to "Computers">"Laptops" and select your device brand.

Step 4. Click "Drivers & Downloads" and then "Expand." Next, click "Dell System BIOS" and "Download." This will download the BIOS to your PC.

Step 5. Once complete, double-click the download file. Follow the instructions to initiate the BIOS installation process. Lastly, restart your computer.

Method 2. Update BIOS with USB

This method entails creating a bootable USB drive and updating BIOS. Follow the steps below to use it:

Step 1. Create a bootable USB drive using Rufus or Dell Diagnostic Deployment Package (DDDP).

Step 2. Visit the Dell website and download the right BIOS file for your device.

Note: Write down the name of the file for future reference. Once you complete the download, transfer the BIOS file to your bootable USB.

Step 3. Restart your device and press F12. This will direct you to the boot menu.

Step 4. Select "BIOS Flash Update" for your one-off boot and hit Enter. Next, select "fs1" and click "Browse" to locate a BIOS flash executable file.

Step 5. Double-click the BIOS.exe file and follow the onscreen guide to install the BIOS update via USB.

Method 3. Recover BIOS

This fix is applicable if you have attempted installing a corrupted BIOS file; hence, your PC isn't booting. Recovering BIOS allows you to revert to an earlier working version. Check these steps:

Step 1. Restart your computer. Press and hold CTRL + ESC. Release these keys when you see the BIOS recovery screen.

Step 2. Select "Reset NVRAM" and hit Enter.

Step 3. Select "Disabled." Hit Enter to keep your existing BIOS settings.

Step 4. When the BIOS Recovery menu loads, click the "Recover BIOS" option and select "Continue." You can then follow the instructions to complete the recovery process.

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Always Backup Your Data Before Dell BIOS Update

The safety of your data is essential when updating BIOS. Creating a backup and avoiding any loss or damage to your files is vital. You can use a third-party tool to meet this objective. Try free backup software - EaseUS Todo Backup - to save your PC files conveniently. 

This backup and restore tool allows you to back up files to different locations and recover them when needed. What's more, it has advanced backup features, such as incremental and differential backups, to meet your different backup needs.

You can save your files to the cloud or local drives. Password encryption guarantees the safety of your files. This tool can also schedule automatic backups on your computer. Do you want to safeguard your data before a BIOS update? Download this tool today.

FAQs on Dell BIOS Update Keeps Failing

Common FAQs on this topic include:

1. How Can I Fix a Windows 10 BIOS Update That Failed?

You can try the following solutions:

  • Update BIOS via USB.
  • Restart your PC.
  • Recover BIOS.
  • Perform automatic startup repair.

The previous sections of this article have discussed some of these fixes.

2. How Do I Force Dell BIOS Update?

You can do it by performing a BIOS flash update via USB. This entails fetching the BIOS file from the Dell website and then transferring it to a bootable USB drive. Perform a restart and press F12 to access the One Time Boot menu. Select the BIOS Flash Update option and follow the onscreen instructions. 

3. Is Dell BIOS Update Necessary?

It depends. There's no need for an update if your computer is working well. You'll only need to do this upon installing new hardware or when you face boot problems when starting your PC.

4. What Happens If BIOS Update Fails Dell?

Sometimes, your PC may become unbootable. This is mostly the case if the failure is power-related. However, in other scenarios, you can still run your computer normally even after the update fails.

To Sum Up

The "Dell BIOS update failed" problem may arise due to a corrupted BIOS file or power failure. The issue may also occur following a hardware failure or downloading an incompatible BIOS file. You can fix the problem by updating BIOs with USB or performing a BIOS recovery. It's vital to back up your PC before updating the BIOS.

Try EaseUS Todo Backup now to seamlessly achieve this. You can use it to save a copy of your files to different sites for accessibility purposes. The tool helps to prevent file losses due to hardware damage or data corruption. It also schedules automatic backups. Ensure you download it now and try it out.