Back to BIOS and UEFI

BIOS/UEFI update process

5 minutes 5 Questions

BIOS/UEFI updates are essential to improve system stability, resolve hardware conflicts, and fix security vulnerabilities. Updating BIOS/UEFI may involve changes to firmware or the entire replacement of current firmware with a new improved version. To perform an update, first, visit the manufacture…

Test mode:
Start practice test
CompTIA A+ - BIOS/UEFI update process Example Questions

Test your knowledge of BIOS/UEFI update process

Question 1

What is a potential risk associated with interrupting a BIOS/UEFI update process?

Correct Answer: Rendering the motherboard inoperable

The correct answer is 'Rendering the motherboard inoperable'.

Interrupting a BIOS/UEFI update process is extremely risky and can potentially 'brick' or render the motherboard inoperable. This is because the BIOS/UEFI is crucial firmware that controls the most basic functions of the computer, including hardware initialization during the booting process.

If the update process is interrupted, it may result in incomplete or corrupted firmware, leaving the system unable to boot or function properly. In severe cases, this can require replacement of the motherboard or specialized recovery procedures.

The other options are incorrect:

'Corrupting the hard drive's file system' is not directly related to a BIOS/UEFI update. While data loss can occur due to system instability, it's not the primary risk of interrupting the update process.

'Overclocking the CPU to unsafe levels' is unrelated to BIOS/UEFI updates. Overclocking is a separate process that can be controlled through BIOS settings but is not affected by update interruptions.

'Deleting all stored passwords and security settings' may occur as a side effect of a failed update, but it's not the main risk. Moreover, these can typically be reconfigured once the system is operational again.

Question 2

Your PC is experiencing performance issues after a successful BIOS update. What is the best method for resolving this?

Correct Answer: Reset BIOS settings to their default values

Resetting BIOS settings to their default values can resolve any issues caused by a misconfiguration after an update. Reinstalling the previous version is not recommended and could cause problems. A clean installation of the OS and manually configuring the BIOS may be unnecessary and time-consuming.

Question 3

You are a technician working on a PC that has problems booting. After some research, you suspect a BIOS update might resolve the issue. What is the best method for updating the BIOS?

Correct Answer: Download the BIOS update from the manufacturer's website

Downloading the BIOS update directly from the manufacturer's website is the best and safest method. This ensures you get the correct, compatible update for your specific system. Using Windows Update or third-party software risks getting an incorrect or incompatible update that could cause further issues. Emailing the manufacturer is unnecessary when the update is available on their support site. Always get BIOS updates straight from the source to minimize risk and ensure compatibility.

More BIOS/UEFI update process questions
15 questions (total)
Start 15 question test