Unleashing Hidden Features: BIOS Update Technique for ASUS Z170 E

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BIOS Update: Unlocking Hidden Features for ASUS Z170 E

In the world of PC hardware, the BIOS update is one of the most essential tasks to ensure your system is running efficiently and making use of the latest advancements. For ASUS Z170 E users, updating the BIOS can unleash hidden features, improve system stability, and enhance overall performance. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of updating the BIOS on your ASUS Z170 E motherboard, as well as offer troubleshooting tips to help you overcome common issues.

Why BIOS Update Matters for ASUS Z170 E

Before diving into the technicalities of the BIOS update process, it’s important to understand why updating your BIOS is crucial for your ASUS Z170 E motherboard.

  • Improved Compatibility: BIOS updates often add support for new hardware, such as newer CPUs, memory modules, and storage devices, which helps future-proof your system.
  • Bug Fixes: ASUS frequently releases BIOS updates to address bugs or system crashes that can arise due to hardware conflicts or firmware issues.
  • Enhanced Performance: Updates can fine-tune system performance by optimizing resource allocation, memory timings, and other low-level functions.
  • Unlock Hidden Features: Many BIOS updates enable advanced features, such as overclocking options, more flexible fan control, or support for newer storage technologies like M.2 SSDs and NVMe drives.

Now that we know why BIOS updates are important, let’s look at the step-by-step process of updating the BIOS on your ASUS Z170 E motherboard.

How to Perform a BIOS Update on ASUS Z170 E

Updating the BIOS on the ASUS Z170 E motherboard is a straightforward process if done correctly. However, before proceeding, make sure you have backed up your important files and data to avoid any risk of data loss. Here’s a detailed guide to performing the update:

Step 1: Verify Your Current BIOS Version

Before updating your BIOS, it’s essential to verify your current BIOS version to determine if an update is necessary.

  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type msinfo32 and hit Enter to open the System Information window.
  • Look for the entry called BIOS Version/Date to find your current BIOS version.

If your BIOS version is outdated, proceed with the update. If it’s already the latest version, you don’t need to update at this time.

Step 2: Download the Latest BIOS Update

Next, you need to download the latest BIOS version for the ASUS Z170 E motherboard from the official ASUS website.

  • Visit the ASUS Support website.
  • Search for your motherboard model, i.e., “ASUS Z170 E,” in the search bar.
  • Navigate to the “Support” section and select the “Driver & Tools” tab.
  • Find the latest BIOS version under the “BIOS” section, and click to download the file.

Make sure to download the correct BIOS file for your motherboard to avoid compatibility issues. The file should be in a compressed format (usually .zip), so you will need to extract it before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Prepare a USB Flash Drive

For the BIOS update process, you will need a USB flash drive. This USB drive should be formatted to FAT32 for compatibility with the motherboard’s BIOS update tool.

  • Insert your USB drive into the computer.
  • Go to “This PC” and right-click on the USB drive.
  • Select Format and choose FAT32 as the file system.
  • Click Start to format the drive.

Once your USB drive is formatted, copy the extracted BIOS update file to the root directory of the drive. Make sure the file is the only thing on the drive to avoid any confusion during the update process.

Step 4: Enter the BIOS Setup

Now that your USB flash drive is ready, it’s time to boot into the BIOS setup on your ASUS Z170 E motherboard.

  • Restart your PC and press the Del key (or F2 on some models) repeatedly as soon as the system starts to boot. This will take you into the BIOS setup menu.
  • In the BIOS menu, navigate to the Tool tab.
  • Select EZ Flash 3 Utility to open the BIOS update tool.

Step 5: Update the BIOS Using the EZ Flash Utility

With the EZ Flash Utility open, follow these steps to complete the update:

  • In the EZ Flash 3 Utility, select Select Drive and choose your USB drive from the list of devices.
  • Find the BIOS update file you copied earlier and select it.
  • Click Start to begin the update process.

During the update, your computer will automatically restart, and the BIOS will be updated. Be patient—this process usually takes a few minutes. Do not interrupt the update by turning off your system or removing the USB drive.

Step 6: Restart and Reconfigure BIOS Settings

Once the update is complete, the system will reboot. It’s a good idea to reset your BIOS settings to their default values after a successful update. If you have custom settings (like overclocking profiles or RAM timings), you can reapply them after the reset.

  • To reset BIOS settings, navigate to the Exit tab and select Load Optimized Defaults.
  • Save and exit the BIOS, then allow the system to reboot.

Your system should now be running the updated BIOS version with new features unlocked.

Troubleshooting Common BIOS Update Issues

While the process is generally straightforward, there are some common issues that users might encounter during a BIOS update on the ASUS Z170 E motherboard. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you:

1. Update File Is Not Detected

If the BIOS update file is not detected by the EZ Flash tool, double-check the following:

  • Ensure that the USB drive is formatted to FAT32.
  • Verify that the BIOS file is located at the root directory of the USB drive, not inside any folders.
  • Ensure that the BIOS file is compatible with your motherboard model and version.

2. BIOS Update Freezes or Fails

If the BIOS update process freezes or fails, it could be due to an unstable power supply or an incomplete update. Here are some steps to resolve the issue:

  • Ensure your PC is connected to a reliable power source. Using a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) can help prevent interruptions during the update.
  • If the update fails, you may need to perform a BIOS recovery using the motherboard’s recovery feature. Refer to the user manual for specific instructions.

3. System Won’t Boot After BIOS Update

If your system fails to boot after the update, try resetting the CMOS:

  • Power off the system and unplug the power cable.
  • Locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard and remove it for 5–10 minutes.
  • Reinsert the battery, plug the system back in, and attempt to boot again.

If the system still doesn’t boot, you may need to perform a BIOS recovery or contact ASUS support for assistance.

Conclusion

Updating the BIOS on your ASUS Z170 E motherboard can significantly enhance system stability, compatibility, and performance. By following this guide, you can unlock hidden features and make the most of your hardware. Always ensure that you’re downloading the correct BIOS version from the official ASUS website, and follow each step carefully to avoid issues. If you encounter any problems during the update process, refer to the troubleshooting tips outlined above to resolve them.

Remember, while BIOS updates are essential, they should be performed with caution. Always backup your data, and only update the BIOS when necessary. With the right approach, you’ll be able to enjoy a more efficient and powerful system for years to come.

For more detailed guides on motherboard updates and troubleshooting, visit our support page or explore external resources such as Tom’s Hardware for additional insights.

This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by OverClocking Team

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