Finding the right Lenovo BIOS update gets confusing when Vantage, Windows Update, and your computer's support page offer different options. Start with Vantage on a supported Windows PC, then check Windows Update or download the package for your exact model. The steps below cover those routes, plus supported ThinkPad workarounds and Linux updates.
Start with Lenovo Vantage
Connect reliable power before starting. Keep it connected until the update and all restarts finish.
Read the update's instructions for battery requirements and encryption or BitLocker preparation.
In Lenovo Vantage, open Device > System Update > CHECK FOR UPDATES. In the alternate layout, use the System Update tab > Check for Updates.
Select the BIOS update offered for your computer. Vantage support and package availability depend on your model.
Follow the package's installation and restart prompts.
If Vantage cannot finish the update or doesn't list a BIOS package, try Windows Update next. For a direct download, use your model's Lenovo Support page.
Check Windows Update for firmware
On Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Lenovo distributes compatible UEFI BIOS packages through Windows Update for supported computers, including packages that download and install automatically.
To check optional firmware separately, open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options and make sure Receive updates for other Microsoft products is turned on. Then open Optional updates > Driver updates.
If a Lenovo system-firmware update is listed, select it for Download and install. Not every model or BIOS release appears here.
Complete the requested restart. An empty update list does not mean Lenovo's website has no newer BIOS; check the manual download route next.
Download the BIOS for your exact model
Identify your exact computer on Lenovo PC Support.
Open Drivers & Software > Manual Update > Select Drivers > BIOS/UEFI.
Choose the BIOS package that matches your model, operating system, and processor architecture.
Read its README for battery requirements, encryption instructions, and any requirement to install an intermediate BIOS version first.
Download the matching package from your model's BIOS/UEFI list.
Run the installer according to its README. Lenovo uses different installation procedures across models, so that file determines which prompts or commands apply.
Complete the requested restart with reliable power connected until the update and all restarts finish.
Use your model's README as the final word on installation, even when another Lenovo computer uses different prompts.
Use System Update on supported Think PCs
Lenovo System Update supports ThinkPad, ThinkCentre, ThinkStation, and selected Lenovo business PCs.
- 1.Open Lenovo System Update. To obtain it first, visit the official product page, select Download, and check the package's compatibility before installation.
- 2.Select Get New Updates, or press Ctrl+U.
- 3.Accept the license notice if prompted.
- 4.Inspect the update categories and select the applicable BIOS package.
- 5.Complete the installation and requested restart.
Work around a blocked ThinkPad BIOS Update Utility
When a Windows security update blocks older WinFlash components, an older ThinkPad BIOS Update Utility cannot complete the update. Lenovo documents the alternatives below for that blocked-utility failure on Windows 10 and 11; they are not a general recovery procedure for a BIOS flash that already failed.
Try the Windows Update route above. Lenovo documents this alternative for that failure; leave Windows security enabled.
For the supported USB alternative, extract your ThinkPad's BIOS Update Utility package. This route requires a package that includes USB creation instructions.
Open Instruction US - BIOS flash USB memory key.txt in the extracted working folder.
Create the USB using that file's instructions.
Restart the ThinkPad.
Press F12 at the Lenovo logo.
Select the USB device from the boot menu.
Follow the package's flash instructions with reliable power connected throughout the update.
For selected models with compatible optical drives, Lenovo also supplies bootable BIOS CD packages.
Download your model's bootable BIOS CD package and its instructions.
Create the disc using the package's exact procedure. Simply copying an ISO file onto a disc does not make it bootable.
Boot from the disc.
Run the supplied updater according to the package's instructions.
Install firmware on a supported Lenovo Linux computer
On supported Lenovo systems running Fedora, Ubuntu, or Red Hat Enterprise Linux, use this route when Lenovo publishes your model's firmware through LVFS.
- 1.Press the Windows/Super key and search for software.
- 2.Open the Software application.
- 3.Open its Updates tab.
- 4.Select the available system-firmware update.
- 5.Follow the installation and restart prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does entering BIOS setup install a BIOS update?
No. Entering setup or selecting boot media does not install a new BIOS. You still need a supported updater or the model-specific bootable update package. Self-healing BIOS restores a backup after corruption; it does not obtain the newest BIOS.
What if I previously downloaded or hid the update in Lenovo System Update?
For a deferred download, open Install Deferred Updates, or press Ctrl+D. Select the BIOS package. For a hidden package, open Restore Hidden Updates, or press Ctrl+R. Restore the package, then check for updates again.
Can I update Lenovo firmware from a Linux terminal?
Yes, on supported Lenovo Linux systems with fwupd and an applicable LVFS BIOS release. Open a terminal and run sudo fwupdmgr update. Follow the offered firmware-update and restart instructions. Availability depends on your model.
Can I still use Lenovo Companion or Lenovo Settings?
Lenovo lists both applications as end of life. Use supported Lenovo Vantage or another current update route. Lenovo System Update, formerly called ThinkVantage System Update, remains available for supported PCs.