Update BIOS on a Lenovo Laptop

During the BIOS update process please make sure to follow the software prompts precisely.
Failing to do so may result in permanent damage to the computer.

  • Ensure that the device is plugged securely via its power adapter to an active electrical outlet.

  • That device’s battery is attached, if device has a removable battery.

  • During the BIOS update process do NOT manually shutdown, reboot or log out of the machine. At the completion of the update it will prompt to reboot automatically.

  • Avoid having any other applications open during the update process.

The BIOS update process will be completed via a product called Lenovo Updates and Drivers (32-bit). If your IBM/Lenovo device does not have this application pre-installed it may be downloaded from the following link:
https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/documents/tvsu-update

Please ensure to download the ThinkVantage System Update application designed for For Windows 10

  1. On keyboard hold down the Windows Flag Key and hit the letter R.

  2. In the Run box type in Control (without the quotes) and hit the Enter key on keyboard.

  3. Within the Control Panel in the upper right hand corner will be a View by: menu with options of Category, Large icons or Small icons. Please choose the option of either Large icons or Small icons.

  4. Double click on the entry for Lenovo – Update and Drivers (32-bit).

  5. When the System Update program opens click the Get new updates.

  6. You may get a prompt stating that Your Copy of System Update needs to be updated. Click OK to begin updating System Update. If so, please click the OK button, software will then proceed to automatically update itself. When update is complete a window will appear stating System Update was installed successfully, click the Close button.

  7. If then prompted with the License Notice screen please check off the box for I agree to this License Notes for all … and click OK button. 

  8. The application then scan the machine for available updates.
    Click onto the Critical Updates and Optional Updates tabs and uncheck any offered updates.

    On the Recommended updates tab, (if available) please actively check off the box only for the Thinkpad BIOS Update and hit the Next > button.

  9. A screen will then be displayed showing you information about the update. Click the Download button.

  10. A dialog box will appear stating One or more of the packages you selected … Do you want to process with the installation now will appear. Click the Yes button to begin download.

  11. Another dialog box will appear asking to Please choose one of the following tasks:, select the Update Thinkpad BIOS option and hit the Next button.

  12. A warning screen will appear reminding to make sure that device is plugged into a power outlet, that battery is attached (if device has a removable battery), to close all files/applications and to not suspend/hibernate the laptop during the BIOS update. Hit the Next button.

  13. Another screen will appear warning to not power off machine during update. Click the Yes button to the question Do you want to continue? 

  14. The update will begin and machine will automatically reboot.

  15. Upon reboot of machine the BIOS update (aka Flashing) will begin and progress bar/bars will be displaying how much of update is completed.

    At this point DO NOT reboot computer or otherwise power-off the device. 

  16. At completion of BIOS update/flashing the device will reboot once again and then load into the standard Windows log in screen.