Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThere are three practical ways to update an MSI motherboard BIOS:
- M-FLASH: update from the motherboard’s BIOS using a FAT32 USB drive.
- Flash BIOS Button: update from a specially marked rear-I/O port, even without a CPU or RAM on supported boards.
- MSI Center Live Update: start the update from Windows.
Use the method your motherboard supports. Before downloading anything, identify the exact motherboard model; a BIOS intended for a similar model can make the system unbootable.
Before updating an MSI BIOS
- Open MSI’s website and use the search icon to find your exact motherboard model.
- Open the product page, select Download, find the BIOS section, and download the required BIOS archive.
- Read the release notes to check whether the version addresses your problem or adds support for your hardware.
- Keep the computer connected to reliable power. Do not update during a storm or while troubleshooting an unstable power connection.
- Close applications if you are updating through Windows. An update can restart the computer more than once.
Do not turn off the computer, remove the USB drive, unplug a device, or disconnect power while the BIOS is being written. An interruption can leave the motherboard unable to boot or damage the BIOS chip.
MSI uses different BIOS layouts on different boards. You may see M-FLASH directly on the BIOS screen, or under Utilities → M-FLASH.
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Method 1: Update with M-FLASH
M-FLASH is the normal choice when the computer boots and you can enter the motherboard BIOS.
1. Format a USB drive as FAT32
Formatting erases the drive, so copy off any files you need first.
- Connect the USB drive to a Windows computer.
- Open File Explorer, right-click the drive, and select Format….
- Set File system to FAT32.
- Click Start and confirm the format.
MSI’s desktop documentation explicitly rules out NTFS and exFAT for BIOS updating. If the USB drive is too large for Windows to offer FAT32, use a smaller drive rather than changing the file system to NTFS or exFAT.
2. Extract and copy the BIOS files
- Right-click the downloaded BIOS archive and select Extract All.
- Click Extract.
- Copy the extracted BIOS folder to the USB drive’s root directory, not into another folder.
For standard M-FLASH, do not rename the BIOS file to MSI.ROM. That rename is for the Flash BIOS Button method below. M-FLASH lets you select the extracted BIOS file from its normal name.
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3. Start M-FLASH
- Restart the computer.
- Repeatedly press Delete during startup to enter the BIOS.
- Click M-FLASH. On some models, open Utilities first, then choose M-FLASH.
- Click Yes when asked to reboot into the M-FLASH interface.
Some supported boards also allow Ctrl+F5 during POST to activate M-FLASH, but this shortcut is model- and firmware-dependent. Use the on-screen M-FLASH option if the shortcut does not work.
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4. Select and install the BIOS
- In M-FLASH, select the prepared USB drive or update tool.
- Open the extracted BIOS-file folder.
- Select the BIOS file and press Enter.
- Select Yes to begin the update.
The system restarts automatically when the update finishes. Press Delete during the next boot and check the BIOS version to confirm that it changed. You may need to reconfigure settings such as the boot order or memory profile after a BIOS update.
Method 2: Use the Flash BIOS Button
This method is designed for supported MSI motherboards that cannot boot normally or need a BIOS update before the installed CPU is supported. MSI documents it as working without a CPU and RAM.
Check that your board supports it
Flash BIOS Button is not present on every MSI motherboard. Check the product page or inspect the rear I/O for both:
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- a USB port labeled BIOS or Flash BIOS Port.
Do not substitute an ordinary USB port. If the motherboard has no Flash BIOS Button, use M-FLASH or MSI Center instead.
Prepare the USB drive
- Format the drive as FAT32.
- Download the BIOS for the exact motherboard model.
- Extract the downloaded archive.
- Rename the extracted BIOS file exactly to MSI.ROM.
- Copy MSI.ROM to the root of the USB drive.
- Connect the drive to the rear-I/O port labeled BIOS or Flash BIOS Port.
Board manuals commonly specify a USB 2.0 flash drive for this feature. If the process does not recognize a newer drive, try a basic USB 2.0 drive formatted as FAT32.
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Connect power and flash the BIOS
- Connect the 24-pin motherboard power connector.
- Connect the CPU power connector to CPU_PWR1.
- Leave the prepared USB drive in the dedicated BIOS port.
- Press the physical Flash BIOS Button.
The indicator flashes while the update is running and turns off when MSI’s procedure considers the refresh successful. Do not remove the USB drive or interrupt power while the indicator is flashing.
After the process completes, install or reconnect the remaining hardware and start the computer. Enter the BIOS with Delete and verify the BIOS version.
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Method 3: Update through MSI Center Live Update
MSI Center is the current Windows-based route documented in MSI motherboard manuals. It requires a working operating system, an internet connection, and an installed LAN driver.
Use MSI Center
- Install or open MSI Center.
- Go to Support → Live Update.
- Select Advance.
- Select the available BIOS file or BIOS update.
- Click Install.
- When the installation reminder appears, click the second Install button.
Close other applications before starting. MSI Center restarts the computer automatically to perform the update, then restarts again after flashing reaches 100%.
Do not confuse this current path with older instructions for Dragon Center or Live Update 6. Older MSI desktop documentation used Dragon Center, and the former Live Update 6 page described separate “In Windows mode” and “In Dos mode (USB)” choices. Those instructions are not MSI’s current general-purpose interface.
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Which MSI BIOS-update method should you use?
| Situation | Best method | Important requirement |
|---|---|---|
| The computer boots and you can enter BIOS | M-FLASH | FAT32 USB; keep extracted files at the USB root |
| The board has a Flash BIOS Button and cannot boot or lacks a compatible CPU | Flash BIOS Button | Dedicated BIOS port, MSI.ROM, 24-pin and CPU_PWR1 connected |
| Windows, networking, and MSI Center work normally | MSI Center Live Update | Installed LAN driver, working internet, closed applications |
Common problems and fixes
The USB drive is not detected
Reformat it as FAT32. NTFS and exFAT will not work for the documented desktop update procedure. Also try a different USB drive and connect it directly rather than through a hub.
M-FLASH cannot find the BIOS file
Confirm that the BIOS matches the exact motherboard model, the archive was extracted, and the extracted folder was copied to the USB drive’s root rather than nested inside additional folders. Do not rename the file to MSI.ROM for M-FLASH.
The Flash BIOS Button does nothing
Check these points:
- The motherboard actually has a Flash BIOS Button.
- The drive is connected to the port labeled BIOS or Flash BIOS Port.
- The file is named exactly MSI.ROM, including the extension.
- The USB drive is FAT32-formatted.
- The 24-pin connector and CPU_PWR1 are connected.
- The BIOS file belongs to the exact motherboard model.
The progress bar appears frozen
Wait another 3–5 minutes. MSI advises contacting support if it remains frozen rather than interrupting the process. Do not assume that a slow-looking progress bar means the update has failed.
The computer will not boot after updating
First clear the CMOS, following the motherboard manual’s instructions. Then start the system and enter BIOS to load appropriate defaults or restore required settings. If the board still does not boot, disconnect nonessential devices and contact MSI support; avoid repeatedly interrupting or restarting a failed flash.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Important distinction: MSI.ROM is not for every method
The filename rule is easy to apply incorrectly:
| Update method | Rename BIOS file to MSI.ROM? |
|---|---|
| M-FLASH | No. Select the extracted BIOS file in M-FLASH. |
| Flash BIOS Button | Yes. Rename it exactly to MSI.ROM. |
| MSI Center Live Update | No manual rename is specified. |
FAQ
Can I update an MSI BIOS with an NTFS or exFAT USB drive?
No. MSI’s desktop instructions require FAT32 and explicitly state that NTFS and exFAT do not allow the BIOS update.
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Does an MSI Flash BIOS Button require a CPU and RAM?
On supported motherboards, no. MSI documents the Flash BIOS Button procedure without a CPU and RAM. The 24-pin motherboard connector and CPU_PWR1 still need to be connected.
Do all MSI motherboards have a Flash BIOS Button?
No. The feature is model-specific. Check the motherboard product page and look for both the physical button and the dedicated BIOS USB port.
Should I rename an M-FLASH BIOS file to MSI.ROM?
No. MSI specifies the MSI.ROM rename for Flash BIOS Button updates. With M-FLASH, extract the archive and select the BIOS file normally.
Is MSI Live Update 6 the current BIOS-update program?
Not as MSI’s current general-purpose interface. Current motherboard documentation uses MSI Center → Support → Live Update → Advance. Live Update 6 instructions are legacy and its older documentation page currently returns 404.
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How long should I wait if an MSI BIOS update seems stuck?
MSI’s desktop guidance says to wait another 3–5 minutes. If the progress remains frozen, contact MSI support instead of shutting down or removing the USB drive.
The Bottom Line
Use M-FLASH for a normally booting system, Flash BIOS Button when your supported board cannot boot or needs an update without a CPU and RAM, and MSI Center only when Windows and networking are working reliably. In every case, match the BIOS to the exact motherboard model, use FAT32 where a USB drive is required, and never interrupt the flashing process.
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