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// DELL BIOS UPDATE

How to update a Dell BIOS safely

A BIOS update fixes bugs and security holes in the firmware that starts your Dell. It’s routine, but it’s the one update you mustn’t interrupt, and on a PC with BitLocker it can ask for the recovery key unless you suspend BitLocker first. Here’s the safe way, from Dell’s own guidance. Rated 4.9 on Google.

Call 01202 775566 Before you start
  • ● Dell’s own steps
  • ● The BitLocker trap
  • ● Independent Dell specialists

By the 365 Techies team · Reviewed 13 October 2026

/01 — BEFORE YOU START

Three things to do first

  1. Plug in the charger. On a laptop, Dell says the battery must be in and the charger plugged in for the whole update.
  2. Suspend BitLocker. Control Panel, then System and Security, then BitLocker Drive Encryption, then Suspend protection. If you skip this on a PC with BitLocker, Windows asks for the 48-digit recovery key at the next restart (Dell article 000134415). Know where your key is first: finding a BitLocker recovery key.
  3. Save your work and close programs. The PC restarts during the update.

If a BIOS password is set, some update methods won’t run until it’s removed (Dell article 000124211).

/02 — THE EASY WAY

Update with SupportAssist

  1. Open SupportAssist from the Start menu.
  2. Run its updates check and choose the BIOS update if it’s offered.
  3. Let it restart. The screen shows Dell’s BIOS update with a progress bar, and the fans may get loud. Leave it alone until Windows is back.

Dell recommends this route for most people because it picks the right update for your exact model.

/03 — THE MANUAL WAY

Or download it from Dell

  1. Go to dell.com/support, typed in yourself, and enter your service tag or let Dell detect the PC (finding the service tag).
  2. Open Drivers & Downloads and set the category to BIOS.
  3. Download the latest BIOS for that machine, run it, and let the PC restart and finish.

/04 — WHAT NOT TO DO

What not to do during a BIOS update

  • Don’t switch off, unplug or close the lid while it runs.
  • Don’t install a BIOS meant for a different model.
  • Don’t go back to an older BIOS unless Dell’s notes tell you to.

/05 — AFTERWARDS

After the update

Check BitLocker is protecting the drive again: Control Panel, then BitLocker Drive Encryption. If it still says suspended, click Resume protection.

If Windows Update offers a Dell BIOS update and it keeps failing, Dell notes this can happen on PCs with a separate graphics card because BitLocker isn’t suspended for it; suspend BitLocker yourself and try again, or use SupportAssist (Dell article 000216539).

/06 — WHEN TO CALL US

When to call us

If the PC now asks for a recovery key you can’t find, or won’t start after an update, ring us before you try anything else.

Ring 01202 775566 or text 07520 615332, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. With your permission we connect to your Windows PC and sort it while you watch: remote help from £20, and no fix, no fee. We’re an independent Dell specialist and a Dell reseller since 2001, not Dell itself.

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// GOOD QUESTIONS

Frequently asked

Is it safe to update the BIOS on a Dell?

Yes, if you follow Dell’s steps: charger plugged in, BitLocker suspended, and nothing interrupted while it runs.

Why is my Dell asking for a BitLocker recovery key after a BIOS update?

Because BitLocker wasn’t suspended first. Type the 48-digit key from your Microsoft account or where your work keeps it; see finding a BitLocker recovery key.

How do I update the BIOS on a Dell laptop?

With the charger plugged in and BitLocker suspended, use SupportAssist’s updates check, or download the BIOS for your service tag from dell.com/support and run it.

What happens if a BIOS update is interrupted?

The PC may not start. Don’t keep switching it on and off: ring us or Dell.

Rather we did it?

We can update the BIOS for you remotely, with BitLocker handled properly. Remote help from £20.

Call 01202 775566 Before you start

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