How to update BIOS on a Lenovo Legion laptop

🧰 Difficulty: ★★★★☆ (Not hard—but not forgiving)

⏱ Time involved: 15–30 minutes

⚠️ Risk level: High—interrupting a BIOS update can brick your laptop

💡 Pro insight: BIOS updates fix real issues—but they’re not routine maintenance. Only update when there’s a reason.

If you’re running a Lenovo Legion® laptop, you didn’t buy it to browse spreadsheets. You bought it to push frames, crank settings, and run hardware hard. So when something starts acting off—random crashes, hardware not recognized, weird boot behavior—BIOS starts showing up in forums fast.

Before you hit “update” because someone said it helped them, let’s make sure you actually need it. BIOS updates can solve problems—but they’re not something you run casually. This is firmware. If something interrupts it mid-update, you’re not just restarting—you’re potentially dealing with a laptop that won’t boot.

Asurion Experts have the know-how to help with all of your tech care needs. Here’s what you need to know about updating BIOS on your Legion laptop—including when it’s best to abort mission.

What is BIOS exactly?

BIOS is the firmware that runs before Windows ever loads. The second you hit the power button, BIOS initializes your CPU, RAM, GPU, storage—everything that makes your system actually function.

If it’s outdated and there’s a documented bug affecting your hardware, updating can fix instability, compatibility problems, or boot errors.

What it doesn’t do? It doesn’t magically boost FPS. It doesn’t unlock hidden power. It’s not a secret overclock button. BIOS is infrastructure. It either works—or it doesn’t.

When you should update your Legion BIOS

Here’s the honest rule: don’t update BIOS unless you have a legit reason.

Good reasons to update:

• You’re fixing a specific bug listed in Lenovo’s release notes
• You’re having hardware compatibility issues
• Lenovo support told you to
• You upgraded internal components and need firmware support

Not good reasons:

• “There’s a newer version”
• Everything is working fine
• Someone online said to always update

If your Legion is stable, smooth, and pushing frames without issue, leave it alone. BIOS updates are problem-solvers—not routine upgrades.

Don’t ditch it, fix it

No matter the issue, our experts can repair your devices fast. Make an appointment or visit your local uBreakiFix by Asurion today.

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How to check your current BIOS version

Before downloading anything, confirm what you’re running.

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type msinfo32
3. Look for BIOS Version/Date

Now compare that to the latest version listed for your exact Legion model on Lenovo’s support site. If they match, you’re done.

How to update BIOS on a Lenovo Legion laptop

Before starting:

• Plug the laptop into AC power
• Make sure the battery is above 50%
• Close all programs
• Temporarily disable sleep mode

If BitLocker® is enabled on your system, make sure you know where your recovery key is stored before updating BIOS. In some cases, a BIOS update can trigger a BitLocker recovery prompt the next time the laptop starts.

The easiest way: Lenovo Vantage

Before downloading anything manually, open Lenovo Vantage and check for available updates. Lenovo Vantage can identify your exact Legion model and install approved BIOS updates automatically, reducing the risk of downloading the wrong file.

How to update manually:

1. Go to Lenovo Support and enter your exact Legion model number
2. Download the correct BIOS update file
3. Run the downloaded .exe and follow the on-screen prompts
4. Let the system restart and complete the update

Do not unplug it, do not close the lid, do not force shutdown. The screen may go black and restart multiple times. That’s normal, let it finish. This is not the moment to panic-click.

What actually happens during a BIOS update

When you update BIOS, you’re rewriting firmware stored directly on the motherboard. That firmware controls how your hardware initializes before the OS even boots.

If you interrupt that rewrite—power loss, forced shutdown, wrong file—you’re not just canceling a download. You’re corrupting startup firmware.

That’s how rigs go from “slightly glitchy” to “won’t power on.”

If your Lenovo Legion won’t boot after a BIOS update

If your laptop:

• Powers on but shows no display
• Freezes on the Lenovo logo
• Emits beep codes
• Won’t power on at all

You’re likely dealing with a corrupted BIOS flash. Some Legion models support USB BIOS recovery. That process involves:

• Downloading a recovery file
• Formatting a USB drive to FAT32
• Renaming the BIOS file correctly
• Using a specific key combination during startup

The process varies by model. Guessing doesn’t help here.

If you’re unsure, this is where help from a Lenovo repair expert will come in handy.

How to avoid BIOS update disasters

A few rules every Legion owner should follow:

• Always download from Lenovo’s official site
• Confirm your exact Legion model—not just “Legion 5”
• Avoid updating during storms or unstable power
• Don’t update while running on battery alone
• Never use third-party BIOS files

And again—if nothing’s broken, there’s no need to update.

FAQ

Is updating BIOS safe on a Lenovo Legion?

Yes—if done properly with stable power and the correct file. The risk comes from interruptions or using the wrong version.

How long does a Lenovo BIOS update take?

Usually 5–15 minutes including restarts.

Can a BIOS update improve gaming performance?

Sometimes indirectly—through compatibility or stability improvements—but it won’t magically increase frame rates.

What happens if a BIOS update fails?

The system may not boot. Recovery may require USB recovery tools or professional reflashing.

Should I update BIOS regularly?

No. Only update when you’re solving a specific issue.

Why is my Lenovo Legion restarting multiple times during a BIOS update?

That's usually normal. Many BIOS updates require multiple restarts while firmware components are being updated. Avoid interrupting the process unless Lenovo specifically instructs you to do so.