Question Should I update BIOS before upgrading to Windows 10?

[The5thSardonyx]

Hello, I have a Gigabyte X-99 Gaming 5 Rev 1.0 motherboard and I would like to upgrade my system from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10. I tried back in 2016 and got an "Automatic Repair Loop" so I'm hoping things will be more stable this time around. I'm wondering if I should first update my BIOS from version "F8" to a newer version (latest version is "F23c") for the upgrade to Windows 10 to be successful? Or should it be fine with the current version (released on 01/29/2015)? Thank you.

 

[The5thSardonyx]

To ensure a smooth upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 on your Gigabyte X-99 Gaming 5 Rev 1.0 motherboard, updating the BIOS might be beneficial. While the current BIOS version "F8" released in January 2015 worked with Windows 8.1, a BIOS update to the latest version "F23c" could offer improved compatibility and stability for Windows 10. BIOS updates often address hardware and software compatibility issues, potentially preventing problems like the "Automatic Repair Loop" you encountered earlier. Given the significant time gap between the initial BIOS version and the latest release, updating is advisable. However, proceed with caution: follow Gigabyte's official instructions, back up important data, and ensure a stable power supply during the update process.

Thanks so much for your reply! I ended up upgrading to Windows 10 (as a clean install) while keeping the original BIOS ("F8") and it worked successfully.

For future reference, the manufacturer's reply was:

Yes I would recommend updating the BIOS, but due to the age, updating can be finicky with older equipment.

Try installing Windows, if you don't encounter issues installing or performance issues, you should be in the clear. If you do run into hurdles, please update to f23c but do so one bios revision at a time, until you get to the most current.

 

[bigi]

To ensure a smooth upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 on your Gigabyte X-99 Gaming 5 Rev 1.0 motherboard, updating the BIOS might be beneficial. While the current BIOS version "F8" released in January 2015 worked with Windows 8.1, a BIOS update to the latest version "F23c" could offer improved compatibility and stability for Windows 10. BIOS updates often address hardware and software compatibility issues, potentially preventing problems like the "Automatic Repair Loop" you encountered earlier. Given the significant time gap between the initial BIOS version and the latest release, updating is advisable. However, proceed with caution: follow Gigabyte's official instructions, back up important data, and ensure a stable power supply during the update process.

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[tcsenter]

Better before installing OS than after. I always get the latest firmware or BIOS, but you do you.