Intel's Coffee Lake Refresh processors, which utilize the LGA 1151 v2 platform, require stable motherboard microcode to fully utilize their potential. Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi Although it has a powerful power supply and advanced features, without the latest firmware version, it may not work correctly with new processors or RAM. Updating the BIOS is not just a formality; it's essential to ensure compatibility and stability of the entire system.
Owners of this model often face the need to install security patches or bug fixes, which Gigabyte periodically releases. This is especially relevant for those planning to install Intel 9-series processors (for example, Core i9-9900K) on boards manufactured earlier. The older BIOS version may simply not recognize the new CPU, resulting in a blank screen.
There are several ways to perform this procedure, and the method you choose depends on the current functionality of your system. If the computer powers on and you can access the operating system or basic BIOS menu, the process will only take a few minutes. In more complex cases, where the system fails to boot, you will need to use special hardware features on the motherboard.
Preparing for the procedure: what you need to know before you begin
The first thing you need to do is accurately determine your current BIOS version. You can do this by opening the Windows command prompt and entering the command wmic bios get smbiosbiosversionThe received code should be compared with the list of versions on the manufacturer's official website. If your version is older than the one available for download, updating is advisable.
To perform these steps, you will need a USB drive. It is recommended to use a small flash drive (up to 32 GB) formatted with a file system. FAT32Using NTFS or exFAT may result in the integrated BIOS controller simply not recognizing the device during boot.
It's important to ensure a stable power supply. A power surge or accidental power outage while writing data to the memory chip can brick the motherboard. If you have an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), connect the system unit to it.
- 🔌 Charge your laptop or check your UPS for surge protection.
- 💾 Format your flash drive to FAT32 before writing files.
- 📥 Download files only from the official Gigabyte website.
- 🔌 Use the USB ports on the back of the motherboard.
⚠️ Attention: Don't attempt to update the BIOS if your computer is working perfectly and you're not interested in supporting new processors or fixing specific bugs. The "if it works, don't touch it" principle applies here, as the risk of software errors, although minimal, always exists.
Downloading and preparing the firmware file
Go to the official support page for your model. Search on the Gigabyte website for Z390 AORUS PRO WIFI (Please note the board revision, it is indicated on the board itself or the box, for example, rev. 1.0). Go to the "Support" section and select the "BIOS" tab.
The version list is usually sorted by release date. You need the latest stable version (not a beta, unless otherwise noted in the description). The description often indicates what improvements have been made, such as "Update Intel Microcode 0EA" or "Improve memory compatibility."
After downloading the archive, unzip it. Inside, you'll find a file with an extension different from typical executable files. For Gigabyte, these are typically files with the extension .Fxx (For example, Z39APROWIFI.F40). This is the file that needs to be placed in the root of your USB flash drive.
What do the letters in the BIOS file name mean?
The letters at the end of the file name (e.g., F40) indicate the version. The numbers after the F are the version number. If you have F10 and downloaded F40, the update is possible. Sometimes you'll encounter files with the "beta" prefix; these should be used with caution.
Do not rename the firmware file unless otherwise specified in the Q-Flash utility instructions. Standard procedure requires preserving the original file name so the system can correctly identify its contents and ensure compatibility with your board revision.
Method 1: Update via Q-Flash utility from BIOS
This is the classic and most reliable method, requiring minimal intervention from the operating system. Insert the prepared flash drive into the USB port and restart the computer. To enter the BIOS, press Delete or F2 immediately after switching on.
The Gigabyte BIOS interface can be in EZ Mode or Advanced Mode. Click F2to switch to advanced mode if you see a simplified menu. Find the button Q-FlashIt can be located in the bottom menu or placed on the main screen, depending on the interface version.
☑️ Checklist before launching Q-Flash
In the Q-Flash menu, select "Update BIOS." The system will prompt you to select a storage device. Select your flash drive from the list. A list of files will then appear—select the downloaded firmware file. The system will ask for confirmation—click "Yes" or "OK."
The update process will begin. A progress bar will appear on the screen. During this process, it is strictly forbidden to press any buttons, turn off the computer, or remove the flash drive. Once complete, the board will automatically reboot. The first boot after the update may take longer than usual—this is normal; the memory is being trained.
| Parameter | Meaning / Action | Note |
|---|---|---|
| File system | FAT32 | Required for Q-Flash |
| BIOS entry key | Delete / F2 | Press repeatedly |
| Utility | Q-Flash | Built into BIOS |
| File format | .Fxx (e.g. F40) | Do not change the extension |
Method 2: Using Q-Flash Plus (without CPU and RAM)
Motherboard Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi equipped with a unique function Q-Flash PlusIt allows you to update your BIOS even if you don't have a processor, RAM, or graphics card, or if your current BIOS doesn't support the installed processor.
To do this, rename the downloaded BIOS file to GIGABYTE.BINThis is a critical step, without which the method will not work. The file must be located in the root directory of the flash drive. Insert the flash drive into the specially marked port on the back panel (usually marked with the Q-Flash logo or highlighted in color).
Click the button Q-Flash Plus On the back panel (near the USB ports). The indicator light will light up and start blinking. This indicates that the reading and writing process is in progress. Do not touch the computer until the indicator light stops blinking and goes out (or remains solid, depending on the revision).
⚠️ Attention: When using Q-Flash Plus, the indicator may flash for several minutes. Do not interrupt the process, even if it appears frozen. Interrupting it at this stage will inevitably damage the BIOS chip, requiring a programmer to restore it.
This method is ideal for situations where you bought a Series 9 processor and the motherboard came with a factory BIOS for Series 8. The computer simply won't boot normally, and Q-Flash Plus becomes your only option.
Post-update settings and configuration reset
After a successful BIOS update, all settings, including overclocking, XMP profiles for RAM, and fan settings, will be reset to factory defaults. This is standard behavior, as the parameter structure in the new firmware version may differ from the old one.
The system may reboot itself several times during the first boot. Don't worry, it's still in progress. Memory Training (memory training). The memory controller recalculates timings and voltages for your RAM.
Go to BIOS and reactivate the profile. XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) to ensure your RAM runs at its specified frequency, not its base frequency (usually 2133 or 2400 MHz). Also, check your fan speed if you've configured custom curves.
- 🔄 Reset CMOS settings if the system becomes unstable after an update.
- ⚡ Enable XMP profile for RAM manually.
- 🌡 Check the temperatures and speed of the coolers.
- 💾 Save settings before exiting (F10).
If you were using power saving features or PCIe specific settings, you will also need to re-enable them. Make sure that in the Settings → IO Ports The USB and SATA ports are configured correctly if you made changes earlier.
Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes the update process can go awry. If the computer doesn't turn on after the update or the error indicator on the board is lit, try resetting the BIOS using the jumper. CLR_CMOS or by removing the battery for 5 minutes. This will help eliminate possible settings conflicts.
If the Q-Flash utility reports "File Mismatch" or "Check Sum Error," the file was corrupted during download or was saved to the wrong drive. Try a different flash drive, preferably an older model (USB 2.0, up to 16 GB), and recheck the file's checksums.
What should I do if the Internet is lost after an update?
The Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module often becomes disabled after a BIOS reset. Go to Settings → IO Ports in the BIOS and make sure Wi-Fi Controller is set to Enabled. You may also need to reinstall the drivers in Windows.
In rare cases, a new BIOS version may perform worse with a particular memory kit than the previous one. In such cases, Gigabyte technical support may recommend rolling back to the previous version if this feature is supported (Dual BIOS), or using a beta version with fixes.
Is it possible to update BIOS from Windows?
Technically, Gigabyte offers an @BIOS utility that runs directly in Windows. However, we don't recommend this method. Antivirus software, drivers, or a random power surge in the OS can interrupt the flashing process, resulting in damage to the board. Q-Flash from within the BIOS is safer.
Do I need to update my BIOS if my computer is working fine?
No, you don't. If you're not interested in supporting new processors, fixing specific security vulnerabilities, or improving compatibility with new hardware, it's best to leave a stable system alone. Every reflash carries a risk.
What should I do if the BIOS indicator is on after an update?
The indicator light may remain on for a short time during the first boot. If it remains on and there is no display, try resetting the CMOS. If that doesn't help, the file may be corrupted or corrupted. You'll need to use Q-Flash Plus or contact a service center.
Will updating BIOS reset my Windows license?
No, your Windows license is tied to your motherboard (board ID) and Microsoft account, not your BIOS version. However, if you reset your TPM or Secure Boot settings, the system may ask you to confirm your BitLocker recovery key, if you have it enabled.