Intel 12th-generation Alder Lake processors and newer models require the latest microcode to function correctly on the Z590 chipset. Motherboard ASUS ROG Strix Z590-F Gaming WiFi Often shipped with firmware released before the release of these CPUs, making it impossible to boot the system without prior intervention. Updating the basic input/output system is a critical procedure that ensures stability, support for new memory standards, and patches for security vulnerabilities.
Owners of NVIDIA RTX 30 and 40 series graphics cards may be faced with the need to activate the feature Resizable BAR, which also depends on the BIOS version. Ignoring updates can lead to unstable USB ports, problems with RAM overclocking, or the inability to detect NVMe drives. Below, we'll detail a safe procedure that will minimize risks and keep your system up to date.
Before performing any firmware modifications, ensure you have a stable power supply. Power surges during the process of writing data to the BIOS chip can cause irreversible damage to the motherboard. If you have an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), using it will provide additional protection for your equipment during the process.
⚠️ Attention: Using the ASUS EZ Flash 3 feature requires disabling all power-saving modes on your computer and monitor to prevent the system from going into sleep mode during the critical update phase.
Checking the current version and compatibility
The first step should always be to diagnose the current system state. You need to find out what firmware version is already installed on your ASUS ROG Strix Z590-F Gaming WiFiThis can be done through the BIOS menu or using standard Windows operating system tools. Knowing the current version will help you understand how big the gap is between the installed software and the latest release from the manufacturer.
To get information through the UEFI BIOS interface, restart the computer and press the key F2 or Del at startup. In the main menu, often called EZ Mode, a line will usually appear in the upper or lower right corner of the screen. BIOS VersionWrite down these numbers, as you will need them to compare with the data on the official support website.
If you cannot enter BIOS, use the utility System Information in Windows. Press the key combination Win + R, enter the command msinfo32 and press Enter. In the window that opens, find the line "BIOS version." However, this method will only show the version that was current at the time of OS installation and may not reflect the actual status if the firmware was updated without reinstalling Windows.
- 📌 Restart your PC and enter BIOS to determine the exact version.
- 📌 Use the command
msinfo32in Windows for quick checking. - 📌 Compare the version number with the list on the ASUS website.
Preparing bootable media
The most reliable update method is using an external USB drive. This method eliminates the possibility of operating system drivers or network failures interfering with the update process. You'll need a flash drive with at least 4 GB of capacity, preferably formatted as FAT32. Using exFAT or NTFS may prevent the BIOS from recognizing the device.
It's best to format the drive using standard Windows tools. Insert the flash drive into the port, open "My Computer," right-click the device, and select "Format." In the "File system" field, be sure to select FAT32The cluster size can be left at the default value. Once the process is complete, the drive will be ready to write firmware files.
Files should be downloaded exclusively from the manufacturer's official website. Go to the model support page. ROG STRIX Z590-F GAMING WIFI, select the "Support" tab, and then the "Drivers and Utilities" section. From the list of operating systems, select your version of Windows, although the BIOS file itself is not specific to the OS. Find the BIOS & Firmware category and download the latest available version.
After downloading the archive, unzip its contents to the root of the flash drive. The firmware file usually has a different extension than executable files, for example, .CAP or .ROMMake sure there are no extra folders on the flash drive and that the file is located in the root directory to make it easier to find using the built-in BIOS file manager.
⚠️ Attention: Do not remove the USB drive or turn off the computer during the update process, even if the progress bar is frozen. Interrupting the update could brick the motherboard.
Downloading the BIOS file from the official website
Finding the correct firmware version can be challenging due to the large number of revisions. On the ASUS website, files are often sorted by release date, but sometimes critical updates to support new CPUs are released before the dated patches. Look for keywords in the file description (Release Note): "Improve system performance," "Update Intel Microcode," or "Support for new CPUs."
If you plan to install a 13th-generation Intel processor (Raptor Lake) on a Z590 board, make sure the BIOS version supports it. The Z590 chipset was originally designed for the 10th and 11th generations, and support for the 12th and 13th generations is often added only in beta versions or special releases. Carefully read the release notes to avoid installing a version that doesn't contain the required microcode.
| BIOS version | Release date | Key changes | Version type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1403 | 2023/10/24 | Intel Microcode Update 0x12B | Stable |
| 1205 | 2022/05/16 | Support for 12th generation CPUs | Stable |
| 0617 | 2021/02/24 | First public release | Basic |
| 3805 | 2026/01/15 | 13th Generation CPU Support (Beta) | Beta |
It's also worth paying attention to the presence of suffixes in the file name. ASUS sometimes releases separate files for updating via DOS and via the built-in EZ Flash utility. For most users using the flash drive method within the BIOS, the universal file is suitable. If the website offers two files for the same version, choose the one labeled "BIOS Update (For EZ Flash 3 Utility)".
Using the EZ Flash 3 utility
Interface EZ Flash 3 — is a standard ASUS tool built directly into the UEFI BIOS. It allows you to update the firmware without having to boot into an operating system or create bootable DOS disks. This is the safest and preferred method for users of all skill levels, as it is controlled by the board's low-level code.
To launch the utility, enter the advanced BIOS mode by pressing the key F7. Go to the tab Tool and select the item ASUS EZ Flash 3 UtilityThe system may warn you that all unsaved data will be lost and prompt you to reboot. Confirm the action, and the file manager interface will open.
☑️ Pre-EZ Flash Check
In the window that opens, you'll see a list of connected drives on the left. Select your USB flash drive, and the file structure will appear on the right. Find the previously downloaded firmware file and click it. The system will ask you to confirm the update: "Do you want to update BIOS?" Yes and wait for the process to complete.
During the update, a progress bar will be displayed on the screen. Do not attempt to speed up the process or restart your computer. Once the files are finished writing, the system will reboot automatically. The first boot after the update may take significantly longer than usual—this is normal, as the system trains the memory and resets the settings.
What should I do if the update doesn't start?
If you see the file but can't select it, check the flash drive's formatting. It should be FAT32. Also, try moving the flash drive to a different USB port, preferably a USB 2.0 port (black).
Setting up after updating BIOS
After a successful update and first boot, the system may reboot itself several times. This is part of the initialization process for the new firmware. When you finally get into the BIOS or Windows, you'll notice that all your previous settings have been reset to factory defaults. This is standard behavior and requires reconfiguration.
First of all, check if the profile is activated XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) for your RAM. Without this step, your RAM will run at its base frequency (often 2133 or 2400 MHz), which significantly reduces system performance. The setting is located on the main EZ Mode screen or in the Ai Tweaker.
It's also worth checking the fan speed and processor temperature. A new BIOS version may change the fan control algorithms, making them louder or quieter. If necessary, adjust the fan speed curves in the section Monitor or Q-Fan Control.
- 🔧 Enable XMP profile for full memory speed.
- 🔧 Check the boot device priority (Boot Option).
- 🔧 Customize the Aura Sync RGB lighting mode.
⚠️ Attention: If the second M.2 drive is no longer detected after the update, check the PCIe lane allocation settings in Advanced > PCH Configuration. The update may have reset the port configuration.
Solving common problems
Sometimes the update process may not go perfectly. If your computer doesn't turn on or reboots cyclically after the update, try resetting the CMOS. To do this, unplug the PC from the power outlet and locate the jumper on the motherboard. CLRTC or button Clear CMOS (if the model allows it) and short-circuit the contacts for a few seconds. This will reset the BIOS settings to factory defaults, eliminating configuration conflicts.
If the system displays "BIOS Update Failed" or a similar message, don't panic. ROG Strix motherboards feature CrashFree BIOS 3 technology, which allows you to automatically restore the firmware from a USB drive. Simply leave the USB drive containing the BIOS file in the port and power on the system—the system will attempt to restore functionality automatically.
If you've updated to a version with support for 12th-generation CPUs, but the processor is still not detected, an intermediate update may be required. Some BIOS versions contain microcode only for certain processor steppings. In such cases, you may need to install an intermediate firmware version before the final update.
Is it possible to update BIOS without a processor?
Model ROG Strix Z590-F Gaming WiFi The BIOS does not have a BIOS Flashback feature (a button on the rear panel for updating without a CPU). Therefore, the processor must be installed and working properly to perform the procedure. If your current CPU is not supported by the older BIOS version, you will need an older, compatible processor for the initial update.
Will updating BIOS reset my Windows license?
Typically, updating a BIOS doesn't affect the Windows 10/11 digital license tied to the hardware. However, in rare cases, changing the Motherboard ID in the new firmware may require reactivation. Make sure you remember the Microsoft account to which the license is tied.
Should I delete old BIOS files from my flash drive?
There's no need to delete old files; the EZ Flash 3 utility will simply display a list of all files found with the .CAP or .ROM extension. However, to avoid confusion and selection errors, it's recommended to have only the latest firmware file on the flash drive before starting the procedure.