ASRock Instant Flash BIOS Update Procedures

Introduction

To use the USB BIOS Instant Flash function, please follow the steps below.

Step 1: Prepare the USB Drive

Save the BIOS file to a FAT32 formatted USB drive. The USB drive must use the MBR partition style and be formatted as FAT32.

Step 2: Enter BIOS Setup

During POST, press [F2] to enter the BIOS setup menu.

Step 3: Load UEFI Defaults and Save

Press [F9] to load UEFI default settings, then press [Enter] to confirm. Press [F10] to save changes and exit, then press [Enter] to confirm.

Note: After loading UEFI default settings, RAID settings will also revert to default.

Important: If BitLocker is enabled, you may need to enter the recovery key after updating the BIOS. It is recommended to save the recovery key or disable BitLocker before proceeding with the BIOS update.

Step 4: Access BIOS Setup Again

During boot, press [F2] to enter the BIOS setup menu.

Step 5: Select Instant Flash

There are two methods to update BIOS using a USB flash drive:

• Method One: EZ Mode
  In the Tools section, select [Instant Flash] to proceed.
• Method Two: Advanced Mode
  If you are in EZ Mode, press [F6] to switch to Advanced Mode. Select the [Tools] menu and then [Instant Flash] to proceed.

[Diagram Description]: A screenshot of the ASRock BIOS EZ Mode for Z790 Taichi, displaying system information like CPU temperature, motherboard temperature, CPU voltage, date/time, fan status, storage configuration, and boot priority. The "Tools" menu is visible, with "Instant Flash" highlighted.

[Diagram Description]: A screenshot of the ASRock BIOS Advanced Mode. The "Tools" menu is selected, and "Instant Flash" is highlighted. A dialog box appears, stating "Supported devices: USB, Floppy, Hard Disk. Supported file systems: FAT12, FAT16, FAT32."

Step 6: Read Notes and Warnings

Read the statement in the "Note" section.

[Diagram Description]: A dialog box titled "Instant Flash" with a warning regarding BitLocker and TPM encryption. It advises suspending these technologies and backing up the recovery key. It asks for confirmation to proceed.

If you have not taken these precautions, click "No" to cancel and follow these instructions. Note that Windows PIN login may also rely on TPM. If you use this method, temporarily select another login method. After preparing the system like this, return to Step 4 to begin. If you have already taken these precautions, click "Yes" to continue.

Step 7: Select BIOS File

ASRock Instant Flash will automatically detect all devices and list only the BIOS versions suitable for your motherboard. If no files are found, try the suggestions at the end of this guide (Step 7b).

[Diagram Description]: A screenshot of the Instant Flash utility showing a file path \BIOS\Z790-Taichi_18.03.ROM and an option to "Re-scan". The "Supported devices" and "Supported file systems" information is also visible.

Step 8: Confirm BIOS Update

Select the appropriate BIOS version, then click "YES" to flash the BIOS.

[Diagram Description]: A confirmation dialog box asking "Update UEFI to \BIOS\Z790-Taichi_18.03.ROM?" with "Yes" and "No" options.

Step 9: BIOS Flashing Process

The system will begin flashing the BIOS.

[Diagram Description]: A screenshot showing the Instant Flash progress bar, indicating "Instant Flash V3.0.05", "Do not power off during ME update", and a progress percentage.

Step 10: Reboot After Success

After flashing the BIOS, it will display "Programming success, Press Enter to reboot system". Click "OK" to restart the system.

[Diagram Description]: A dialog box showing "Programming success, Press Enter to reboot system" with an "OK" button.

Step 11: Final BIOS Configuration

After the system restarts, press [F2] during the boot process to enter the BIOS setup utility. In the exit menu, select "Load UEFI Defaults" and press [Enter] to continue. Select "Save Changes and Exit", then press [Enter] to exit the BIOS setup utility. The system is now booting with the new BIOS.

Troubleshooting: Instant Flash Not Detecting Files

If Instant Flash does not detect any files, you can try the following steps:

• Verify the motherboard model on the BIOS home screen. Some models have similar names or revision numbers, and you might have accidentally downloaded the wrong file.
• Check the notes and remarks on the BIOS download page.
• Use a different USB flash drive.
• Use a different USB port.
• Remove all other storage devices: M.2 SSDs, SATA hard drives, card readers, etc.
• Clear CMOS (refer to the user manual).