Hey guys! Updating your motherboard's BIOS might sound intimidating, but it's actually a straightforward process that can significantly improve your system's performance and compatibility. In this guide, we'll walk you through updating the BIOS on your H110M Pro VH Plus motherboard, step by step. Let's dive in!

Why Update Your BIOS?

Before we get started, let's understand why updating your BIOS is important. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a crucial piece of software that initializes your hardware components when you boot up your computer. Manufacturers like MSI release updated BIOS versions to:

• Improve system stability
• Enhance hardware compatibility (e.g., support for newer CPUs or RAM)
• Fix bugs and security vulnerabilities
• Boost overall performance

Keeping your BIOS up-to-date ensures that your system runs smoothly and takes advantage of the latest improvements. It's like giving your motherboard a software upgrade!

Prerequisites

Before starting the BIOS update process, make sure you have the following:

• A stable power supply: A power outage during the update can brick your motherboard. Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) if possible.
• A USB flash drive: It should be at least 2GB in size and formatted with FAT32.
• The latest BIOS version for your H110M Pro VH Plus: Download it from the official MSI website.
• Your motherboard's manual: Keep it handy for reference.

Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your H110M Pro VH Plus BIOS

Step 1: Identify Your Current BIOS Version

First, you need to know your current BIOS version. Here’s how to find it:

1. Restart your computer.
2. As your computer boots up, press the Delete key repeatedly to enter the BIOS setup utility. The key to enter BIOS may vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer, it could be F2, F12, Esc key.
3. Look for the BIOS version information. It's usually displayed on the main screen or in the "System Information" section. Note down the current version.

Knowing your current BIOS version will help you confirm that the update was successful later on.

Step 2: Download the Latest BIOS Version

Next, head over to the official MSI website to download the latest BIOS version for your H110M Pro VH Plus motherboard. Here’s how:

1. Go to the MSI website (www.msi.com).
2. Search for "H110M Pro VH Plus" in the search bar.
3. Navigate to the support page for your motherboard.
4. Look for the "Downloads" or "Support" section.
5. Select "BIOS" from the available categories.
6. Download the latest BIOS version. Make sure it's compatible with your motherboard model. Check the BIOS release notes for any specific instructions or compatibility information.

Step 3: Prepare Your USB Flash Drive

Now, you need to prepare your USB flash drive:

1. Insert the USB flash drive into your computer.
2. Format the USB flash drive with the FAT32 file system. To do this, right-click on the USB drive in File Explorer, select "Format," choose FAT32, and click "Start."
3. Extract the downloaded BIOS file to the root directory of the USB flash drive. The BIOS file usually comes in a ZIP archive. Extract all the files directly onto the USB drive, so they are not in a subfolder.

Step 4: Enter the BIOS Setup Utility

With your USB drive prepared, it’s time to enter the BIOS setup utility again:

1. Restart your computer.
2. As your computer boots up, press the Delete key repeatedly to enter the BIOS setup utility.

Step 5: Use M-Flash to Update the BIOS

MSI motherboards come with a handy tool called M-Flash, which simplifies the BIOS update process:

1. In the BIOS setup utility, navigate to the "M-Flash" section. It’s usually found under the "Utilities" or "Tools" menu.
2. Select "Select BIOS update file" and locate the BIOS file on your USB flash drive.
3. The system will ask for confirmation. Confirm that you want to proceed with the BIOS update.
4. The update process will begin. Do not interrupt the process or turn off your computer. This could brick your motherboard.
5. Once the update is complete, your computer will automatically restart.

Step 6: Verify the BIOS Update

After the restart, verify that the BIOS update was successful:

1. Enter the BIOS setup utility again by pressing the Delete key during startup.
2. Check the BIOS version information to confirm that it matches the new version you installed.

If the BIOS version is correct, congratulations! You have successfully updated your H110M Pro VH Plus BIOS.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

• Problem: Computer won’t boot after the update.
  • Solution: Clear the CMOS. Locate the CMOS battery on your motherboard and remove it for a few minutes. Then, reinsert the battery and try booting again.
• Problem: BIOS update fails.
  • Solution: Make sure the BIOS file is compatible with your motherboard model. Re-download the BIOS file and try again. Ensure that your USB drive is properly formatted and that the BIOS file is in the root directory.
• Problem: M-Flash doesn’t recognize the USB drive.
  • Solution: Try a different USB drive. Some USB drives may not be compatible with M-Flash. Also, ensure that the USB drive is formatted with FAT32.

Important Tips

• Always download the BIOS update from the official MSI website.
• Never interrupt the BIOS update process.
• Back up your current BIOS settings before updating.
• Read the BIOS release notes for any specific instructions or compatibility information.
• If you're not comfortable updating the BIOS yourself, seek help from a qualified technician.

Conclusion

Updating your H110M Pro VH Plus BIOS is a simple yet crucial task that can improve your system’s performance, stability, and compatibility. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful update. Remember to take precautions and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any issues. Happy updating, and may your system run smoothly ever after!