How to update BIOS on Dell Latitude 7490?

Updating the BIOS on your Dell Latitude 7490 is a crucial maintenance task that can enhance system stability, improve performance, and address security vulnerabilities. The process involves downloading the latest BIOS firmware from Dell's official support website and then executing the update through a simple utility.

Why Update Your Dell Latitude 7490 BIOS?

Regular BIOS updates offer several benefits for your laptop:

Improved System Stability: Addresses bugs and resolves compatibility issues that might cause system crashes or freezes.
Enhanced Performance: Optimizes hardware management, potentially leading to better CPU, memory, or graphics performance.
Security Patches: Fixes critical security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious software.
Hardware Compatibility: Adds support for newer hardware components or peripherals.
New Features: Occasionally introduces new features or settings for your system.

Essential Preparations Before Updating BIOS

Before proceeding with the BIOS update, ensure you take the following precautions:

Power Connection: Connect your Latitude 7490 to a reliable power outlet using the AC adapter. Do not rely solely on battery power during the update.
Battery Charge: Ensure your laptop's battery is charged to at least 10% (Dell often recommends 25% or higher) to prevent interruptions if AC power is momentarily lost.
Close Applications: Close all running applications and save any open work to avoid data loss.
Disable Security Software (Optional): Temporarily disable antivirus or anti-malware software if you encounter issues during the update process.
Backup Data (Recommended): While BIOS updates rarely cause data loss, it's always good practice to back up important files before any significant system change.

Step-by-Step Guide: Downloading the Latest BIOS for Latitude 7490

Follow these steps to download the correct BIOS file from Dell's official support site:

Visit Dell Support: Open your web browser and navigate to www.dell.com/support.
Identify Your Product: On the Dell Support page, either enter your service tag (recommended for accuracy) in the "Search support" box or browse for your product manually by selecting "Browse all products" and navigating to "Laptops" > "Latitude" > "Latitude 7490".
Navigate to Drivers & Downloads: Once on your Latitude 7490's product support page, click on the "Drivers & Downloads" section.
Select Operating System: Use the drop-down menu to select the operating system currently installed on your computer (e.g., Windows 10, 64-bit).
Filter by Category: In the "Category" drop-down list, select "BIOS". This will filter the results to show only BIOS updates.
Download Latest BIOS: Locate the latest version of the BIOS listed (usually at the top with the most recent release date). Click the "Download" button next to it to save the executable file to your computer.
- Example: The file name typically looks like "Latitude_7490_xxxx.exe", where xxxx represents the version number.

Methods to Install the BIOS Update on Your Latitude 7490

Once you have downloaded the BIOS file, you can proceed with the installation. There are primarily two methods:

Method 1: Updating from Within Windows (Recommended)

This is the simplest and most common method for most users.

Locate the Downloaded File: Navigate to the folder where you saved the BIOS executable file (e.g., your "Downloads" folder).
Run as Administrator: Right-click on the downloaded BIOS file (e.g., Latitude_7490_xxxx.exe) and select "Run as administrator".
Follow On-Screen Prompts: A Dell BIOS Flash utility window will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions. It will typically ask you to confirm the update and then initiate a system restart.
System Restart: Your laptop will automatically restart. Do not interrupt this process or press any keys.
BIOS Update Process: During the restart, you will see a progress bar or a black screen indicating that the BIOS update is in progress. This process can take several minutes. The system may restart multiple times.
Completion: Once the update is complete, your Latitude 7490 will boot back into Windows as usual.

Method 2: Updating via the F12 One-Time Boot Menu (for Advanced Users or Troubleshooting)

This method is useful if you cannot update from Windows, or prefer to perform the update outside of the operating system.

Prepare a USB Drive: Format a USB flash drive to FAT32.
Copy BIOS File: Copy the downloaded BIOS executable file (e.g., Latitude_7490_xxxx.exe) directly to the root directory of the FAT32 formatted USB drive.
Connect USB Drive: Insert the USB flash drive into an available USB port on your Latitude 7490.
Reboot and Access F12 Menu: Restart your computer. As soon as the Dell logo appears, repeatedly press the F12 key until the "One-Time Boot Menu" appears.
Select BIOS Flash Update: In the F12 menu, use the arrow keys to navigate and select "BIOS Flash Update" or "Flash BIOS Update" and press Enter.
Browse for File: In the BIOS Flash utility, select your USB drive as the source, then navigate to and select the BIOS executable file.
Confirm and Proceed: Confirm your selection. The utility will display the old and new BIOS versions. Click "Begin Flash Update" or similar to start the process.
System Restart and Update: The system will restart and proceed with the BIOS update, similar to Method 1. Do not interrupt the process.

What to Do After a Successful BIOS Update

After your Dell Latitude 7490 boots back into Windows:

Verify BIOS Version: To confirm the update was successful, open System Information (type msinfo32 in the Windows search bar) and check the "BIOS Version/Date" entry. It should match the version you downloaded.
Check System Stability: Use your laptop as normal to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Issue	Solution
Update Failed / Error Message	Ensure the AC adapter is securely connected and the battery is sufficiently charged. Try the F12 One-Time Boot Menu method. Redownload the BIOS file in case of corruption.
System Won't Boot After Update	Do not panic. Try performing a CMOS reset (if applicable, consult Dell support for your specific model). If it consistently fails, you may need to attempt to re-flash the BIOS using the F12 method or contact Dell support for assistance.
System Freezes During Update	Crucial: Do not power off the system unless absolutely necessary and instructed by Dell. This can brick the motherboard. Wait for an extended period (up to 30-45 minutes). If still frozen, contact Dell Support immediately.

Updating your BIOS is a routine maintenance task that can significantly benefit your Dell Latitude 7490. By following these steps carefully, you can ensure a smooth and successful update process.