Backing up your BIOS / UEFI firmware settings can make it easier to restore custom configurations after troubleshooting or other changes to your system. Many motherboards provide built-in profile management features that allow you to save and restore these settings using a FAT32 USB flash drive.
In this guide, you will learn how to backup and restore BIOS / UEFI firmware settings, along with alternative methods for keeping a record of your customized configuration.
Critical BIOS Compatibility Rule
Saved profile files (e.g., .CMO, .TXT, .DAT) are tied to the exact motherboard hardware and installed BIOS version.
Do not import profiles after updating your BIOS version or onto a different motherboard model, as this can cause boot failures or stability issues.
Requirements
A USB flash drive formatted to FAT32.
Plug in Drive & Enter UEFI
Insert the FAT32 USB drive into a USB port directly on the motherboard. Restart your PC and repeatedly press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI (typically Delete or F2).
Access Profile Settings
Switch to Advanced Mode (usually by pressing F7). Locate the profile management tool based on your motherboard vendor:
- ASUS: Tool tab ASUS User Profile
- MSI: Overclocking (OC) tab User Profile
- Gigabyte / AORUS: Save & Exit tab Save Profiles
- ASRock: Tool or OC Tweaker tab User UEFI Setup Profile
Backup Profile
Choose Save Profile to USB Drive. Select your FAT32 flash drive, type a file name (e.g., BIOS_Backup), and press Enter to save the file.
Restore Profile
To restore, navigate back to the same menu in the UEFI setup. Select Load Profile from USB Drive / Disk, select your saved backup file, press Enter, then press F10 to save and restart.
Verification
After restoring and restarting, re-enter the UEFI setup screen. Check key parameters (such as XMP/EXPO state, fan curves, or boot order) to ensure your custom settings were successfully reapplied.
Alternative Backup Methods
CMOS Onboard Slots
Most motherboards allow you to save 3 to 8 profile slots directly to the internal motherboard EEPROM without needing a USB drive.
Phone Screenshots / Text Export
Take photos of modified screens (especially custom RAM timings, fan curves, and SATA/NVMe settings) using your phone. Some motherboards also support pressing Ctrl + F2 inside BIOS to dump text setting values to a .TXT file on your USB drive.
Backing up BIOS / UEFI profiles provides a convenient way to preserve customized firmware settings for future use.
Before restoring any saved profile, make sure the motherboard hardware and BIOS version match the environment in which the profile was created to avoid compatibility, boot, or stability problems.