[Motherboard] Troubleshooting — BIOS fails to update
[Motherboard] Troubleshooting — BIOS fails to update 1. When you update BIOS and you find the message in EZ flash «Selected file is not a proper BIOS!» as shown below a. Please double-check the BIOS file you downloaded is the correct motherboard BIOS file. For example, your motherboard is ROG MAXIMUS XII FORMULA, but the BIOS file that you download is ROG MAXIMUS XII EXTREME. Therefore, the motherboard model name is not correct and will show this message. b. Confirm the updated BIOS file is too old. For example, if the motherboard BIOS file version is 2103 and you want to update to 1003 version, it will show this picture. Note: It means that it doesn’t support to downgrade the BIOS 2. If the update fails, please refer to FAQ: ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 3. If the update pass ,but No Power/No Boot/No Display, please refer FAQ:Troubleshooting — No Power/No Boot/No Display If above solution cannot solve your problem, please contact ASUS Customer Center for further assistance and information.
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How to Fix “Selected File Is Not a Proper BIOS”?
Updating your BIOS is relatively complex. You can get plenty of error messages if you try to flash the wrong file or have downloaded an incompatible software. It can also occur when trying to flash your BIOS from an external device.
This error message appears mainly on your BIOS screen during the PC’s boot cycle.
Suppose you tried manually updating your BIOS but encountered the error message “Selected file is not a proper BIOS”. In that case, this article will show you the most common causes and ways to troubleshoot them and prevent them from happening again.
Possible Causes for the Error
There are two main categories of causes for this error message, one being that either the file or boot drive is improperly set up, or that the way you are trying to update your BIOS is done incorrectly.
Here is a list of the most common causes for receiving the error message:
- You have downloaded the wrong BIOS file
- The BIOS file is corrupt
- The external drive is malfunctioning
- Your drivers are outdated
- Your external hard drive is not correctly formatted
- The BIOS update is not compatible with your current BIOS version
Now that you know the typical causes for this error and what specifically to look out for, the next step is troubleshooting:
How to Fix “Selected File Is Not a Proper BIOS”?
There are several fixes to solve this issue. I have compiled the list of some of the solutions below.
Update BIOS Using Proper File
The most common reason for this error is simply using the wrong file type. Suppose you went online and downloaded some new BIOS software. If the file was for example made for x64 architecture, and your PC is using x86 chances are that you will get a compatibility error.
Another issue within the same category is that the file you downloaded was correct but did not feature the latest available version.
To fix this problem, take a note of the following points:
- Double-check the exact name and model number of your motherboard. Ensure that the version you are downloading online is for the exact same motherboard. A single different letter in the model number could denote an entirely different BIOS file.
- If you spot any mismatches, redownload the proper version and try updating your BIOS again.
You can also check our article on how to check BIOS version for further reference. After you are done with this step and if the issue persists follow along with the next one.
Check If the Downloaded File Is Corrupted
After you check that the BIOS file is for your exact motherboard model, you might still run into some issues if the file becomes corrupt during download.
To fix this issue, redownload the BIOS file again and ensure that your anti-malware software is not deleting or altering the downloaded file. The way to do it is to temporarily disable your antimalware when you download the file.
Update Drivers

The most common reason for receiving “Selected file is not a proper BIOS” is because your other drivers are not up to date, especially the chipset drivers. Before you go further into troubleshooting, start up your PC and update any drivers that are outdated and have pending updates.
You can also check out our comprehensive guide on updating the device drivers.
Check Your External Hard Drive for Malfunctions

You could also get this error if you are using a faulty USB stick. A USB’s read/write function becomes corrupted if it experiences some physical or static shock. Another common cause of external hard drive damage is not ejecting it from the toolbar before unplugging it.
The fix here is simple, get a different flash USB or external hard drive, upload the file, and try updating your BIOS again.
Format Your External Drive Properly
Formatting is how data is stored and read. Suppose you are trying to install your operating system on a clean hard drive. In that case, both the hard drive and the external drive carrying the OS files must be formatted beforehand. Likewise, while installing or putting custom BIOS on any external drive, it must be formatted appropriately first.
Different BIOS are compatible only with certain types of formatted drives. If the BIOS is UEFI, it is best to format the disk with the FAT32 type file system. UEFI is the most up-to-date method of booting your PC.
NTFS on the other hand is better suited for use with internal drives, so you should stick to FAT32 formatting if you have, say, an external flash drive. The only difference here is that FAT32 offers greater compatibility in general, but the con is that the individual file size is up to 4GB.
Here’s how you can properly format it:

- Click on the Windows Start Menu and go to “This PC”, find your external hard drive,
- Right-click it and click Format.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and then put the BIOS file only after the formatting is done.
After reformatting your external hard drive, check if the issue persists. If so try out the next step.
Update Your BIOS in Specific Increments
This step has worked for many users since it bypasses an inherent flaw in how BIOS updates are designed. A BIOS that is, for example, 1XXX series could often not just be updated to the 3XXX series directly, before being upgraded to the 2XXX series first.
Do this step as a last resort as it’s incredibly time-consuming. There is no specific way to go about it since all motherboards use different series and numbers to denote their versions. But the general rule is that you don’t want to skip a single generation of a series. So go from, for example, series 1000, flash it to series 2000, and finally inject the 3000-software version.
Update Your BIOS Online, Without a Bootable Drive
Some motherboards allow users to seamlessly update their BIOS solely by using an internet connection. Doing this can circumvent many of the compatibility issues and save you the hassle of formatting your drive. The only downside of this method is that not many motherboards support it, especially the older ones. Here is how to update your BIOS online for the ASUS ROG Strix motherboard:

- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS prompt key (Del key)
- Click on the Tool tab on the menu bar.
- Click on ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility tab
- Select via Internet and click on Next.

I am a tech writer, hardware enthusiast, and programmer. I started writing how-to articles about 10 years ago. When I am not writing tech content, my passions include macro photography, dancing, and building new software. Nothing beats the feeling when someone has easily resolved their technical issues thanks to a well-written troubleshooting article. My aim is to give readers the best information delivered in a fun and humorous way.
[Motherboard] Troubleshooting — BIOS fails to update
[Motherboard] Troubleshooting — BIOS fails to update 1. When you update BIOS and you find the message in EZ flash «Selected file is not a proper BIOS!» as shown below a. Please double-check the BIOS file you downloaded is the correct motherboard BIOS file. For example, your motherboard is ROG MAXIMUS XII FORMULA, but the BIOS file that you download is ROG MAXIMUS XII EXTREME. Therefore, the motherboard model name is not correct and will show this message. b. Confirm the updated BIOS file is too old. For example, if the motherboard BIOS file version is 2103 and you want to update to 1003 version, it will show this picture. Note: It means that it doesn’t support to downgrade the BIOS 2. If the update fails, please refer to FAQ: ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 3. If the update pass ,but No Power/No Boot/No Display, please refer FAQ:Troubleshooting — No Power/No Boot/No Display If above solution cannot solve your problem, please contact ASUS Customer Center for further assistance and information.
Was this information helpful?
What we can do to improve the article? Submit Skip
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Please contact with us if the above information cannot resolve your problem
Get the support
- Above information might be partly or entirely quoted from exterior websites or sources. please refer to the information based on the source that we noted. Please directly contact or inquire the sources if there is any further question and note that ASUS is neither relevant nor responsible for its content/service
- This information may not suitable for all the products from the same category/series. Some of the screen shots and operations could be different from the software versions.
- ASUS provides the above information for reference only. If you have any questions about the content, please contact the above product vendor directly. Please note that ASUS is not responsible for the content or service provided by the above product vendor.
- Brand and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies.
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Selected File Is Not Supporting Proper BIOS: How To Fix This Issue

It is mind-boggling to Refresh your BIOS. You can get many blunder messages if you attempt to steal some unacceptable document or have downloaded contradictory programming. It can also happen while attempting to streak your BIOS from an outer gadget. This error message (Selected File Is Not Supporting Proper BIOS) mostly appears on your BIOS screen during the PC’s boot cycle.
Assume you attempted manually refreshing your BIOS but experienced the blunder message “Selected file is not a supporting BIOS.” This article will show you the most well-known causes and ways of investigating them and keeping them from reoccurring.
Table of Contents
What Is BIOS?
BIOS (fundamental input/output framework) is the program a PC’s chip uses to begin the PC framework after it is turned on. It also oversees the information stream between the PC’s working framework (operating system) and joined gadgets, like the hard disk, video connector, console, mouse, and printer.
Utilizations of BIOS (Selected File Is Not Supporting Proper BIOS):
The fundamental utilization of BIOS is to go about as a broker among OSes and the equipment they run on. BIOS is the delegate between the microchip and I/O gadget control data and information stream. Although, now and again, BIOS can sort out information to stream straightforwardly to memory from gadgets, for example, video cards, that require quicker information stream to be compelling.

To make changes to your BIOS, you ought to boot your system into BIOS and afterwards adhere to the on-screen guidelines to play out the ideal undertakings. The related producers deliver BIOS updates. Updating BIOS is mind-boggling and won’t add new elements or further develop framework execution. Along these lines, you should not update your BIOS, assuming your system works appropriately.
Explanations Behind the Selected Files Is Not Supporting BIOS:
As referenced before, it isn’t challenging to update BIOS. Thus, you will probably bomb the BIOS update for specific irritating issues. For example, you might get the “Selected file is not supporting proper BIOS ” error message while updating BIOS in ASUS EZ Streak.

The “ASUS Selected file is not supporting proper BIOS” error might happen for different reasons. Here we sum up several potential reasons for this issue as follows:
- The BIOS document you downloaded is inaccurate.
- The BIOS document gets debased.
- The drivers on your PC are obsolete.
- The BIOS update isn’t viable with your ongoing Profiles adaptation.
Inevitable framework document debasement or terrible areas exist on the outside hard drive you use to update BIOS. The outside hard drive isn’t arranged as expected. After learning the explanations behind the “selected file is not supporting proper BIOS” issue, you should go to successful lengths to settle it.
Underneath this post are a few functional strategies. Watch out for the accompanying substance and attempt the referenced ways of dealing with your concern.
How to Fix the “Selected File Is Not Supporting Proper BIOS” Issue?

There are a few fixes to tackle this issue. I have ordered the list of a portion of the arrangements underneath.
Update BIOS Utilizing Legitimate Document:
The most widely recognized justification behind this error is utilizing some unacceptable document type. Assume you went on the web and downloaded some new BIOS programming. Assuming that the record was, for instance, made for x64 design, and your PC is utilizing x86, odds are you will get a similarity blunder. Another issue inside a similar class is that the document you downloaded was correct, yet it didn’t highlight the most recent accessible form.
To fix this issue, take note of the accompanying places:
- Twofold looks at the specific name and model number of your motherboard. Guarantee that the rendition you are downloading on the web is for the same motherboard. A different letter in the model number could mean a unique BIOS record.
- Assuming you spot any confusion, re-download the appropriate rendition and have a go at refreshing your BIOS once more.
Check If The Downloaded Record Is Tainted:
After you check that the BIOS record is for your careful motherboard model, you could run into specific issues assuming the document becomes bad during download.
To fix this issue, re-download the BIOS record and guarantee that your enemy of malware programming isn’t erasing or changing the downloaded document. The method is to hinder your antimalware when you download the document briefly.
Update Drivers To Solve This Error (Selected File Is Not Supporting proper BIOS):
The most well-known justification behind getting “Selected file is not supporting proper BIOS” is that your different drivers are not state-of-the-art, particularly the chipset drivers. Before you go further into investigating, fire up your PC and update any drivers that are obsolete and have forthcoming updates.
Look at Your Outer Hard Drive for Malfunction:
You could also get this error if you use a defective USB stick. A USB’s perused/composed capability becomes debased if it encounters some physical or static shock. Another typical reason for external hard drive harm isn’t launching it from the toolbar before turning it off.
The fix here is essential, get an alternate blaze USB or outside hard drive, transfer the record, and take a stab at refreshing your BIOS once more.
Format Your External Drive Appropriately:
Formatting is the method of how data is read or stored. Assume you are attempting to install your working framework on a clean hard drive. The hard drive and the outer drive conveying the operating system documents should be arranged beforehand. In like manner, while installing or putting custom BIOS on any outside drive, it should be appropriately designed first.
Different BIOS are viable, just with specific sorts of arranged drives. Assuming the BIOS is UEFI, it is ideal for arranging the plate with the FAT32-type document framework. UEFI is the most exceptional strategy for booting your PC.
Update Your BIOS in Unambiguous Additions:
This step has worked for some clients since it sidesteps an innate imperfection in how BIOS updates are planned. An update that is, for instance, the 1XXX series could not be refreshed to the 3XXX series straightforwardly before being moved up to the 2XXX series first.
Do this step if all else fails, as it’s unquestionably tedious. There is no particular approach since all motherboards utilize different series and numbers to indicate their variants. The common principle is that you would rather not skirt a solitary age of a series. So go from, for instance, series 1000, streak it to series 2000 and infuse the 3000-programming rendition.
Update Your BIOS On The Web, Without a Bootable Drive:
Some motherboards permit clients to flawlessly refresh their BIOS exclusively by utilizing a web association. Doing this can bypass many similarity issues and save you the problem of organizing your drive. The main drawback of this technique is that relatively few motherboards support it, particularly the more established ones.
People Also Ask
Q: How to Format Your Outer Drive?
Ans: This answer of this is given below,
- Hit the Start Menu of Windows and go to “This PC,” track down your outer hard drive,
- Right-click it and snap Configuration.
- Adhere to the on-screen guidelines and put the BIOS document solely after the formatting is finished.
Q: What Are The Step By Step Instructions To Update Your BIOS Online For The ASUS ROG Strix Motherboard?
Ans: This answer of this is given below,
- Restart your PC and enter the BIOS brief key (Del key)
- Click on the Apparatus tab on the menu bar.
- Click on ASUS EZ Streak 3 Utility tab
- Select utilizing the web and snap on Straightaway.
- Select DHCP and click on Straightaway.
- Affirm the BIOS adaptation and afterwards click on next.
- Adhere to the brief until the guidelines are done.
Restart your PC and check, assuming the update was fruitful, by going to your BIOS again.
Wrapping Up About Selected File Is Not Supporting Proper BIOS
This post is about BIOS and how to check the BIOS adaptation momentarily. Moreover, it investigates potential reasons and investigates fixes for the “selected file is not supporting proper BIOS” blunder exhaustively. You can focus on this post, assuming you stall out in this blunder while updating BIOS. You can leave a message in the remark region underneath for any issues with this blunder.