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How to install cap file?

Published in BIOS Update 3 mins read

Installing a CAP file, commonly used for BIOS updates, typically involves using a utility built into your system's firmware after placing the file on a removable drive.

A CAP file is a specific file format often used by manufacturers like ASUS for firmware updates, particularly for the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) on motherboards. Updating your BIOS can improve system stability, add support for new hardware, or fix bugs.

Steps to Install a CAP File (BIOS Update Example)

Based on common procedures and the provided reference, here's how you generally install a CAP file for a BIOS update, specifically mentioning the method used by ASUS motherboards:

  1. Obtain the Correct CAP File: Download the latest BIOS update CAP file for your specific motherboard model from the manufacturer's official website. Ensure the file is for your exact model number.
  2. Prepare a USB Flash Drive: Use a USB flash drive. It's recommended to use one with a smaller capacity (e.g., 8GB or 16GB) and format it to FAT32.
  3. Copy the CAP File: Copy the CAP file to a formatted USB flash drive. Place the file directly in the root directory of the USB drive (not inside a folder).
  4. Access BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility. This is usually done by pressing a specific key during startup (like DEL, F2, F10, or F12). Consult your motherboard manual for the correct key.
  5. Launch the Update Utility: Locate and launch the built-in BIOS update utility. For ASUS motherboards, this utility is often called ASUS EZ Flash. You can then use the ASUS EZ Flash utility (built into the ASUS BIOS firmware) to load the BIOS update. Other manufacturers have similar tools (e.g., Q-Flash for Gigabyte, M-Flash for MSI).
  6. Select the CAP File: Within the utility, navigate to the USB flash drive you prepared. Select the CAP file you copied earlier. The utility should recognize it as a valid update file.
  7. Start the Update: Confirm that you want to proceed with the BIOS update. The utility will then load and install the new firmware from the CAP file.

Important Considerations:

  • Do Not Interrupt: Crucially, do not interrupt the update process by turning off or restarting the computer. Doing so can corrupt the BIOS, potentially rendering your motherboard inoperable.
  • Power Stability: Ensure your power source is stable during the update. Using a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is highly recommended to prevent power loss.
  • File Renaming: Some motherboard utilities require the CAP file to be renamed to a specific format (e.g., the motherboard model name). Check your motherboard's manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions.

By following these steps, particularly those related to copying the file to a USB drive and using the manufacturer's specific utility like ASUS EZ Flash, you can install a CAP file for a BIOS update.

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