Intel NUC BIOS update

Flash the latest BIOS before installing Ubuntu or IncusOS on an Intel or ASUS NUC. A current BIOS improves boot stability and USB install reliability.

Overview

1. Download the BIOS update for your exact NUC model
2. Extract the .bio file (and updater if included)
3. Copy to a FAT32 USB drive
4. Boot the NUC from USB (F7), run the update
5. Configure boot order in BIOS (F2) for the OS install next

Find your model

Model is on the device label or in the current BIOS screen (e.g. NUC8i5BEH, NUC12).

AMD mini PCs (Beelink, Minisforum): use the vendor support site — same FAT32 USB pattern.

Prepare the USB (manual)

1. Download and unzip the BIOS package (e.g. NUC8i5BEH.003.bio, IFLASH2.exe on ASUS models)
2. Format USB as FAT32 (quick format off is safer on some NUCs)
3. Copy extracted files to the USB root
4. Safely eject

Windsor workspace (optional)

windsor init nuc-bios
windsor context set nuc-bios
# Set BIOS_FOLDER and USB_DISK in contexts/nuc-bios/windsor.yaml
task device:prepare-bios
task device:write-bios-disk
task device:eject-disk

Apply the update

1. Insert USB into the NUC
2. Power on, press F7 for boot menu
3. Select the USB device
4. Let the updater finish — do not power off
5. Reboot, press F2 → enable USB boot first for the OS install

Next steps

• IncusOS on Intel NUC (recommended)
• Ubuntu on Intel NUC

Troubleshooting