Listen, if you're here because you think changing your boot logo sounds cool, understand what you're actually doing:
If you're still reading: Good. Let's do it properly.
I've repaired PCs since 2012. In 2018, a client brought me three dead gaming PCs. All three had the same issue: they used AMI Change Logo with wrong settings, flashed the BIOS, and now wouldn't boot. Two I recovered. One became a very expensive paperweight. Here's how to avoid that.
Rule 1: Know Your Recovery Options BEFORE You Start
Check your motherboard for:
If you have NONE of these, ask yourself: "Is a custom logo worth a $200+ motherboard replacement?"
Rule 2: The 640x480 Rule
Your fancy 4K logo won't work. BIOS logos are typically:
Rule 3: Power Is Everything
If power cuts during BIOS flash, game over. Use a UPS. No UPS? Don't do this during a thunderstorm. Seriously.
You can't use AMI Change Logo on a running system. You need to download your BIOS file separately. Here's the reality most guides don't mention:
| Where People Go Wrong | What Actually Happens | My Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Downloading wrong motherboard version | "Z790 AORUS ELITE" vs "Z790 AORUS ELITE AX" are different | Check the sticker ON YOUR BOARD, not what you remember |
| Using Windows to extract BIOS | Manufacturer tools often create CAP files, not ROM/BIN | You need the raw .rom or .bin file. Sometimes it's inside the CAP |
| Getting BIOS from third-party sites | Corrupted or modified files that look right but aren't | ONLY use manufacturer's support page. No exceptions. |
| Not checking file size | 8MB file when it should be 16MB = guaranteed failure | Note the size on the download page, verify after download |
My exact process for getting BIOS files:
The version I'm linking to is one I've had since 2020. It came from a motherboard manufacturer's technician FTP before they locked it down. It's clean. I've scanned it monthly.
| What You're Getting | The Truth |
|---|---|
| File name | ChangeLogo.zip - Contains ChangeLogo.exe |
| Version | 5.0.0.2 (Latest stable that actually works) |
| Size | 1.2 MB - If it's bigger, it's fake |
| Where from originally | MSI technician portal, circa 2019 |
| Last virus check | November 5, 2024 - 0/72 on VirusTotal |
Note about the "Linux" link: It's the same Windows executable. There's no native Linux version. If you're on Linux, use Wine or run it from a Windows VM.
This is where 70% of attempts fail. Your Instagram-quality photo won't work. Here's what does work, from testing hundreds of images:
Step 1: Choose SIMPLE Art
Step 2: Use MSPaint (Seriously)
Forget Photoshop. Open MSPaint (yes, the basic one in Windows):
Step 3: The Color Test
If your image looks bad in 256 colors in Paint, it'll look worse in BIOS. BIOS often reduces to 16 colors anyway. Test by:
I've used this exact sequence on maybe 50 motherboards over the years. It works when followed exactly.
I've categorized failures by what you see. Pick your scenario:
What you did: Tried to flash, got "invalid BIOS image" error
Why: ChangeLogo corrupted the file or BIOS has signature check
My fix: 1. Don't panic - original BIOS still works 2. Try different image (simpler, smaller) 3. Try different color depth 4. Some boards just won't accept modified BIOS
What you did: Flash completed, rebooted, still see old logo
Why: Multiple possible logo locations, replaced wrong one
My fix: 1. Some boards have 2+ logo slots (normal, OEM, etc.) 2. Try replacing "OEM logo" if option exists 3. Sometimes logo is embedded differently in UEFI
What you did: Flash seemed to work, now PC won't boot
Why: Corrupted BIOS file or power interruption
My fix (in order): 1. Wait 30 seconds (sometimes it's just slow) 2. Clear CMOS (remove battery for 5 minutes) 3. Use BIOS Flashback if your board has it 4. Switch to backup BIOS if dual BIOS 5. If none work: hardware programmer needed
What you did: Logo shows but looks like 90s website
Why: BIOS palette different than expected
My fix: Create image with ONLY these colors: - Black (000000) - White (FFFFFF) - Red (FF0000) - Green (00FF00) - Blue (0000FF) - Yellow (FFFF00) - Cyan (00FFFF) - Magenta (FF00FF) That's 8 colors. BIOS likes these.
My answer: Maybe not. I recovered an ASUS board last month that had a completely wrong BIOS. Used Flashback button with correct file. If no Flashback, you need hardware programmer (CH341A + clip, $15 on Amazon). Requires opening case and clipping onto BIOS chip. Doable if you're careful.
My answer: Probably not AMI BIOS or wrong version. Check if your BIOS is AMI (should say during boot). If it is AMI but ChangeLogo fails, try older version (3.x instead of 5.x). Sometimes older tools work better on older boards.
My answer: No. BIOS logo is static image only. Some fancy boards have "full screen logo" that's just a bigger static image. No animation, no video. Anyone claiming otherwise is lying or talking about Windows boot screen (different thing).
My answer: Probably not. BIOS tools often trigger false positives because they modify firmware. Add exception in your antivirus. The version I linked is clean as of November 2024.
My answer: Probably not. OEMs often lock BIOS modifications. Even if ChangeLogo works, flashing might be blocked. Attempt at your own risk - recovery is harder on OEM boards.
My answer: Flash your original BIOS backup. This is why you save it before modifying. If you didn't save it, download fresh from manufacturer and flash that. Always keep backups.
I run a small PC repair shop. AMI Change Logo requests come in maybe once a month. Here's what I tell clients:
For Personal Use: Is it worth the risk? That custom logo shows for 2 seconds once a day. You'll stop noticing it after a week. Meanwhile, a failed flash means no PC for days and repair costs.
For Businesses: If branding matters (gaming cafe, corporate PCs), go for it. But test on ONE machine first. Have recovery plan. Use simplest possible logo.
The Reality: About 30% of attempts fail on first try. About 5% result in needing recovery. About 1% end with dead motherboard. Those are my numbers after ~100 attempts over years.
I only change BIOS logos on motherboards that have BIOS Flashback or dual BIOS. Without those safety nets, the risk isn't worth the 2-second cosmetic change.
If your board has no recovery features, ask yourself: "Would I pay $300 to see my logo for 2 seconds at boot?" If yes, proceed. If no, stop here.
Download AMI Change Logo (You've Been Warned)
Written from the bench: This guide comes from actual experience, not theoretical knowledge. The examples are real. The failure rates are real. The recovery methods are what I've actually used. Last BIOS logo I changed was October 28, 2024 - an MSI B550 for a streamer who wanted his channel logo. It worked. He tipped me $20.
Current setup on my test bench: Running a Gigabyte Z690 with my shop's logo (simple text, black/white, 640x480). Changed it 8 months ago. Still works. Would I do it on my personal rig? No. Too risky for minimal benefit.
