How to Fix the Outdated CPU Microcode | DOOM: The Dark Ages
Image Credits: id Software, DOOM: Dark Ages
If you’re getting that scary-looking “outdated CPU microcode version” warning when launching DOOM: The Dark Ages, don’t freak out just yet. The game isn’t broken, and your PC probably isn’t dying. But it’s warning you about a real Intel CPU issue that could cause crashes or worse if ignored.
Here’s what’s going on, and what to do about it.
What This Warning Means
Intel 13th and 14th Gen CPUs had a known instability issue.
Certain chips could crash under load, or even degrade over time due to bad voltage behavior.
To fix this, Intel released a new microcode update (version 0x12B) that fixes the problem, but it has to be installed through a BIOS update from your motherboard manufacturer.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is just detecting that you're running an older version (usually 0x129 or lower) and giving you a heads-up.
It won’t stop you from playing but you are technically running with a vulnerable setup.
Option 1: Update Your BIOS to Fix It
This is the cleanest fix if you’re not overclocking or modifying your system much.
Check your motherboard model
(You can find it in System Info or use software like CPU-Z)Go to the official website for your motherboard brand (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, etc.)
Find your exact motherboard model and go to its support/download page
Look for a BIOS update that mentions “Intel CPU microcode” or version 0x12B
Download the update and follow the site’s instructions (usually done via USB and BIOS flash utility)
Reboot and launch the game again
If done correctly, the warning should be gone.
Option 2: Don’t Update and Play Anyway (Your Risk)
Not every CPU is affected.
If you’re not getting crashes in any games—including DOOM—you might be fine without the BIOS update.
We have seen plenty of users are running:
i7-13700F
i9-13900K
i7-14700KF
etc.
...and reporting no crashes or issues, even with the warning showing.
If you’re one of them and don’t want to mess with your BIOS or lose overclocking settings, you can choose to ignore the warning and play. Just understand the risk.
Optional Band-Aid: Limit Clock Speeds
Some instability starts when CPUs boost past certain limits.
If you’re worried but don’t want to update your BIOS, you can:
Use Intel XTU to cap performance cores at x52 multiplier
Disable motherboard-level auto-overclocking features
Run your CPU at stock speeds
This won’t “fix” the microcode, but it can reduce the chance of hitting that failure state while playing.
Use Intel’s Diagnostic Tool
Want to double-check your CPU’s health?
You can run the official Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool here.
It does a full check for faults and voltage errors. If you pass this test and your system hasn’t been crashing, you’re probably safe to ignore the warning. Obviously double-check anything you’re downloading on your PC to make sure it is legit.
Final Option: Still Seeing the Warning After BIOS Update?
If you did update your BIOS and still see the warning:
Double-check the microcode version using something like CPU-Z
Make sure the BIOS file you used was correct for your board
Try “Restore Defaults” in your BIOS just in case something didn't apply properly
You can also try restoring your GPU driver settings (some people fixed the game not launching this way)
Final Blurb
The microcode warning in DOOM: The Dark Ages isn’t fake, but it’s also not the end of the world. It’s just letting you know you’re on older firmware that could cause problems. If you're not crashing, you can play just fine. But if you want peace of mind, a quick BIOS update with the latest microcode is the official fix.
FAQ
Q: What does “outdated CPU microcode version” mean in DOOM: The Dark Ages?
It means your CPU is running a version of Intel’s firmware that might be unstable under heavy load. The game warns you so you can fix it if needed.
Q: Do I need to update my BIOS?
Not unless you're experiencing crashes. Updating is the official fix, but many players are running fine without it.
Q: Will updating the BIOS mess up my system?
It can wipe overclocks or custom tweaks. If you're using a prebuilt or overclocked PC, talk to the builder first.
Q: Is this an issue with DOOM: The Dark Ages?
No. DOOM is just detecting the microcode and warning you about a known Intel problem.
Q: How do I check my microcode version?
You can use a free tool like CPU-Z to see what version you're on. Version 0x12B is the safe one.
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