BIOS and UEFI firmware sit below your operating system and control how your PC starts, detects hardware, applies security protections, and hands control over to Windows, Linux, or another OS. Updating that firmware can fix hardware compatibility issues, add support for newer CPUs or memory, improve stability, patch security flaws, and sometimes resolve strange boot or device problems that normal driver updates cannot touch.
At the same time, a BIOS/UEFI update is not a routine maintenance task like updating an app. Installing the wrong file, losing power mid-update, or interrupting the process can leave a system unable to boot, especially on older boards without recovery features. If your computer is working well and the update does not address a problem you have, the safest choice may be to leave it alone.
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This guide explains when a firmware update is worth doing, when it is better to avoid one, and how to approach the process carefully. You will learn how to identify your exact motherboard or PC model, verify your current firmware version, download the correct update from a trusted source, prepare your system, perform the update, and handle common recovery situations if something goes wrong.
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A BIOS or UEFI update replaces the firmware stored on a chip on your motherboard or inside your laptop. This firmware runs before Windows, Linux, or any other operating system loads. It initializes the CPU, memory, storage controllers, graphics output, USB devices, security hardware, fans, and boot devices, then hands control to the operating system. Updating it can change how your hardware is detected, configured, secured, and started.
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Modern systems use UEFI rather than the older legacy BIOS, but many manufacturers still label downloads as “BIOS updates.” In practical terms, these updates can include low-level fixes from the motherboard or PC vendor, CPU microcode from Intel or AMD, memory compatibility changes, security patches, new boot features, and revised default settings. Unlike a driver update, which runs inside the operating system, firmware affects the machine before the OS has any control.
Common changes included in firmware updates
- CPU support: A firmware update may add support for newer processors on the same motherboard socket, such as a later-generation AMD Ryzen or Intel Core chip supported by the board vendor.
- CPU microcode updates: These can fix processor errata, improve stability, or mitigate hardware-level security vulnerabilities. Some microcode changes can also affect performance in certain workloads.
- Memory compatibility: Updates often improve support for specific RAM kits, higher memory speeds, XMP/EXPO profiles, or four-DIMM configurations that previously failed to boot reliably.
- Boot and storage fixes: Firmware may improve NVMe SSD detection, RAID behavior, SATA compatibility, boot order handling, or support for larger drives.
- Security features: Updates can patch vulnerabilities in UEFI modules, Secure Boot handling, TPM behavior, or management firmware included with business laptops and desktops.
- Power, thermal, and fan behavior: Vendors may adjust fan curves, CPU boost behavior, sleep and wake reliability, battery charging behavior on laptops, or power limits.
- Device compatibility: Updates may fix issues with USB devices, PCIe cards, docking stations, Thunderbolt devices, integrated graphics, or discrete GPUs.
- Setup menu changes: The UEFI interface itself may gain, remove, rename, or reorganize settings such as Resizable BAR, virtualization, Secure Boot, CSM, or memory training options.
Firmware updates can also reset settings to factory defaults. That matters if your system depends on custom configuration, such as RAID mode instead of AHCI, a manually selected boot drive, virtualization enabled for Hyper-V or VMware, Secure Boot settings, fan profiles, memory overclocking, or a CPU undervolt. After updating, a PC that is otherwise healthy may fail to boot simply because the storage mode or boot order changed.
Not every firmware release is meant to deliver visible improvements. Some updates only address rare hardware combinations, enterprise management features, or manufacturing changes for later motherboard revisions. Others are essential if they fix crashes, security flaws, or compatibility problems you actually have. Reading the vendor’s change log carefully is the best way to separate a useful update from one that offers no practical benefit for your system.
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When You Should Update Your BIOS/UEFI
You should update your BIOS/UEFI when the new firmware clearly addresses a problem you have, enables hardware you plan to install, or closes a security issue that applies to your system. Unlike operating system updates, firmware updates are not something to install casually every time a new version appears. The best approach is to read the release s from your motherboard or PC manufacturer and match the listed changes to your actual needs.
Update when you need newer hardware support
One of the most common good reasons to update is CPU, memory, or storage compatibility. For example, a desktop motherboard may need a newer UEFI version before it can boot with a later-generation processor from the same socket family. A laptop may receive firmware that improves support for a newer NVMe SSD, docking station, Thunderbolt device, or USB-C display. If you are upgrading hardware and the manufacturer’s support page says a specific firmware version is required, updating before the swap can prevent a no-boot situation.
Update when the firmware fixes instability or bugs you are experiencing
A BIOS/UEFI update is worth considering if your current system has symptoms that match the manufacturer’s changelog. These can include random restarts, sleep or wake failures, fan-control problems, memory training errors, failed boot attempts, TPM issues, or PCIe devices disappearing intermittently. On newer platforms, early firmware versions sometimes have rough edges, especially around DDR5 memory compatibility, CPU boost behavior, or USB reliability. If the release s mention improved memory compatibility and your system only becomes stable after lowering RAM speed, that is a strong case for updating.
- Memory compatibility: Updates may improve XMP, EXPO, or high-capacity RAM support.
- Boot reliability: Firmware may fix hangs during POST, black screens, or boot loops.
- Power management: Updates can address sleep, hibernate, charging, or battery drain problems.
- Device detection: Updates may improve support for NVMe drives, GPUs, USB controllers, or expansion cards.
Update when there is a relevant security fix
Firmware can contain security vulnerabilities, including flaws involving Secure Boot, TPM handling, system management mode, or processor microcode. If your PC is used for work, stores sensitive data, or must meet compliance requirements, security-related firmware updates carry more weight. This is especially true for business laptops and desktops from vendors such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo, where firmware updates may be bundled with fixes for known platform vulnerabilities. Check whether the update applies to your exact model and whether your organization has a required firmware baseline.
Update when the manufacturer recommends it for your situation
Sometimes a vendor marks a firmware release as recommended or critical because it fixes a broad platform issue. For prebuilt desktops and laptops, the manufacturer’s update utility may flag a BIOS/UEFI release needed for battery safety, thermal behavior, dock compatibility, or operating system support. For custom-built PCs, motherboard makers may publish firmware needed for Windows 11 features such as fTPM, Secure Boot behavior, or improved CPU microcode. In these cases, the update is more justified than a routine version bump with vague wording such as “improve system performance.”
A useful test is whether you can finish this sentence: “I am updating because this version fixes or enables this specific thing on this specific system.” If the answer is a supported CPU, a stability fix, a security patch, or a vendor-directed update for your model, the update is usually worth planning carefully. If the answer is only “newer must be better,” it is better to pause and verify the benefit first.
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When You Should Avoid Updating
BIOS/UEFI updates are not the same as routine driver or operating system updates. They rewrite firmware that your computer needs before Windows, Linux, or any other operating system can even start. If the system loses power, freezes, or receives the wrong firmware file during the process, the machine may fail to boot without recovery tools or motherboard-level recovery features. For that reason, you should avoid updating simply because a newer version exists.
If your PC is stable, all hardware is detected correctly, sleep and wake work normally, and you are not trying to fix a specific issue listed in the firmware release s, leaving the current firmware in place is often the safer choice. A newer BIOS may change memory training behavior, fan curves, secure boot defaults, TPM settings, virtualization options, or CPU power behavior. Those changes can be beneficial in the right context, but they can also introduce new instability on a system that was already working well.
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- Your computer is working normally: If there are no boot problems, crashes, compatibility issues, or security advisories that affect you, the update may offer little practical benefit.
- The release notes do not mention your hardware or problem: Avoid installing firmware blindly. If the update only adds support for a newer CPU you do not own, it may not help your current setup.
- You are relying on an overclock or tuned memory profile: BIOS updates can reset settings or alter voltage and memory behavior. Systems using XMP, EXPO, manual timings, undervolting, or custom fan control should be documented before any update is attempted.
- You cannot guarantee stable power: Do not flash firmware during storms, rolling outages, while traveling, or on a desktop connected to an unreliable outlet. A laptop should be plugged in with a charged battery installed.
- You are in the middle of urgent work: Firmware updates can fail, reset boot order, trigger BitLocker recovery, or require reconfiguration. Do not start one right before a deadline, meeting, trip, or exam.
- The update has just been released: Unless it fixes a serious issue you are experiencing, waiting a few days or weeks can reveal whether other users report problems with that version.
You should also be cautious with prebuilt desktops and laptops from companies such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, and MSI. These systems often use model-specific firmware, even when the internal motherboard appears similar to another product. Installing a BIOS meant for a different revision, region, or product family can break functions such as keyboard backlighting, battery charging, thermal management, or secure boot. For these machines, use the manufacturer’s support page or update utility for the exact service tag, serial number, or model number.
Business and encrypted systems deserve extra care. A firmware update may clear or change TPM-related settings, which can cause BitLocker, device encryption, or enterprise management tools to request a recovery key at the next boot. Before updating, make sure you have administrator access and any required recovery keys. If the computer is managed by an employer or school, do not update the BIOS yourself unless their IT policy allows it; they may require a tested firmware version or a managed deployment process.
Finally, avoid updating if you are unsure that you have identified the exact motherboard or PC model. Similar names can refer to different hardware revisions, and some boards have separate BIOS files for Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi models or for different PCB revisions. If there is any doubt, stop and verify the model in the firmware setup screen, the system information tool, the motherboard label, or the manufacturer’s support database before downloading anything.
How to Identify Your Motherboard or PC Model and Current Firmware Version
Before downloading any BIOS or UEFI update, identify the exact hardware you have and the firmware version currently installed. Firmware files are model-specific: a board with a similar name, a different revision, or a region-specific OEM variant may require a different update package. The goal is to collect three pieces of information: the motherboard or PC model, the board revision if applicable, and the current BIOS/UEFI version and date.
On Windows
For most Windows PCs, start with System Information. Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. In the System , look for System Manufacturer, System Model, BaseBoard Manufacturer, BaseBoard Product, BIOS Version/Date, and BIOS Mode. On a desktop you built yourself, the BaseBoard fields usually identify the motherboard. On a Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS laptop, or other prebuilt system, the System Manufacturer and System Model are usually what you need because the vendor provides firmware for the whole PC, not for the bare motherboard.
You can also use Windows Terminal or Command Prompt to check the same information. Run wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion,releasedate for the installed firmware version and release date, and wmic baseboard get manufacturer,product,version,serialnumber for motherboard details. On newer Windows installations where WMIC is unavailable, PowerShell can retrieve similar data with Get-CimInstance Win32_BIOS and Get-CimInstance Win32_BaseBoard. Record the results exactly, including suffixes such as WiFi, AC, AX, DDR4, DDR5, Plus, Pro, or Gaming.
On Linux and from the firmware setup screen
On Linux, you can often find the current firmware version with sudo dmidecode -t bios and motherboard or system details with sudo dmidecode -t baseboard or sudo dmidecode -t system. Some distributions also expose this information under /sys/class/dmi/id/, such as board_name, board_vendor, product_name, and bios_version. If the operating system will not boot, enter the UEFI setup interface during startup, commonly by pressing Del, F2, F10, or Esc. The main page usually lists the motherboard model, firmware version, CPU, memory, and sometimes the board revision.
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Check the physical label when the revision matters
Many retail motherboards have a printed model name on the PCB, often between PCIe slots or near the memory slots. Some also have a revision number printed in small text, such as REV: 1.0, REV: 1.1, or v2. This matters because manufacturers sometimes release different firmware tracks for different revisions of the same board name. If you have a prebuilt desktop or laptop, use the service tag, serial number, or product number on the case or underside label. Vendor support sites often use that identifier to filter the correct BIOS/UEFI downloads.
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- Laptop or branded desktop: use the PC maker, model number, product number, service tag, and current BIOS/UEFI version.
- Server or workstation: check the vendor support portal, as firmware may be tied to a platform generation or management controller package.
Once you have the details, compare them against the manufacturer’s support page before downloading anything. If the site lists several similar models, open the page that matches every part of the name and revision. If your current firmware version is already the same as or newer than the listed update, you usually do not need to install that package. If the page includes a compatibility table or an update history, keep it open for the next step so you can confirm that the update actually applies to your hardware and solves a problem you care about.
How to Download the Correct BIOS/UEFI Update Safely
Once you know your exact motherboard, laptop, desktop, or mini PC model and current firmware version, download the update only from the manufacturer’s official support site. For a custom-built desktop, that usually means the motherboard maker, such as ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, or Biostar. For a prebuilt desktop or laptop, use the system maker’s support page, such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, ASUS, or Framework, because their firmware may be customized for that specific machine.
Avoid BIOS or UEFI files from driver bundle sites, forum attachments, file mirrors, search-result ads, or “automatic updater” utilities from unknown publishers. Firmware runs before your operating system starts, so installing the wrong or tampered file can leave the system unable to boot. If you use a manufacturer’s update utility, download that utility from the same official support page, not from a third-party software catalog.
Check the model, revision, and operating system details
Motherboard firmware is often tied not just to the product name, but also to the board revision. For example, a board labeled “B550M DS3H rev. 1.0” may not use the same BIOS file as “rev. 1.4.” The revision is usually printed on the motherboard itself, often near the PCIe slots, RAM slots, or board edge. Laptops and prebuilts may instead use a service tag, serial number, machine type, or product number to route you to the correct downloads.
- Match the full model name: Do not treat similar names as interchangeable, such as “PRO,” “PLUS,” “WiFi,” “AX,” “M,” or “D4” variants.
- Match the board revision if listed: Select the same revision shown on the physical board or support page.
- Check the current firmware version: Download a newer version only if it addresses your issue, supports new hardware, or contains needed security fixes.
- Read the release notes: Look for CPU support changes, memory compatibility updates, TPM or Secure Boot changes, and any upgrade path requirements.
Read the update instructions before downloading
Manufacturers sometimes require an intermediate BIOS version before installing the latest one. Others warn that a firmware update may reset settings, change default boot mode, update Intel ME or AMD AGESA components, or prevent downgrading afterward. On laptops, the instructions may require the battery to be charged above a certain percentage and the AC adapter connected. On some desktops, the vendor may offer mulle methods, such as a Windows updater, a built-in UEFI flashing tool, or USB BIOS Flashback.
In most cases, the built-in UEFI flashing tool is the safest general-purpose method because it updates the firmware outside Windows and is less likely to be interrupted by drivers, antivirus tools, or background processes. It may have a name such as ASUS EZ Flash, MSI M-Flash, Gigabyte Q-Flash, ASRock Instant Flash, Dell BIOS Flash Update, or Lenovo UEFI BIOS Update. If the vendor specifically recommends a Windows-based updater for your model, follow its instructions carefully and close unnecessary apps before running it.
Verify the file before using it
After downloading, confirm that the file name, version number, and supported model listed in the archive or documentation match your system. Many updates arrive as a ZIP file that contains the firmware image, a readme file, and sometimes a renaming tool. Extract the archive before copying the firmware file to a USB drive unless the manufacturer says otherwise. If the support page provides a checksum, compare it with the downloaded file to confirm the download was not corrupted.
| Check | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Source | Official manufacturer support page for your exact PC or motherboard |
| Model | Exact name, variant, service tag, or board revision matches |
| Version | Newer than your installed firmware and relevant to your need |
| Instructions | Any required intermediate update, file renaming, or flashing method |
| File integrity | Checksum matches, or the archive extracts without errors |
Before moving to the update itself, keep a copy of the downloaded firmware and instructions on another device, such as a phone, tablet, or second computer. If the target PC becomes unbootable or loses display output during troubleshooting, having the exact support page, version number, and recovery steps available elsewhere can save time.
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Step-by-Step: Preparing and Performing the Update
Once you have the correct firmware file from the motherboard, laptop, or desktop manufacturer, slow down and prepare the system before flashing it. A BIOS/UEFI update rewrites firmware stored on the board, so the goal is to prevent interruptions, avoid the wrong file, and make sure you can restore your settings afterward. If you are updating a laptop, connect the AC adapter and make sure the battery has a reasonable charge. If you are updating a desktop, use a reliable wall outlet; a UPS is best if your power is unstable.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions first. Check the support page for the exact model and revision, then read the update notes and flashing instructions. Some boards require installing an intermediate BIOS version before the newest one, especially when support for newer CPUs or firmware branches was added in stages.
- Back up important data. A firmware update should not erase your files, but failed boot settings, storage mode changes, or BitLocker recovery prompts can temporarily block access. Save anything critical before you begin.
- Record current BIOS/UEFI settings. Take phone photos of key pages such as boot order, SATA mode, fan profiles, XMP/EXPO memory settings, Secure Boot, TPM/fTPM, virtualization, RAID settings, and any custom CPU or voltage tuning. The update may reset everything to defaults.
- Suspend drive encryption if used. In Windows, suspend BitLocker before updating so a firmware change does not trigger a recovery key prompt. Also make sure you have your recovery key saved in your Microsoft account or another safe place.
- Remove unstable overclocks. Load default CPU, GPU, and memory settings before the flash. If the system is unstable with XMP, EXPO, undervolting, or manual tuning, update from stock settings.
For most modern motherboards, the safest method is the built-in UEFI flashing tool, often named EZ Flash, M-Flash, Q-Flash, Instant Flash, or a similar vendor-specific name. Format a USB flash drive as FAT32, copy the extracted firmware file to it, and plug it directly into a rear motherboard USB port if you are using a desktop. Restart the PC, enter UEFI setup with the required key, usually Delete, F2, or F10, open the flash utility, select the file, confirm the model and version shown on screen, and start the update. Do not turn off the PC, press reset, unplug USB devices, or repeatedly press keys while the progress bar is moving.
Some systems also support updating from within Windows through an official vendor utility. This can be convenient on laptops and prebuilt desktops, but close other programs first, disable sleep temporarily, and keep the charger connected. Avoid third-party “driver updater” tools for firmware updates. If your motherboard has BIOS Flashback or a similar feature, follow the manual exactly: rename the file if required, place it on a FAT32 USB drive, insert it into the marked USB port, and press the dedicated button with standby power connected. This method can work even without a CPU or memory on some boards.
After the update finishes, the system may restart several times and sit on a black screen longer than usual while memory training or firmware initialization completes. Give it time. When you can enter UEFI again, load optimized defaults if the vendor recommends it, then reapply only the settings you actually need: boot order, fan curves, virtualization, Secure Boot, RAID mode, and memory profile. Boot into the operating system, confirm the new firmware version, then re-enable BitLocker or other protections you suspended. If everything is stable, keep the firmware file and your s for a while in case you need to troubleshoot later.
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What to Do If the BIOS/UEFI Update Fails
If a BIOS/UEFI update appears to fail, do not immediately power the system off. Some boards sit on a black screen for several minutes while they rewrite firmware blocks, retrain memory, or restart more than once. If the fans are spinning, status LEDs are active, or the USB drive is still blinking, leave the computer alone for at least 15–30 minutes. Interrupting a firmware write can turn a recoverable problem into a board that needs recovery hardware or service.
Start with the simplest signs of life. Check whether the system is actually posting but not displaying video: try another monitor input, move the display cable to the motherboard video output if your CPU has integrated graphics, or reseat the graphics card and power leads. Disconnect nonessential USB devices, external drives, hubs, capture cards, and extra monitors. If the system reaches the firmware setup screen, immediately load optimized defaults, save, reboot, and then reconfigure only the settings you need, such as boot order, fan curves, TPM/fTPM, virtualization, or XMP/EXPO memory profiles.
Try a CMOS reset
A failed boot after an update is often caused by old settings that no longer match the new firmware. Shut the PC down, switch off the power supply, unplug the power cable, and hold the power button for a few seconds. Use the motherboard’s Clear CMOS button or jumper if it has one. If not, remove the coin-cell battery for several minutes, then reinstall it. On laptops, use the vendor’s documented reset method rather than opening the chassis unless the service manual supports it. After clearing CMOS, boot with one memory stick, the CPU, cooler, boot drive, and graphics only if required.
Use built-in recovery features
Many modern systems include a recovery path specifically for bad firmware flashes. The name varies by vendor, but common options include BIOS Flashback, Q-Flash Plus, USB BIOS Flashback, CrashFree BIOS, M-Flash recovery, DualBIOS, or an emergency recovery key combination. These tools usually require a FAT32-formatted USB drive, a firmware file renamed exactly as the vendor specifies, and a dedicated USB port on the rear I/O panel. Follow the manual for your exact board or PC model, because the filename, port, and button sequence are often model-specific.
- Desktop motherboard with USB flashback: download the correct firmware on another computer, format a small USB drive as FAT32, copy the renamed file to the root of the drive, insert it into the marked port, and press the flashback button as directed.
- Dual-BIOS motherboard: check the manual for the switch or recovery behavior. Some boards automatically boot from the backup ROM; others require moving a physical selector.
- Prebuilt desktop or laptop: use the manufacturer’s BIOS recovery package, often launched from a USB recovery drive or triggered with a key combination while connecting AC power.
If recovery starts, let it finish without touching the keyboard, mouse, power button, or USB drive. Status LEDs may blink for several minutes and the machine may restart mulle times. When it finally boots, enter the firmware setup, load defaults, save, then update settings gradually. Avoid enabling memory overclocks or aggressive CPU settings until the system has completed several clean restarts.
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If there are no lights, no recovery mode, no display after CMOS reset, and no response from a documented USB recovery method, contact the motherboard, PC, or laptop vendor with the exact model, serial number, current symptoms, and the firmware file you used. Some boards have removable SPI flash chips that can be replaced or reprogrammed, but many laptops and compact systems require service-center reprogramming. If the update was done through the vendor’s official tool and the system is under warranty, avoid further disassembly until support gives instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will updating my BIOS/UEFI make my PC faster?
Usually, no. BIOS/UEFI updates are mainly for hardware compatibility, stability fixes, security patches, and support for newer CPUs, RAM, or storage devices. You may see better performance only in specific cases, such as improved memory compatibility, CPU microcode changes, or a fix for throttling or boot issues.
How do I know if I actually need a BIOS/UEFI update?
Check the firmware release s on your motherboard or PC manufacturer’s support page and compare them with a problem you are trying to solve. Updating is usually worth it if the update fixes a bug you have, adds support for hardware you plan to install, or includes a security fix recommended by the vendor. If your system is stable and the update does not address anything relevant, it is often safer to leave it alone.
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Yes, a failed or interrupted firmware update can leave the system unable to boot, especially if power is lost or the wrong file is used. Many modern motherboards include recovery features such as BIOS Flashback, dual BIOS, or crisis recovery, but not all systems do. Before updating, confirm the exact model, use the vendor’s official file, keep the PC on reliable power, and avoid interrupting the process.
Should I update BIOS/UEFI from Windows or from the firmware menu?
When possible, updating from the built-in UEFI flashing tool is usually the safer choice because it avoids Windows crashes, driver conflicts, or background software interfering with the process. Download the correct update file, place it on a properly formatted USB drive if required, then run the vendor’s flashing utility from the firmware interface. Use a Windows-based updater only if the manufacturer specifically recommends it for your system.
Will updating BIOS/UEFI erase my files or reset my settings?
A BIOS/UEFI update should not erase files on your drives, but it can reset firmware settings to defaults. After the update, you may need to re-enable settings such as XMP/EXPO memory profiles, virtualization, Secure Boot, fan curves, RAID mode, or custom boot order. If you use BitLocker or device encryption, suspend it before updating and make sure you have your recovery key available.
Bottom Line
A BIOS/UEFI update can be worthwhile when it fixes a problem you actually have, adds support for new hardware, improves security, or addresses stability issues. If your system is working well and the update s do not apply to you, it is usually safer to leave the firmware alone.
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