Key points
- Firmware updates patch vulnerabilities, fix bugs, improve stability, and ensure compatibility.
- Unpatched firmware can expose devices to performance issues, exploits, ransomware, and hardware failures.
- IT automation tools can streamline firmware management and proactively reduce vulnerabilities.
Most endpoint devices today, from computers and tablets to smartphones and routers to cars and appliances, rely on a combination of hardware and software to function correctly. The hardware inside these devices requires a specific type of programming, called firmware, to run. This guide explains how to manage firmware updates to ensure managed devices are protected from evolving threats.
What is firmware?
Firmware is stored in rewritable, non-volatile memory chips built directly onto the hardware component it controls, allowing it to persist without power. On the other hand, regular software typically installs on a hard drive or SSD and can be freely modified, so firmware requires different methods for updating.
Because firmware sits closer to the hardware than an OS or application, an interrupted or corrupted firmware write can affect the device at a level that regular software can’t reach. This is why you should know how to update firmware on your devices.
Keep your firmware secure and optimize hardware performance with NinjaOne Patch Management.
What is a firmware update?
A firmware update is the process of upgrading the firmware installed on a device by altering its code. Firmware updates typically come from the device manufacturer and are designed to fix bugs, improve performance, enhance security, and introduce new features.
How to update firmware depends on the device and the method of update delivery. Firmware updates can be delivered through various channels, such as over-the-air via Wi-Fi, USB connections, or r software provided by the manufacturer.
Why is updating firmware important?
Keeping firmware up to date improves the functionality and overall user experience of your devices through the following benefits:
| Benefit | Description |
| Security enhancements | Patches vulnerabilities to protect against cyber threats and data breaches. |
| Bug fixes | Fixes bugs and glitches for smoother, more stable device operation. |
| Improved compatibility | Ensures compatibility with new software, hardware, and features. |
| Optimized performance | Boosts speed, efficiency, and overall device performance. |
Keeping your devices up to date with the latest firmware versions ensures that your devices are secure and benefit from improved performance and compatibility.
Why is updating firmware important?
Keeping firmware up to date improves the functionality and overall user experience of your devices through the following benefits:
Security enhancements
Firmware updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and protect your device from potential cyber threats. Failing to update your firmware leaves your device vulnerable to attacks and compromises your personal data.
Bug fixes
Just like any software, firmware can have bugs or glitches that impact the performance of your device. Firmware updates frequently address these bugs, resulting in a smoother and more stable operation.
Improved compatibility
As technology advances, firmware updates ensure your device remains compatible with the latest software and hardware, enabling you to take advantage of new features and capabilities.
Optimized performance
Firmware updates often include performance optimizations that enhance the speed and efficiency of your device. These improvements can lead to faster boot times, smoother multitasking, and improved overall performance.
Keeping your devices up to date with the latest firmware versions ensures they remain secure and also receive and benefit from improved performance and compatibility.
What happens if you don’t update firmware?
Ignoring firmware updates can negatively impact your device’s security, performance, compatibility, and overall user experience, including:
- Security risks: Without the latest firmware updates, your device may be vulnerable to security breaches and hacking. Cybercriminals often target outdated firmware to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to your device or personal information.
- Compatibility issues: Without firmware updates, your device may struggle to work with newer software or hardware, resulting in compatibility issues, crashes, and errors, or even render your device unusable.
- Poor performance: Firmware updates often include performance optimizations that improve the speed and efficiency of your device. Not updating means you miss out on these improvements and may experience slower operations, lag, or freezing.
- Missing out on new features: Firmware updates often introduce new features or functionalities that enhance your device’s capabilities. By not updating, you limit the potential of your device.
How to know if firmware needs to be updated
To determine if your device’s firmware needs to be updated, follow these practices:
Manually check the firmware’s current version
You can determine which firmware version your device is currently running by accessing Settings or the Admin Panel. Likewise, you can also visit the manufacturer’s site to check on the latest firmware for your device’s model.
Stay notified on official channels
Many devices typically notify users of the availability of the latest firmware version via on-screen messages and emails. Be sure to monitor these notifications.
Look out for performance and security issues
If your device suffers from the following, it could signal that your firmware needs to be updated:
- Slower performance and response times
- Frequent crashes
- Security alerts
- Compatibility issues
Stay alert for these signs and check if these issues are firmware-related.
How to update firmware on different devices
Identifying a firmware update for your device and how to update firmware varies depending on the manufacturer and the device itself. Before you begin, consult the device’s user manual or the manufacturer’s support page for detailed instructions on how to update firmware. If you don’t have the user manual, follow these steps.
1. Identify the device model and manufacturer
Identify the device model and manufacturer before you begin by checking the device itself or the user manual. Keep this information at hand to help you find firmware updates for your device.
2. Check for firmware updates
Visit the manufacturer’s official website or support page and look for a section dedicated to firmware updates or downloads for your device model. Here, you should find the latest firmware version available for your device.
3. Download the firmware update
Download the appropriate firmware update for your device to your computer or directly to the device, as instructed by the manufacturer. Make sure to save it in an easily accessible location and remember its file name.
4. Connect the device and install the firmware update
Connect your device to your computer by using a USB cable or following your manufacturer’s specific instructions, or go straight to your device. Locate the firmware update file you downloaded and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update. Please read and follow all the steps carefully to avoid any potential issues.
5. Wait for the update to complete
During the firmware update process, your device may restart multiple times or display progress indicators. Allow the update process to complete without interruption to avoid corrupted firmware or even permanent damage to your device.
6. Verify the firmware update
After completing the update, verify that the firmware update was successful. Check the device settings or the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm that the updated firmware version was successfully installed on your device.
What happens if you don’t update firmware?
Ignoring firmware updates can negatively impact your device’s security, performance, compatibility, and overall user experience, including:
1. Security risks
Without the latest firmware updates, your device may be vulnerable to security breaches and hacking. Cybercriminals often target outdated firmware to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to your device or personal information.
2. Compatibility issues
Without firmware updates, your device may struggle to work with newer software or hardware, resulting in compatibility issues, crashes, and errors, or even render your device unusable.
3. Poor performance
Firmware updates often include performance optimizations that improve the speed and efficiency of your device. Not updating means you miss out on these improvements and may experience slower operations, lag, or freezing.
4. Missing out on new features
Firmware updates often introduce new features or functionalities that enhance your device’s capabilities. By not updating, you limit the potential of your device.
How to update firmware depends on the device, while the upgrades themselves can be delivered through various channels, such as over-the-air through Wi-Fi, USB connections, or with a computer software provided by the manufacturer.
Best practices for updating firmware
While updating firmware is a fairly straightforward process, following these best practices will ensure that your update is successful and that errors are minimal.
| Best Practice | Description |
| Back up your data | Protects files and settings if the update fails. |
| Read the instructions | Follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid errors and ensure compatibility. |
| Use a stable power source | Prevents failed updates or hardware damage from power interruptions. |
| Don’t interrupt the update | Minimizes risk of firmware corruption or device malfunction. |
| Keep the updated firmware files | Allows reapplication of the update if needed for resets or reinstallations. |
Leverage automation and streamline firmware updates with NinjaOne.
Learn more about NinjaOne Patch Management.
Managing firmware updates at scale
Proactively checking for firmware updates from your device manufacturer and regularly updating firmware can help you fix issues, maintain the security and compatibility of your devices, and keep them performing at their best.
Managing firmware updates for a single device doesn’t require much effort, but keeping your entire network updated, patched, and secure is a time-consuming task. Automating IT tasks such as software deployment, updates, and patch management eases the burden on your IT department while keeping your network running at peak performance. Endpoint management platforms, like NinjaOne, can detect devices with outdated firmware, deploy updates at scale, and generate reports on firmware compliance, alongside patching reports on OS and application patches.
Whether you have a few endpoints or thousands to manage, NinjaOne’s endpoint management solution gives you the tools and reporting you need to help you do more.
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