Updating BIOS via Linux ?

gpstarman@lemmy.today to Linux 101 stuff. Questions are encouraged, noobs are welcome!@lemmy.world – 22 points –

How to update BIOS on a system that only use Linux as OS.

Asking this because some clowns at Acer decided that they will only provide BIOS updates through Windows Update.

Edit: I'm not talking about installing the BIOS file. They don't even provide BIOS file in the first place.

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fwupd is a cool Linux project that can update device firmware if the vendor participates. Check to see if your hardware is supported.

Thank you.

But, I'm not talking about installing the BIOS file. They don't even provide BIOS file in the first place.

Also, I don't think fwupd has firmware for this particular laptop. ( Acer One 14 Z2-493 )

You've already received good advice in this thread. Make a portable windows install, boot into it, and update the BIOS with the vendor's windows utility.

WTF that's strange. I would have said that BIOS updates should be mainly OS agnostic, but since Acer recommends a windows update to do a BIOS update that throws a wrench in things.

It is strange indeed. But, my brain didn't understand what you meant after the first sentence.

I don't understand how you're able to run Linux in the first place with how hard it seems to be for you to understand the replies you got.

Quit being a dick.

OP should start reading what people are telling them and then I'll stop being a dick

I guess I'm having a rough day overall bad experience with how condescending are people who advocate open source are.

I really wanted to recommend open source to my friends. And now I'm not so sure. Because when they need any help, where are they supposed to ask?

For god sake, I'm in Linux4Noobs community.

Also people really needs to understand that English is not everyone's first language.

I was going to suggest using something like WINE or Proton but thinking more about it…probably best not to do any unofficial ways since this is your BIOS firmware. Any hiccups with that and you’ve bricked your computer. Also not exactly sure how that would work unless you could download the update in a browser and it is executable in Windows as an exe and not coming from Windows Update.

Best thing I can think of is get a cheap SSD like a 128GB for around $50, install it in the computer and then install Windows to that. Then do the update on that and then remove. Maybe keep the SSD around just in case you need it.

This is all assuming your laptop supports removable drives and isn’t one of those cheap eMMC ones which I wouldn’t be surprised since it’s an Acer…

You may see if there’s a custom BIOS available. I had this on an ASUS Chromebook I got a few years ago. Chromebooks don’t officially have a BIOS but I was able to find a custom one for my model so I could load an actual Linux distro on it.

So, you are suggesting to use Windows just to update BIOS. ( Asking for clarification )

Also not exactly sure how that would work unless you could download the update in a browser and it is executable in Windows as an exe and not coming from Windows Update.

They don't even provide BIOS file in the first place.

Yeah I think that’s your best bet then. Just installing Windows for this one purpose and doing it on a spare drive, if possible. I suppose you could clone your existing OS to a backup and then install Windows over it, do the update, and then restore the backup over the Windows install. Not just for ease but also the safest possible way since this is your BIOS we’re talking about and seems to be the only supported method by your computer’s manufacturer. Cloning would be best for this since it’s the least intrusive to your daily setup’s files and preferences.

Just curious, why do you want to update your BIOS? Is there a feature you need in the new update, a fix for something that was broke, or is there a security concern?

Most BIOS updates don’t seem to do much of anything that is directly needed for most users unless one of the things above I could think of.

Just installing Windows for this one purpose

That's a bummer

Just curious, why do you want to update your BIOS?

Because I'm also curious. not actually wanting to update BIOS.

So, you are suggesting to use Windows just to update BIOS.

So, you are refusing to accept that you might just not have any other options.

I'm not refusing anything. I asked for clarification. Maybe I worded it badly.

You could try fwupd

There's also more things you can try on the Arch Wiki (don't just blindly follow the guides if you'r on another distro though)

I don't think fwupd has firmware for this particular laptop. ( Acer One 14 Z2-493 )

Also, I'm not talking about installing the BIOS file. They don't even provide BIOS file in the first place.

In the past you could install Windows on a flash drive,but not sure if that’s supported anymore. It was called windows to go I believe.

Umm... I'm afraid that's not what I asked.

I think they, and others, are telling you the manufacturer has given you the choice of use Windows, or dont update.

And I get it, that is a not a great choice.

But if you want the update, use peoples suggestions.

Thank you.

I think it's stupid to provide something hardware related like BIOS exclusively through a particular proprietary software like Windows.

There is some old Acer One model that shows up. If you are okay to try and break an existing system, install Windows10 and see if the drivers work?

https://www.acer.com/in-en/support/product-support/Z2-485/downloads?suggest=Z2-4;0

Else stay away from Acer as it seems to be cheap-and-dumping kind of brand. At least in india.

Thank you. But that's exactly not my model. So idk if that's safe.

Thank you.