Linux 101 stuff. Questions are encouraged, noobs are welcome! @lemmy.world gpstarman @lemmy.today 3 mo. ago

Updating BIOS via Linux ?

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.

27 comments

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.
If it can't be found and installed through fwupd and the maufacturer does not provide a file to install firectly, your next best bet is to create a portable windows installation with something like rufus and install it from there. Or contact their customer support.
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- 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.
  
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  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.
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.
Which model is that?
- Acer One 14 Z2-493
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.
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.
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.

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