Firmware is software built into your computer that controls how its hardware starts and operates. It provides the foundation for your operating system to communicate with the computer’s components and manages important functions such as power, charging and security.
Why should I update my firmware?
We recommend keeping your firmware up to date. Firmware updates can include:
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Important security improvements
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Fixes for known problems
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Stability and reliability improvements
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Better compatibility with operating systems, software and hardware
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Improvements to how particular components or features work
Your computer may continue to work normally if you do not update it immediately. However, remaining on older firmware can mean missing important security fixes and improvements. It may also leave known issues unresolved or cause compatibility problems as operating systems and software change over time.
How are firmware updates installed?
For normal firmware updates, we recommend using the Linux Vendor Firmware Service (LVFS). On many Linux distributions, available firmware updates will appear in your normal software update application.
The correct update method depends on the firmware version currently installed. Firmware earlier than 26.05 requires the manual update process. Once version 26.05 or later is installed, future updates can normally be installed through LVFS.
Some updates also include Embedded Controller (EC) firmware. These updates may require the computer to be fully shut down rather than restarted. Always follow the shutdown or restart instructions shown during the update.
Before you begin
It is important to use the correct instructions for your computer and current firmware version.
Before starting an update:
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Read the relevant guide in full before following any steps.
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Check which firmware version is currently installed.
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Connect the computer to its charger.
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If the computer has a battery, make sure it is charged to at least 30%.
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Save your work and close any open applications.
If you use Qubes OS, please read the instructions carefully before beginning, as the update process differs from most other Linux distributions.
If you are unfamiliar with firmware updates, please review all the relevant guides before starting. If you are still unsure which instructions apply to your computer or do not feel confident carrying out the update, please contact Star Labs Support before proceeding.
What can cause a firmware update to fail?
Firmware updates should complete normally when the correct process is followed. Problems are most commonly caused by interrupting the update, using the wrong update method or attempting additional changes when something does not work as expected.
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Do not switch off or restart your computer while an update is in progress, even if it appears to be taking longer than expected.
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Use the correct method for your installed firmware version, as outlined in the relevant guide below.
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Follow any warnings displayed by the updater. Do not switch methods or attempt to force, modify or repeat the update unless the relevant guide or Star Labs Support instructs you to do so.
If the update does not behave as expected, stop and contact Star Labs Support at support@starlabs.systems before making any further firmware changes.
Using alternative firmware tools
We strongly recommend using only the update methods described in these guides.
Low-level tools such as flashrom can write directly to the computer’s firmware and bypass parts of the normal update process. Incorrect use can leave the firmware in an inconsistent state or prevent the computer from starting.
Only use flashrom or another unsupported method, including manually writing firmware, if you understand the risks and are comfortable recovering the firmware yourself. We strongly recommend purchasing a Programming and Debug Kit before attempting an unsupported firmware update, as it provides a way to externally program and recover the firmware if the computer can no longer start normally.
Alternative firmware tools and unsupported update methods are used at your own risk.
Which guide should I use?
Start with guides 2 and 3 to find the latest firmware for your computer and check which version is currently installed. Then choose either guide 4 or guide 5, depending on your installed firmware version.
1. How to Update Your Firmware
You are currently reading the main guide, which explains why firmware updates are important and how to prepare.
2. What Is the Latest Firmware for Your Computer?
Use this guide to find the latest firmware version available for your Star Labs computer.
3. How to Check Which Firmware Version You Are Using
Use this guide to check the firmware version currently installed on your computer.
4. Updating Firmware from 26.05 or Later
Use this guide if your computer is running firmware version 26.05 or later. These updates are normally provided through LVFS using fwupd, either through your operating system's software updater or the Terminal.
5. Updating Firmware from 26.04 or Earlier
Use this guide if your installed firmware version is 26.04 or earlier. This process uses the manual firmware updater.