Home Firmware Updating your firmware

Updating your firmware

Last updated on Mar 17, 2026

Keeping your firmware up to date helps your system stay secure, stable, and compatible with new hardware and software.

This guide shows how to update firmware safely using LVFS (Linux Vendor Firmware Service).

Important notes

  • Please use LVFS for firmware updates.

  • If you are using Qubes OS, follow their documentation.

  • For current firmware releases, Secure Boot and BIOS Lock can stay enabled during the update.

  • The legacy 26.02 requirement only applies to StarBook and StarLite systems. StarFighter and StarBook Horizon can use the normal LVFS update flow.

Check your current version

Open a terminal (for example, Ctrl + Alt + T), then run:

cat /sys/class/dmi/id/bios_version

If you are using a StarFighter or StarBook Horizon, follow Update your firmware.

If you are using a StarBook or StarLite and your BIOS version is 26.02 or newer, follow Update your firmware.

If you are using a StarBook or StarLite and your BIOS version is older than 26.02, follow Older than 26.02.

Update your firmware

If your system uses the normal LVFS update flow, firmware updates should appear in your usual update tool.

elementary OS

From version 6 onward, firmware updates appear in System Settings → System → Firmware.

elementarySystem

You can view the current firmware information and install updates by clicking on each component.

elementaryDetails

GNOME Software

Firmware updates appear alongside your normal software updates in the GNOME Software app.

KDE Discover

Firmware updates appear in Discover, just like normal app updates.

KDEDiscover

GNOME Firmware

If your distro does not integrate firmware updates into a software centre, you can use the standalone GNOME Firmware app.

You can check for updates via the menu → Check for Updates.

Terminal

You can also check for and install updates manually:

fwupdmgr refresh
fwupdmgr get-updates
fwupdmgr update

If fwupdmgr asks you to reboot, reboot when prompted.

Updating the EC

The EC update is applied automatically from the G3 state after the firmware update completes.

To enter G3:

  • Shut down the computer (not a reboot)

  • Disconnect the charger

  • Wait 12 seconds until the LEDs flicker

  • Reconnect the charger

Older than 26.02

This only applies to StarBook and StarLite systems with a BIOS version older than 26.02.

  • Disable Secure Boot and BIOS Lock before starting.

  • Ensure the charger is connected and the battery is charged to at least 30%.

  • Copy this command:

sudo apt install flashrom -y && bash <(curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StarLabsLtd/firmware/refs/heads/main/updater.sh)

  • Open a terminal window, either from the launcher or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T

  • Paste in the command, either by right-clicking or pressing Ctrl + Shift + V

Once you are on 26.02 or newer, future updates should appear in your normal update tool or through fwupdmgr.