How to update your firmware

Guide 1: How to Update Your Firmware

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: - Important security improvements - Fixes for known problems - Stability and reliability improvements - Better compatibility with operating systems, software and hardware - 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: - Read the relevant guide in full before following any steps. - Check which firmware version is currently installed. - Connect the computer to its charger. - If the computer has a battery, make sure it is charged to at least 30%. - 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. - Do not switch off or restart your computer while an update is in progress, even if it appears to be taking longer than expected. - Use the correct method for your installed firmware version, as outlined in the relevant guide below. - 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 us 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.

Guide 2: What Is the Latest Firmware for Your Computer?

Who this guide is for This guide is for customers who want to find the latest firmware version available for their Star Labs computer. Current firmware versions Firmware releases vary by model. Find your exact Star Labs model in the table below and compare the latest firmware with the version currently installed on your computer. | Model | Latest firmware version | | ---------------------- | ----------------------------- | | StarBook Horizon | 26.08 | | StarFighter | 26.08 (Intel variants only) | | StarLite | 26.08 | | Other supported models | *26.08 * | If you have an AMD StarFighter, please contact Star Labs Support to confirm the latest firmware version. What should I do next? If you do not know which firmware version is currently installed on your computer, follow Guide 3: How to Check Which Firmware Version You Are Using. If your installed version matches the latest version shown in the table, your firmware is already up to date and no further action is required. If you already know your installed firmware version and it is earlier than the latest version shown in the table, go directly to the appropriate update guide: - If you are using version 26.05 or later, such as 26.06 or 26.07, follow Guide 4: Updating Firmware from 26.05 or Later. - If you are using version 26.04 or earlier, such as 26.03 or 26.02, follow Guide 5: Updating Firmware from 26.04 or Earlier.

Guide 3: How to Check Which Firmware Version You Are Using

Who this guide is for This guide is for customers who need to identify the firmware version currently installed on their Star Labs computer. You can check your firmware version through your system settings or by entering a command in Terminal. Option 1: Check in Settings The exact names and locations may vary depending on your Linux distribution and desktop environment. On Ubuntu and some GNOME-based distributions: 1. Open Settings. 2. Select About. 3. Select System Details. 4. Find Firmware Version under Software Information. If the firmware version is not displayed, use the Terminal method below. Option 2: Check in Terminal 1. Open Terminal from the applications menu, or press Ctrl + Alt + T. 2. Enter the following command and press Enter: cat /sys/class/dmi/id/bios_version Please note: If you copy and paste the command, copy only the command shown above and check that it has been entered correctly before pressing Enter. In most Linux terminals, use Ctrl + Shift + V to paste. 1. Make a note of the firmware version displayed. What should I do next? Compare your installed firmware version with the latest version listed in Guide 2: What Is the Latest Firmware for Your Computer? If your firmware is already up to date, no further action is required. If an update is available, use the table below to choose the correct update guide. | Version currently installed | Next step | | --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 26.05 or later | Follow Guide 4: Updating Firmware from 26.05 or Later. | | 26.04 or earlier | Follow Guide 5: Updating Firmware from 26.04 or Earlier. | If you cannot find the version Please contact Star Labs Support and tell us your computer model and Linux distribution. Include the result displayed in Terminal, if available, so we can help you identify the correct update guide.

Guide 4: Updating Firmware from 26.05 or Later

Who this guide is for This guide is for customers whose currently installed firmware version is 26.05 or later. If your firmware version is 26.04 or earlier, follow Guide 5: Updating Firmware from 26.04 or Earlier instead. If you do not know which firmware version is installed, follow Guide 3: How to Check Which Firmware Version You Are Using before continuing. Where will my firmware updates appear? Firmware updates are provided through the Linux Vendor Firmware Service (LVFS) and installed using fwupd. Depending on your Linux distribution and desktop environment, these updates may appear in System Settings, GNOME Software, KDE Discover or a separate firmware application. Before continuing, check which desktop environment or software update application your computer uses, then follow the matching section below. If you are unsure, you can use the Terminal method or contact Star Labs Support. | Linux distribution | Desktop environment | Recommended update method | | ------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | elementary OS 6 or later | Pantheon | System Settings → System → Firmware | | Ubuntu | GNOME | GNOME Firmware | | Other GNOME-based distributions | GNOME | GNOME Firmware | | KDE-based distributions | KDE Plasma | KDE Discover | | Debian | Dependent on chosen Desktop Environment | - | | Linux Mint with Cinnamon | Cinnamon | Terminal | | Qubes OS | XFCE | Terminal | | Other or unlisted distributions | Varies | Terminal | If your Linux distribution or desktop environment is not listed and you are running 26.05 or later, use the Terminal method below. Choose your update method Choose the method that matches your Linux system and follow the relevant instructions below. elementary OS 6 or later 1. Open System Settings. 2. Select System, then Firmware. 3. Select each component to view its current firmware information and install any available updates. GNOME Firmware 1. Open Firmware. 2. Select Updates. 3. Install the available firmware update. Ubuntu 26.04 LTS - Firmware 1. Open the applications menu and search for Firmware. 2. Open Firmware and select your Star Labs computer from the list. 3. Check the current firmware version and install the update if available. KDE Discover 1. Open Discover. 2. Select Updates. 3. Install the available firmware update. GNOME Firmware Use GNOME Firmware if firmware updates do not appear in your normal software update application. 1. Open GNOME Firmware. 2. Open the menu and select Check for Updates. 3. Select the relevant component and install the available firmware update. Terminal You can also check for and install LVFS updates using Terminal. Customers using Qubes OS can also use this Terminal method. 1. Open Terminal from the applications menu, or press Ctrl + Alt + T. 2. Enter the following command: fwupdmgr update Please note: If you copy and paste the command, check that it has been entered correctly before pressing Enter. In most Linux terminals, use Shift + Ctrl + V to paste. After entering the command: - Follow any instructions displayed by fwupdmgr. - Restart or shut down the computer if instructed to do so. After an Embedded Controller Update Some firmware releases also include an Embedded Controller (EC) update. The updater will instruct you to shut down the computer completely, which must be done: 1. Shut down the computer rather than restarting it. 2. Disconnect the charger. 3. Wait 12 seconds. 4. Reconnect the charger and start the computer normally. Always follow the shutdown or restart instructions displayed during the update. If the update is not shown Do not use the manual update method without checking your installed firmware version first. If your computer is running firmware version 26.05 or later but an update does not appear, stop and contact Star Labs Support at support@starlabs.systems before attempting another update method. Let us know your computer model, current firmware version, Linux distribution and the update application you are using.

Guide 5: Updating Firmware from 26.04 or Earlier

Who this guide is for This guide is only for customers whose currently installed firmware version is 26.04 or earlier. Important: Do not use this manual update process if your firmware version is 26.05 or later. Instead, follow Guide 4: Updating Firmware from 26.05 or Later. If you do not know which firmware version is installed, follow Guide 3: How to Check Which Firmware Version You Are Using before continuing. Supported models The manual updater currently supports: - StarFighter Mk II — Intel variants - StarFighter Mk I — Intel variants - StarBook Horizon - StarLite Mk V - StarLite Mk IV - StarLite Mk III - StarBook Mk VII and StarBook Ultra - StarBook Mk VI - StarBook Mk V - LabTop Mk IV - LabTop Mk III - Byte Mk III - Byte Mk II - Byte Mk I If your computer is not listed, do not attempt the update. Contact Star Labs Support for advice. Before you begin Before starting the update: - Read this guide in full. - Confirm that your firmware version is 26.04 or earlier. - Check that your Star Labs model is included in the supported-model list above. - Connect the computer to its charger. - If the computer has a battery, make sure it is charged to at least 30%. - Save your work and close any open applications. Do not continue if you are unsure which update method applies to your computer. Update your firmware 1. Open Terminal from the Applications menu, or press Ctrl + Alt + T. 2. Enter the following command and press Enter: curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StarLabsLtd/firmware/refs/heads/main/updater.sh | bash Please note: If you copy and paste the command, copy only the command shown above and check that it has been entered correctly before pressing Enter. In most Linux terminals, use Ctrl + Shift + V to paste. 1. The updater will check your computer and identify the appropriate firmware update. 2. Read and follow every instruction displayed in the terminal. 3. When the update has completed, restart or shut down the computer as instructed by the updater. Do not switch off or restart the computer while the firmware is being updated unless the updater instructs you to do so. Security checks The updater automatically checks Secure Boot and BIOS Lock. If either setting needs to be changed, the updater will display instructions and may offer to restart the computer and open the firmware settings. Follow the instructions shown, then start Linux and run the update command again. If the updater reports that access for flashrom is blocked, follow the instructions displayed in Terminal. Run only the command provided by the updater, restart the computer and then run the main update command again. Customers using Qubes OS The simplest manual update method for Qubes OS users is to start the computer from a standard Ubuntu live USB and run the manual update command from there. If you prefer to perform the update from within Qubes OS, run the command from a dom0 Terminal. Read all instructions carefully before continuing, as the process differs from most other Linux distributions. If an error occurs If Terminal displays an error involving update-grub or another bootloader update command, do not restart the computer. Contact Star Labs Support and send us the complete output displayed in Terminal. You should also stop and contact Star Labs Support if: - The command does not work. - Terminal reports that curl is unavailable. - The updater tells you to contact support. - Your computer model is not listed. - The update does not complete. - You are unsure how to follow an instruction displayed by the updater. Do not switch to another update method or attempt to force, modify or repeat the update unless Star Labs Support instructs you to do so. When contacting us, include your computer model, current firmware version, Linux distribution and the complete output displayed in Terminal. After updating Follow any restart or shutdown instructions displayed by the updater. Once firmware version 26.05 or later is installed, future firmware updates should normally be installed through LVFS. Follow Guide 4: Updating Firmware from 26.05 or Later for future updates.

Guide 6: Update Firmware via EFI Shell

Updating your firmware using the EFI Shell is straightforward and safe when done carefully. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare your USB drive, enter the EFI Shell, and complete the update. ⚠️ Note: You’ll need a USB Flash Drive with at least 8 MB of free space to perform this update. Make sure your laptop is plugged into its charger before starting. 1) Download the Firmware Download the firmware file for your specific model from here. Firmware files are stored in folders named according to the model. For example, for the StarBook Mk IV, the files are in StarBook/MkVI-Intel/ and the file you need is efi-B6-I.zip. Download 2) Extract the Firmware Files After downloading the file, right-click it and select Extract Here. Extract Open the extracted folder, select all files and folders using the mouse or by pressing Ctrl and A. Right-click and select Copy. 3) Prepare the USB Flash Drive Your USB drive must be formatted in FAT32 format. Open your distribution's disk manager. You can typically find it by searching for disks. The process is similar across most distributions. In Ubuntu, select your USB drive and click the - sign to remove the current partition. This action will delete all data on the drive. After removing the original partition, the - sign will disappear and a + sign will appear. Click the + and set the Type to FAT. You can choose any name for the Volume Name. Once complete, locate your USB drive. Open it, right-click, and select Paste. The contents should resemble the image below. Files 4) Boot into the EFI Shell 1. Keep the USB drive connected. 2. Connect your laptop charger. 3. Shut down your laptop completely. 4. Power it back on and enter the EFI Shell: - For AMI firmware: Press F2 (or Fn + F2 if Function Lock is enabled) repeatedly until you see a blue boot menu. Use the arrow keys to select EFI Shell and press Enter. - For coreboot firmware: Press the key shown on-screen to open Boot Manager, then select EFI Shell. 5) Run the Update Once you’re in the EFI Shell, the update will start automatically. The process usually takes 10 seconds to 5 minutes. ⚠️ Do not turn off or restart your laptop during this process. Interrupting the update could make your device inoperable and require physical repair. When the update finishes, your laptop will either reboot automatically or shut down - this is normal. 💡 Tip: Some BIOS updates may require multiple reboots. If prompted, repeat the steps above to boot into the EFI Shell again.