This guide will show you how to install updates from the LVFS (Linux Vendor Firmware Service), a secure web service allowing you to download and install updates securely.
Please note: If you are using 'Full Disk' Encryption, please only update the EC (Embedded Controller) via a Live USB.
Installation
Open a terminal window and enter the below commands:
Ubuntu, Linux Mint, elementary OS, Zorin OS and other Ubuntu derivatives
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:starlabs/main
sudo add-apt-repository universe
sudo apt update
sudo apt install fwupd libflashrom1
Manjaro
sudo pacman -Syu fwupd-starlabs flashrom-starlabs
Debian 11, MX Linux
Please use our pre-built packages, which you can find here
Fedora 35/56
You can find fwupd at copr://rhughes/fwupd
You can find flashrom at copr://starlabs/fwupd
Updating
Once you've installed fwupd, there are a few ways to update the firmware; some are distribution specific.
elementaryOS
On elementaryOS 6 and later, fwupd will integrate into System Settings, and appear under System > Firmware.
You can view the current firmware information and install updates by clicking on each component.
GNOME Software
Ubuntu, Zorin OS, Fedora, OpenSUSE, Arch, Manjaro GNOME, Debian
For any distribution using the GNOME desktop environment, fwupd will integrate into GNOME Software. Any firmware updates will appear alongside your regular software updates.
KDE Discover
Kubuntu, KDE Neon, Fedora KDE, Manjaro KDE
For any distribution using the KDE desktop environment, fwupd will integrate into KDE Discover. Any firmware updates will appear alongside your regular software updates.
Other Distributions
GNOME Firmware
There is a standalone GUI called GNOME Firmware for distributions that can't use the above integrations; it's available for many distributions, even ones that don't use GNOME. You need to install it via your package manager.
Once that's done, open Firmware Update; this will show you all the supported devices in the left menu. If an update is available, you can install it using the button at the bottom right.
You can check for updates by clicking on the hamburger menu and selecting "Check for Updates".
Terminal Method
You can manage your firmware and install updates from the terminal if none of the above options is available.
Check for Updates
From your terminal window, type in the below command:
fwupdmgr refresh
Install Updates
From your terminal window, type in the below command:
fwupdmgr update
Reboot
The update will install upon the next reboot cycle. Ensure the power stays connected during the update, which may take 2-3 minutes to complete. Do not power off the machine during the update.
Specific updates require confirmation when installed; this will appear as a grey screen with blue text. If you see this screen, please select Proceed with Flash Update.
If you would like to test the latest updates before their official release, type the below command into your terminal window:
fwupdmgr enable-remote lvfs-testing
Troubleshooting
If you see a message Message recipient disconnected from message bus without replying, you'll need to add the iomem=relaxed kernel parameter. The two below commands will do this for you:
sudo sed -i 's/quiet/quiet iomem=relaxed/g' /etc/default/grub
sudo update-grub
If you see a message that says the version numbers don't match, please use:
fwupdmgr update --force