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Asked: 2024-09-24T23:44:13+05:30 In:

What are the steps to update my device’s firmware using the command line on Ubuntu?

I’m having a bit of a technical hiccup and could really use some help from the Ubuntu community. So, here’s the situation: I’ve been using Ubuntu on my laptop for a while now, and I keep hearing how important it is to keep your firmware updated. I want to make sure my device runs smoothly and securely, but honestly, the whole concept of updating firmware via the command line feels a bit daunting to me.

I’ve done the usual things like updating my packages and system through the GUI, but I’ve been told that for firmware updates, the command line is the way to go. I’m all about learning new skills, and I feel like this could be a great opportunity for me to get a bit more comfortable in the terminal. However, I’m uncertain about where to even start.

Could anyone share the steps to update firmware using the command line on Ubuntu? I mean, I want something that isn’t just a quick bullet list but rather a more detailed guide that includes commands, maybe a little explanation about each step, and any tips to avoid common pitfalls. Also, would there be any specific tools or packages I need to install beforehand?

While I’m not expecting to become a pro overnight, having a clear roadmap to follow would be really helpful. I’d love to learn how to check which firmware version I have right now and how to see if there are updates available. Plus, if anyone could explain what firmware even is in simple terms, that would be a bonus.

And let’s be real, I can be a bit forgetful, so if there are any commands I should make a note of or if there’s anything I should back up before I proceed, please let me know. Your advice would really help me gain some confidence in handling these kinds of updates and understanding my Ubuntu system better. Thanks in advance—I appreciate any pointers!

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    2 Answers



    1. Updating Firmware on Ubuntu

      How to Update Firmware on Ubuntu

      Updating firmware can seem intimidating at first, but with a little guidance, you’ll be navigating the command line like a pro in no time! Let’s break it down step by step.

      What is Firmware?

      In simple terms, firmware is the software that’s embedded in your hardware devices. It’s like the brain of your hardware that helps it function properly. Just like your system software, it’s important to keep it updated to ensure everything runs smoothly and securely.

      Checking Your Current Firmware Version

      Before updating, you’ll want to know what version you currently have. You can do this by opening a terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and typing:

      sudo dmesg | grep -i firmware

      This command checks the boot messages for any firmware-related information.

      Install Required Tools

      To update the firmware, you’ll need a tool called fwupd. It’s a fantastic utility that can help you manage firmware updates easily. To install it, run:

      sudo apt update
sudo apt install fwupd

      These commands will first update your package list and then install the fwupd tool.

      Updating the Firmware

      Now that you have fwupd installed, let’s check for available firmware updates. In the terminal, enter:

      sudo fwupdmgr refresh

      This command refreshes the metadata for available firmware updates. After that, to see the updates, type:

      sudo fwupdmgr get-updates

      You’ll see a list of firmware updates available for your device!

      Apply the Updates

      If there are updates, you can apply them by typing:

      sudo fwupdmgr update

      Follow any prompts that may appear. The system may need to reboot, so be ready for that!

      Back Up Important Data

      It’s always a good idea to backup your important data before making system changes. You can use tools like Deja Dup or simply copy essential files to an external drive.

      Common Pitfalls

      • Don’t interrupt the process: Make sure your laptop is plugged in and don’t turn it off while the update is happening!
      • Read prompts carefully: Sometimes there might be options you need to select or read carefully during the update process.

      Keep Notes!

      If you find some commands useful, jot them down in a note or document. It’ll help you remember them next time you need to do an update!

      Don’t worry if it feels overwhelming at first; keep practicing these commands, and you’ll get used to it! Happy updating!


    2. Updating your firmware on Ubuntu via the command line can seem intimidating, but with a clear roadmap, you’ll find it’s quite manageable. First, begin by checking the current firmware version of your device. You can do this by opening the terminal and running the command sudo fwupdmgr get-devices. This will display a list of devices along with their firmware versions. To check for available updates, use sudo fwupdmgr refresh followed by sudo fwupdmgr get-updates. This will notify you of any firmware updates that can be applied. Before you proceed with the installation, make sure you have the necessary tools installed. You can install fwupd by executing sudo apt install fwupd in the terminal. This tool provides a reliable way to manage firmware updates on a variety of devices.

      Once you’ve confirmed that updates are available, you can install them using the command sudo fwupdmgr update. This will download and install the updates. It’s important to read the prompts and follow any instructions provided, as some updates may require a system reboot. Backup critical data before updating, as firmware updates can occasionally lead to unexpected issues. To backup your data, consider using the command rsync or a GUI tool like Deja Dup. Remember, it’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with help commands, such as man fwupdmgr and fwupdmgr --help, which provide detailed information about using the tool. Approaching this step-by-step will boost your confidence and equip you with skills useful for managing your Ubuntu system in the future.

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