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Did my laptop update the firmware by itself?

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sam92800 -  
 sam92800 -
Hello,

I just bought a brand new DELL laptop with Windows 10 a few days ago, and I haven't installed anything since the purchase except Google Chrome.

Tonight, when I opened the lid, the laptop displayed:
"Updating your system's firmware. Do not power down your system.
Flash progress: Updating EC firmware... updating system BIOS with BIOS guard"

This is the first time I've seen a PC automatically updating my firmware without asking my permission.
Is this normal? Is it a virus? I've had and still have laptops, and none of them ever updated firmware without my consent.

Thank you for your insights.

Configuration: Windows / Chrome 87.0.4280.88

8 answers

  1.
    SATS_fr Posted messages 4857 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   786
     
    If you think there is a risk, you can uninstall the "command update" software.
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  2. SATS_fr Posted messages 4857 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   786
     
    Hello, on a Dell, it's normal. The Dell Command Update software must have been installed, which automatically updates the drivers and the BIOS.
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  3. sam92800
     
    Good evening SATS_fr,

    Thank you for your response.

    I find it a bit bold on their part. I don't know if these practices are correct. Making updates without asking and providing reasons for this change.
    But it's incredible. And doesn't it bother the DELL PC owners?
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  4. SATS_fr Posted messages 4857 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   786
     
    No, the software always asks before rebooting.
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  6. sam92800
     
    Indeed, but it was a Windows-type update message that we regularly see on the Shut Down and Restart button.
    "Update and Shut Down." But nothing indicated that it was a BIOS update.
    I would have liked to have an explicit message and the option to choose. Here I believe I had no choice; it was either update now or after the reboot. But nothing that allowed me to refuse, as far as I remember.

    Anyway, it's done now.
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  7. SATS_fr Posted messages 4857 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   786
     
    I have been working with Dell laptops for over 20 years, and I've never had a single problem with BIOS or driver updates. There's nothing to worry about. The only precaution is to never turn off the power during a flashing process.
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  8. sam92800
     
    I hope it doesn't flash my BIOS when my laptop is running low on battery, and that happens to me quite often!!! Because the battery of my old laptop is dead (after 4 years of use) I work plugged in. It happens sometimes that the power is disconnected, so the laptop only runs for a minute and shuts down before I realize it.
    I don't even want to imagine what will happen in those cases!!!
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  9. sam92800
     
    Yes, I'll think about it. In any case, thank you for your advice!
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