How to update BIOS on a system that only use Linux as OS.

Asking this because some clowns at Acer decided that they will only provide BIOS updates through Windows Update.

Edit: I’m not talking about installing the BIOS file. They don’t even provide BIOS file in the first place.

  • 9tr6gyp3@lemmy.world
    10·
    2 months ago

    fwupd is a cool Linux project that can update device firmware if the vendor participates. Check to see if your hardware is supported.

    • gpstarman@lemmy.todayOP
      23·
      2 months ago

      Thank you.

      But, I’m not talking about installing the BIOS file. They don’t even provide BIOS file in the first place.

      Also, I don’t think fwupd has firmware for this particular laptop. ( Acer One 14 Z2-493 )

  • ichbinjasokreativ@lemmy.world
    6·
    2 months ago

    If it can’t be found and installed through fwupd and the maufacturer does not provide a file to install firectly, your next best bet is to create a portable windows installation with something like rufus and install it from there. Or contact their customer support.

  • Habahnow@sh.itjust.works
    4·
    2 months ago

    WTF that’s strange. I would have said that BIOS updates should be mainly OS agnostic, but since Acer recommends a windows update to do a BIOS update that throws a wrench in things.

    • gpstarman@lemmy.todayOP
      43·
      2 months ago

      It is strange indeed. But, my brain didn’t understand what you meant after the first sentence.

      • Kecessa@sh.itjust.works
        55·
        2 months ago

        I don’t understand how you’re able to run Linux in the first place with how hard it seems to be for you to understand the replies you got.

        • gpstarman@lemmy.todayOP
          31·
          2 months ago

          I guess I’m having a rough day overall bad experience with how condescending are people who advocate open source are.

          I really wanted to recommend open source to my friends. And now I’m not so sure. Because when they need any help, where are they supposed to ask?

          For god sake, I’m in Linux4Noobs community.

          Also people really needs to understand that English is not everyone’s first language.

  • NoneYa@lemm.ee
    4·
    2 months ago

    I was going to suggest using something like WINE or Proton but thinking more about it…probably best not to do any unofficial ways since this is your BIOS firmware. Any hiccups with that and you’ve bricked your computer. Also not exactly sure how that would work unless you could download the update in a browser and it is executable in Windows as an exe and not coming from Windows Update.

    Best thing I can think of is get a cheap SSD like a 128GB for around $50, install it in the computer and then install Windows to that. Then do the update on that and then remove. Maybe keep the SSD around just in case you need it.

    This is all assuming your laptop supports removable drives and isn’t one of those cheap eMMC ones which I wouldn’t be surprised since it’s an Acer…

    You may see if there’s a custom BIOS available. I had this on an ASUS Chromebook I got a few years ago. Chromebooks don’t officially have a BIOS but I was able to find a custom one for my model so I could load an actual Linux distro on it.

    • gpstarman@lemmy.todayOP
      23·
      2 months ago

      So, you are suggesting to use Windows just to update BIOS. ( Asking for clarification )

      Also not exactly sure how that would work unless you could download the update in a browser and it is executable in Windows as an exe and not coming from Windows Update.

      They don’t even provide BIOS file in the first place.

      • NoneYa@lemm.ee
        4·
        2 months ago

        Yeah I think that’s your best bet then. Just installing Windows for this one purpose and doing it on a spare drive, if possible. I suppose you could clone your existing OS to a backup and then install Windows over it, do the update, and then restore the backup over the Windows install. Not just for ease but also the safest possible way since this is your BIOS we’re talking about and seems to be the only supported method by your computer’s manufacturer. Cloning would be best for this since it’s the least intrusive to your daily setup’s files and preferences.

        Just curious, why do you want to update your BIOS? Is there a feature you need in the new update, a fix for something that was broke, or is there a security concern?

        Most BIOS updates don’t seem to do much of anything that is directly needed for most users unless one of the things above I could think of.

        • gpstarman@lemmy.todayOP
          13·
          2 months ago

          Just installing Windows for this one purpose

          That’s a bummer

          Just curious, why do you want to update your BIOS?

          Because I’m also curious. not actually wanting to update BIOS.

      • Kecessa@sh.itjust.works
        41·
        2 months ago

        So, you are suggesting to use Windows just to update BIOS.

        So, you are refusing to accept that you might just not have any other options.

    • gpstarman@lemmy.todayOP
      23·
      2 months ago

      I don’t think fwupd has firmware for this particular laptop. ( Acer One 14 Z2-493 )

      Also, I’m not talking about installing the BIOS file. They don’t even provide BIOS file in the first place.

  • xradeon@lemmy.one
    3·
    2 months ago

    In the past you could install Windows on a flash drive,but not sure if that’s supported anymore. It was called windows to go I believe.

      • Pzulu@lemmy.world
        8·
        2 months ago

        I think they, and others, are telling you the manufacturer has given you the choice of use Windows, or dont update.

        And I get it, that is a not a great choice.

        But if you want the update, use peoples suggestions.

        • gpstarman@lemmy.todayOP
          22·
          2 months ago

          Thank you.

          I think it’s stupid to provide something hardware related like BIOS exclusively through a particular proprietary software like Windows.