PowerEdge: Methods and Steps to Update Firmware and Drivers

Firmware and drivers for Dell PowerEdge servers can be updated using several methods. This article explains each method, helps you choose the right one for your situation, and provides step-by-step instructions for downloading and running Dell Update Packages (DUPs).

Understanding Drivers and Firmware

On a PowerEdge server, you can update drivers and firmware. Understanding the difference helps you choose the correct update package.

• Driver: A software application that enables the operating system to communicate with a specific hardware device. Without the correct driver, the corresponding hardware does not function. Drivers are operating system-specific and hardware-dependent.
• Firmware: Software permanently stored in a hardware device, such as the BIOS, hard drive, network adapter, or storage controller. Firmware handles low-level functions and communication between devices. It is typically stored in flash ROM and can be updated. Keeping firmware up to date ensures the best interoperability between the operating system and server and helps avoid issues. Read the associated Release Notes to understand the changes implemented by each firmware update.

Choosing the Right Update Method

The update methods below are organized by how much work is required. Catalog-driven methods (Recommended) automatically detect installed hardware and identify available updates — no need to manually find or download individual files. Offline methods provide the same full-system scope but require pre-downloaded media. Manual methods require you to identify, download, and apply each update individually.

Recommended — Catalog-Driven Updates (Automatic Discovery)

These methods connect to Dell's online catalog to automatically detect installed hardware, compare current versions against available updates, and let you select what to apply. The tools handle discovery and compliance — you do not need to know which updates are available or manually download individual files.

iDRAC HTTPS Update

• What it does: The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) is an embedded systems management tool on PowerEdge servers. Using the iDRAC HTTPS update feature, iDRAC connects to Dell's online catalog, identifies all available firmware updates for the server, and lets you select which updates to apply — all through a web browser.
• Best for: Updating all firmware on a single server remotely without requiring OS access. This is the simplest method when internet access is available.
• Requires: Network access to the iDRAC interface and internet connectivity to Dell's online catalog. Some features may require the iDRAC Enterprise license.
• More information: See PowerEdge: How to Update Firmware Remotely Using the iDRAC Web Interface.

Dell System Update (DSU)

• What it does: DSU is a command-line tool that connects to Dell's online catalog to automatically detect installed hardware, compare current firmware and driver versions against the catalog, and deploy updates. DSU updates both firmware and drivers for Windows Server and Linux Server operating systems. It can also use an offline repository built with Dell Repository Manager (DRM) when internet access is unavailable.
• Best for: Full-system firmware and driver updates on a single server or across multiple servers using scripted automation. DSU is the recommended method for administrators who prefer command-line or automated deployments when internet access is available.
• Requires: OS access (Windows Server or Linux Server) and command-line access. Internet connectivity for online catalog use, or a pre-built offline repository.
• More information: See Dell System Update (DSU).

Dell Lifecycle Controller

• What it does: An advanced embedded systems management technology that enables firmware updates without requiring an installed OS. Lifecycle Controller can connect to Dell's online catalog via HTTPS for automatic discovery, or use a local drive or network share (FTP, CIFS, NFS, HTTP/HTTPS) as a firmware repository.
• Best for: Updating all firmware on a single server in a pre-OS environment. Lifecycle Controller works with both online and offline sources, making it versatile for different network environments.
• Requires: Access to the Lifecycle Controller interface (press F10 during boot) and a firmware source (Dell online catalog, local drive, or network share).
• More information: See PowerEdge Server: LifeCycle Controller Update.

Offline Updates — No Internet Required

These methods provide the same full-system update scope as the catalog-driven tools above, but all update files must be pre-downloaded onto local media. Use these methods when the server does not have internet access.

Dell Server Update Utility (SUU)

• What it does: A local utility that updates BIOS, firmware, drivers, and applications on PowerEdge servers. SUU compares currently installed versions against the versions included on the pre-downloaded media, lets you select the components to update, and orchestrates the deployment. SUU updates both firmware and drivers for Windows Server and Linux Server operating systems.
• Best for: Full-system updates on a single server when no internet connection is available. SUU provides the same comparison and deployment capability as DSU, but uses pre-downloaded media instead of an online catalog.
• Requires: OS access (Windows Server or Linux Server) and pre-downloaded SUU media or a DRM-built offline repository.
• More information: Visit the Dell SUU Current Versions page for the latest release, or see PowerEdge: Using the Dell SUU to Update Firmware and Drivers for download and usage instructions.

Dell Repository Manager (DRM)

• What it does: An update management tool used to identify, gather, and package Dell Update Packages (DUPs) into custom repositories or bootable media. DRM builds the offline update packages that SUU and DSU can use when internet access is unavailable.
• Best for: Building custom offline update repositories, bootable ISOs, and targeted deployment packages for environments without internet access.
• Requires: A Windows workstation with DRM installed and internet access during the initial repository download.
• More information: See Dell Repository Manager (DRM).

Rufus with DRM Bootable USB

• What it does: Uses Dell Repository Manager to create a custom-built bootable ISO containing all required firmware updates. Rufus transfers the ISO to a bootable USB storage device for a single-step firmware update without an OS.
• Best for: Updating all server firmware in one step using a bootable USB when no OS and no internet access are available on the server.
• Requires: A USB storage device, Dell Repository Manager, and Rufus.
• More information: See How to Create a Bootable USB Device with Rufus to Update Dell Servers.

Manual Updates — Single Component

These methods update one driver or firmware component at a time. You must identify the component that needs updating, find the correct update file for your operating system, and download it manually. No automatic discovery or compliance comparison is performed.

Dell Update Package (DUP) via the Operating System

• What it does: A DUP is an executable file containing firmware or a driver for a single component. DUPs run directly from the operating system.
• Best for: Quickly updating a single known component from within the OS when you already know which update is needed.
• Requires: OS access (Windows Server or Linux Server).
• More information: See the Download and Run DUPs section below for step-by-step instructions.

DUP via iDRAC Manual Upload

• What it does: Upload a single DUP file through the iDRAC web interface to update one firmware component remotely, without requiring OS access.
• Best for: Updating a single firmware component remotely when you already have the correct DUP file and no OS is installed or accessible.
• Requires: Network access to the iDRAC interface and a pre-downloaded DUP file.
• More information: See PowerEdge: How to Update Firmware Remotely Using the iDRAC Web Interface.

Enterprise Console-Based Updates — Multi-Server Management

These methods manage firmware updates across multiple servers from a centralized management console. They are designed for organizations managing large server fleets.

OpenManage Enterprise (OME)

• What it does: A systems management console designed to simplify and automate IT infrastructure management tasks, including firmware updates across multiple PowerEdge servers. OME uses firmware baselines to identify and deploy updates across an entire server fleet.
• Best for: Centrally managing firmware baselines and deploying updates to many servers from a single web console.
• Requires: OpenManage Enterprise appliance deployed on the network.
• More information: See OpenManage Enterprise: How to Perform Firmware Updates.

OpenManage Enterprise Integration for VMware vCenter (OMEVV)

• What it does: Integrates Dell server management, including firmware updates, into the VMware vCenter console for PowerEdge servers running in VMware environments.
• Best for: VMware administrators who manage Dell server firmware updates directly from vCenter.
• Requires: OpenManage Enterprise with the OMEVV plugin and VMware vCenter Server.
• More information: See OpenManage Enterprise Integration for VMware vCenter.

Microsoft Configuration Manager (SCCM)

• What it does: Microsoft Configuration Manager is a Microsoft enterprise management tool that can deploy Dell firmware updates to managed servers in Windows environments.
• Best for: Organizations already using Microsoft Configuration Manager for endpoint management.
• Requires: Microsoft Configuration Manager infrastructure.
• More information: See Microsoft Configuration Manager documentation.

Download and Run DUPs

Dell Update Packages (DUPs) let you update firmware or drivers for individual components directly from the operating system. The system does not need to be taken offline for most DUP updates.

DUPs are provided for the following operating systems, depending on the server model:

• Windows Server operating systems (.EXE file)
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux (.BIN file)
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (.BIN file)
• Ubuntu Server (.BIN file)

How to Download a DUP

1. Open Drivers & Downloads.
2. Enter the Service Tag of your server, or browse all products to select the PowerEdge model.
3. On the Drivers & Downloads tab, ensure that the correct operating system is selected.
4. Expand the categories to see the available updates.
5. Before downloading, click View full driver details to confirm the file type matches your operating system.
6. Select the component DUP and download the package.
7. Transfer the downloaded file to the target server.

Windows Example

1. Double-click the downloaded DUP file on the host system.
2. Read over the release information in the dialog window.
3. Download and install any prerequisites identified in the dialog window before proceeding.
4. Click Install.
5. Follow the remaining prompts to complete the update.

Linux Example

1. On the host system, review the release information by running ./[file_name].BIN --version from the shell.
2. Download and install any prerequisites identified in the previous step before proceeding.
3. Run the update by running ./[file_name].BIN from the shell.
4. Follow the remaining prompts to complete the update.