XPS Desktops

[mfurr]

I ran the Dell support and update app a few ago and it reported the following critical update was available:

Dell XPS 8930 System BIOS

This package contains the Dell system BIOS update. BIOS is a firmware that is embedded on a small memory chip on the system board. It controls the keyboard, monitor, disk drives, and other devices. This update addresses the Intel Security Advisories INTEL-SA-00295, INTEL-SA-00322, INTEL-SA-00320 and INTEL-SA-00329. A security advisory is a statement when a product is impacted by a security vulnerability and a remedy is available.

Version: 1.1.15

Category: BIOS

Release Date: July 22, 2020

Last Updated: NA

Importance: Urgent

File Format: Update Package for Microsoft Windows

File Name: XPS8930_1.1.15.exe

File size: 6.29 MB

Has anybody on this forum tried this?  I hate to install a firmware update until I have seen proof that it works and doesn't cause problems. TIA for any help or replies.

[Lord Axil]

Installed it this morning - seems to be working fine so far.

[garioch7]

@mfurr 

I have updated my 8930 SE to the new BIOS version.  No issues so far, though I have to say that BIOS updates are a bit nerve-wracking with the black screens and such.  You just have to leave the computer alone and wait it out.

Have a great day.

Regards,
-Phil

[RoHe]

I installed BIOS 1.1.15 on my XPS 8930 SE outside Windows using a (non-bootable) USB stick with only the BIOS .exe update file on it, via the BIOS update option on the F12 menu at boot time. (USB stick has to be connected to PC before it's powered on in order to see this option on the F12 menu.)

PC automatically restarted 3 times before it was complete and got back to the desktop. Near the end, it starts to boot, then shuts down almost immediately and then there's a painful pause before it turns on again and finishes the job. So just leave it alone until it's back at the desktop. BIOS v1.1.15 seems to be working fine.

Also ran a new firmware update for Dell's OEM Micron 2200S SSD in my PC, plus driver updates for the Killer E2400 NIC and Qualcomm WiFi. All those worked ok too, so the PC is happy, and so am I...

[spotteddog]

Why doesn't 1.1.15 show up in the Device Manager? It still shows 1.1.13. All the other BIOS updates I did showed up in the Device Manager right away.

[Vic384]

I am pretty sure that the BIOS version does not appear in Device Manager. Device Manager displays the System Firmware driver but the version of that driver is not the BIOS version. Device Manager only shows hardware settings and driver software that is installed. The BIOS version appears on the first BIOS screen when you enter the BIOS or you can find it in System Information listing (do a Windows search on System Information and run it).

[spotteddog]

Wrong.

For me and my 2-year-old XPS-8930, the Device Manager has always shown the correct BIOS version after every update from Dell I did. That's the way it's always been out-of-the-box. I realize there are other ways to check what BIOS version I have, but one of the easiest way has always been in the Device Manager. What can I say? That's the way it is for this PC.

[GKDesigns]

@spotteddog I realize there are other ways to check what BIOS version I have, but one of the easiest way has always been in the Device Manager. What can I say?

Can you say where in Device Manager you are reading the machine BIOS version?

GK

[spotteddog]

Firmware>System Firmware 1.1.13.

Always showed the current Dell BIOS version installed until 1.1.15.

[GKDesigns]

@spotteddog 

I'd have to see a pic of that.  Mine just shows this MS driver which is not the Dell BIOS:

GK