WTN28

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WTN28

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July 11th, 2021 08:00

XPS 8940, BIOS Update 2.1.1

Hello

I just received my Dell XPS desktop (11th gen intel chip) and after running Dell Update and Support Assistant via their site it says I need to update BIOS from 2.0.12 to 2.1.1.

It seems like this update just came out a week ago - has anyone updated to this BIOS? Any issues?

 

Thanks

  • RoHe

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    Posted July 11th, 2021 17:00

    @WTN28  I'd update BIOS from the F12 boot menu which should be safer.

    1. Download the BIOS update file onto a USB stick. The USB stick does not have to be bootable.
    2. With the USB plugged into any USB port, do a full shutdown in Win 10, not just a Restart.
    3. Now power the system on again.
    4. At the DELL logo screen, tap F12 to access the one-time boot menu.
    5. Select BIOS Flash Update in the Other Options section.
    6. Click the ... button to browse the USB stick to locate the downloaded file.
    7. Select the file and click OK.
    8. Verify the existing system BIOS information and the BIOS update information.
    9. Click Begin Flash Update.
    10. Review the Warning and click Yes to proceed with the update. The system restarts and displays a progress bar at the Dell logo screen. The system restarts again when the update is complete.

    NOTE: The system may shut off and look like it's not doing anything while the update is in progress. Just leave it alone. Don't do anything until it's safely back at the desktop.

  • RoHe

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    Posted July 13th, 2021 11:00

    @WTN28 - This latest BIOS update fixes another round of security issues. So whether you update -or not- may depend on how comfortable you are using a system having known security holes.

    This PC has BIOS recovery options available in case something should go amiss during the update. And you can read Dell's policy about repairs after a failed BIOS update on a PC that's still under warranty.

    If you decide to run the update, don't let SupportAssist run it for you. It's less risky to run it yourself manually inside Win 10, and probably even less risky to do it via the F12 menu BIOS update option, which is outside Win 10.

  • Mary G

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    Posted July 11th, 2021 09:00

    I have with no problems. In fact it solved a problem. The numbering is deceptive. Do not ever use Support assist when updating the bios. It is safer to install it yourself alone with no other updates.

    Driver and download page is here Support for XPS 8940 | Drivers & Downloads | Dell US

    Finish checking out the computer first to make sure there are no problems.

  • WTN28

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    Posted July 11th, 2021 09:00

    Thanks for replying. 

    I've never updated my BIOS before. You would suggest just clicking on "Download and Install" on the site you gave me vs doing it via the Dell Update program that comes with the computer?

  • lb11

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    Posted July 11th, 2021 16:00

    I think it’s more a matter of doing the BIOS update separately. Because of the importance of BIOS, you want to avoid any complications.

  • WTN28

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    Posted July 13th, 2021 10:00

    Thanks for your suggestion. I appreciate it.

    I just got the computer and it works fine. Would you still recommend I go forward with the update? I'm afraid of issues happening since it just came out weeks ago and having to wait for another update to fix it. Any advice?

    Thanks