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Updating Firmware and Drivers on Dell PowerEdge Servers

Summary: Updating firmware and drivers for a Dell PowerEdge server can be performed from the operating system, using the iDRAC, or using the Dell ISO update image.

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Article Content


Symptoms

This page explains the difference between drivers and firmware and how to update them on Dell PowerEdge Servers using different methods.

Back to PowerEdge Knowledge Base
 

Cause

Not applicable

Resolution

Firmware and drivers may be updated on a Dell PowerEdge using several different methods. For more information, reference What are the different methods to update a PowerEdge? For more information about what drivers and firmware are and what they do, reference What is the difference between drivers and firmware?

Updating Firmware on Dell EMC PowerEdge Servers

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What are the different methods to update a PowerEdge?

There are multiple different methods for updating your PowerEdge server. The different methods are outlined in this section.

Manual method for updating individual components

Updating all system components simultaneously

  • Rufus
    Rufus can be used to create a custom-built bootable ISO using Dell Repository Manager. This is a way of updating all server firmware in one single step. An ISO can be transferred on a bootable USB storage device. For more information, reference How to Create a Bootable USB Device with Rufus to Update Dell Servers.
  • Dell Server Update Utility (SUU)
    The Dell Server Update Utility ISO (SUU) is a local one-to-one utility to update BIOS, firmware, drivers, and application on PowerEdge servers to the latest version. The SUU also allows comparison between the current versions that are installed on the server and the most up-to-date versions available. Select the components in need of updating and upon confirmation, SUU orchestrates the deployment of the selected updates. For more information, reference Dell Server Update Utility (SUU) - Guide and Download.
  • Dell Lifecycle Controller
    Dell Lifecycle Controller is an advanced embedded systems management technology that enables remote server management. Using Dell Lifecycle Controller, you can update the firmware using a local or Dell-based firmware repository. For more information, reference PowerEdge Server: LifeCycle Controller Update.

Dell Lifecycle Controller - Firmware Update Using Network Share NFS BC

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How to Update all Firmware of your PowerEdge using the Dell Website and Lifecycle Controller

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How to update Lifecycle Controller Firmware using a local drive for Dell EMC PowerEdge Server

Duration: 00:01:47 (hh:mm:ss)
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Updating multiple select system components

  • Dell Repository Manager (DRM)
    An update management tool used to assist with the identification, gathering, and packaging of Dell Update Packages (DUPs) into a format to be used for deployment. For more information, reference Dell Repository Manager (DRM).
  • Dell System Update (DSU)
    Dell System Update is a command-line interface optimized deployment tool that assists customers who prefer to manage the deployment of updates in a scripted manner. For more information, reference DELL System Update (DSU).
  • Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC)
    An embedded systems management tool that is available on PowerEdge servers. With iDRAC, you can remote into a system to perform many systems management tasks, including updating of firmware. Some additional features may require the iDRAC Enterprise license. For more information, reference How to Update Firmware Remotely Using the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) Web Interface.

Console-based methods for updating multiple components

  • OpenManage Enterprise
    OpenManage Enterprise systems management console is designed to simplify, intelligently automate and unify IT infrastructure management tasks. One of these tasks is the update of multiple components. For more information, reference How To Create a Firmware Baseline and Update Firmware in Dell EMC OpenManage Enterprise (OME).
  • VMware vCenter
    Performing Firmware updates for clusters - For more information, reference Firmware Updates for Clusters Using the OpenManage Integration for VMware vCenter.
  • Microsoft System Center (MSSC)
    Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) also known as ConfigMgr and formerly known as Systems Management Server (SMS) is a systems management software product developed by Microsoft for managing large groups of systems running Windows NT, Windows Embedded, macOS (Mac OS X), Linux, or UNIX. Configuration Manager provides remote control, patch management, software distribution, operating system deployment, network access protection, and hardware and software inventory. For more information, reference Microsoft Configuration Manager documentationThis hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.

Updating firmware and drivers using DevOps tools

  • Ansible
    Ansible is an open-source software provisioning, configuration management, and application-deployment tool. It runs on many UNIX like systems and can configure both UNIX like systems and Microsoft Windows. For more information, reference Ansible ResourcesThis hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.
Note: Drivers are operating system-specific. All drivers and firmware for Dell servers are available to download for free on the Dell Support website.

What is the difference between drivers and firmware?

On a server, you can update drivers and firmware.

  • A device driver is a particular form of a software application that is designed to enable interaction with hardware devices. Without the required device driver, the corresponding hardware device fails to work. Device drivers are operating system-specific and hardware-dependent. It acts as a translator between the hardware device and the programs or operating systems that use it.
  • Firmware is a software program permanently etched into a hardware device such as keyboards, hard drive, BIOS, or video cards. It is programmed to give permanent instructions to communicate with other devices and perform functions like basic I/O tasks. Firmware is typically stored in the flash ROM (read-only memory) of a hardware device. Firmware can be erased and rewritten. Keep a server up to date is important to have the best interoperability between operating system and server, and avoid issues. To better understand the changes implemented by firmware, it is advised to read the associated Release Notes.

Article Properties


Affected Product

PowerEdge

Last Published Date

14 Sept 2023

Version

15

Article Type

Solution