How to update the iDRAC - Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller

This article explains how to update the firmware of the iDRAC. Differents methods are available to update the firmware of the iDRAC on Dell PowerEdge Server. More information about the iDRAC is available in this article. 

Table of Contents

1. How to check the current version
2. Using the iDRAC web interface
3. Directly from the Operating System
4. Using the Lifecycle Controller

1. Check the current version

Once the iDRAC IP is configured, connect on the iDRAC web interface. The current version will be displayed in the field "System Information".



To get the latest version of the iDRAC, navigate to the product support site, select your product and click on the "Driver and Downloads" tab. Alternatively you can get the iDRAC version using OpenManage Server Administrator.

 

2. Update using the iDRAC web interface

The iDRAC allows to update remotely component using the "System Update" feature. In the same time, it is possible to use this feature to update the iDRAC itself. Steps to proceed are described in the article SLN292363. This update can be done without rebooting the server.
Steps summary:

1. Navigate to the Dell Support Site.
2. Enter the Service Tag or directly select the model.
3. Access menu "Drivers and Downloads". 
4. Select the "Category" of iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller.
5. Download the .exe format (x86 or x64).
6. Access the iDRAC Update menu.
7. Upload the file into the Update field.
8. Apply update.

Note: The ".exe" format package is required.

3. Update directly from the Operating System

An alternative and simple solution is to update the iDRAC directly from the Operating System. This is possible for Windows and Linux supported systems. Download the .exe or .bin file format and run the file directly from the operating system. This article details all the steps.

 

4. Using the Lifecycle Controller
 

The Lifecycle Controller is an embedded feature that allow to update entirely the server. All the components including iDRAC will be updated using the Firmware Update wizard in the Lifecycle Controller.  You can update the component firmware by either using update repositories or individual DUPs—single component DUP. This article details all the steps.