Why Keeping Firmware Updated Matters
FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) updates aren't just routine maintenance — on Windows on ARM devices, they can deliver meaningful improvements to battery life, thermal management, sleep/wake reliability, and security. Skipping firmware updates means missing out on fixes that go deeper than what Windows Update's OS patches can address.
This guide walks you through the complete process of checking for and applying firmware updates on Microsoft Surface ARM devices and Snapdragon-powered Windows laptops.
Before You Start: Preparation Checklist
- Charge your device to at least 40% (50%+ recommended) — firmware updates should not be interrupted by a dead battery
- Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network — firmware packages can be several hundred MB
- Save and close open work — the update process will require a restart
- Disable BitLocker suspension prompts are not needed for FOTA updates — modern firmware updates are designed to work seamlessly with BitLocker
Method 1: Windows Update (All WoA Devices)
This is the primary and recommended method for the majority of firmware updates:
- Open Settings (Win + I)
- Navigate to Windows Update
- Click Check for updates and wait for the scan to complete
- If firmware updates are available, they will appear listed under the device manufacturer's name (e.g., "Microsoft Corporation — Firmware" or "Qualcomm — Firmware")
- Click Download & install
- Once downloaded, click Restart now when prompted — the firmware is applied during the restart process
Important: Do not power off the device during the restart phase when firmware is being applied. The screen may appear black or show a progress indicator for several minutes — this is normal.
Method 2: Optional Updates Section
Some firmware updates are delivered as optional updates and won't install automatically. Check here regularly:
- Go to Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options
- Click Optional updates
- Look for any Firmware entries in the list
- Select them and click Download & install
Method 3: Microsoft Surface App (Surface Devices)
Microsoft Surface devices have a dedicated app that provides more granular firmware update information:
- Open the Surface app from the Start menu (install from the Microsoft Store if not present)
- Navigate to the Help & support or Device information section
- The app will show your current firmware versions and flag any available updates
- It will redirect you to Windows Update to apply them
Method 4: OEM Companion Apps (Snapdragon Laptops)
For non-Surface Snapdragon Windows devices, check your OEM's management app:
- Lenovo devices: Lenovo Vantage → Device → System Update
- HP devices: HP Support Assistant → Updates
- Samsung Galaxy Book: Samsung Update app
- ASUS devices: MyASUS app → Customer Support → Live Update
- Dell devices: Dell SupportAssist → Updates
How to Verify a Firmware Update Was Applied
After restarting, confirm the update applied correctly:
- Open Settings → Windows Update → Update history
- Look for entries labelled "Firmware" in the list — they should show a green checkmark and "Successfully installed" status
- To see firmware version details: open System Information (search "msinfo32") → look at BIOS Version/Date
Troubleshooting: Firmware Update Won't Install
| Problem | Possible Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Update keeps failing | Insufficient battery | Plug in to AC power and retry |
| Update not appearing | Older Windows version blocking | Install all pending OS updates first, then recheck |
| Update stuck at 0% | Windows Update service issue | Restart the Windows Update service via Services.msc |
| Device won't boot after update | Firmware rollback triggered | Wait — the device should auto-revert; if not, hold power 30s to force restart |
How Often Should You Check for Firmware Updates?
Microsoft and OEMs typically release firmware updates on a monthly cadence (often aligned with Patch Tuesday), though urgent security-related firmware fixes can arrive out-of-band. A good practice is to check Windows Update at least once a month and ensure Windows Update's automatic updates are enabled so critical firmware patches are never missed.