Dell BIOS Update - Should I ?

Windows 10 on a Dell XPS8900 desktop tower. I am getting a message telling me there is a Dell BIOS update available and recommending that I do it.

In the systray, there is a Dell icon that says my system is up to date.

Should I ignore the BIOS update? Sounds major and I'm nervous about it.
Thanks, cb

For home-built systems, I only do so if the BIOS update mentions something that applies to my set up, such as support for a new processor I might upgrade or better memory timings. On an OEM system, like a Dell, I always do. The hardware is controlled and chosen by one company and it's been tested quite a bit before being released. As long as the BIOS isn't listed as beta, I apply it. There is MUCH less risk updating the BIOS on an OEM system. Dell's do a great job of verifying the compatibility before proceeding.

I've accidentally tried using the wrong BIOS file on a laptop recently. I had a 7250 and accidentally tried the 7450's file. I was immediately greeted with a message that the file was wrong and the process would be stopped.

I've been using Dell laptops exclusively for 10 years now, and haven't had a single issue updating the BIOS. I would always keep the latest ones on a flash drive, so if I would work on a system, I'd upgrade the BIOS, too.

Probably not worth the five minutes it would take you to flash it. Unless there is some outstanding issue that you know it will fix I wouldn't worry about it.

I'm not having problems, so I'll not do it.
Thanks, cb

abredt said:

Windows 10 on a Dell XPS8900 desktop tower. I am getting a message telling me there is a Dell BIOS update available and recommending that I do it.

In the systray, there is a Dell icon that says my system is up to date.

Should I ignore the BIOS update? Sounds major and I'm nervous about it.
Thanks, cb

I have Dell XPS 8900. I went to there web site to see what was updated. This is what I saw.

"Dell XPS 8900 System BIOS

This package provides the Dell System BIOS update and is supported on Dell XPS 8900 for Windows and DOS Operating Systems.
Fixes & Enhancements
Enhancements
- Improved system stability for virtual machine environment
- Improved system stability for long Media playback.
- Updated Dell Diagnostic to 4302.15"

I downloaded the file, but I'm not going to install it yet. I'm not having any problems that I think that will fix. If it don't go correct, you end up with a black brick on your desk. I've never updated a BIOS.

Clint said:

I downloaded the file, but I'm not going to install it yet. I'm not having any problems that I think that will fix. If it don't go correct, you end up with a black brick on your desk. I've never updated a BIOS.

Most systems have some type of recovery process built-in. Updating a BIOS is no where near as dangerous as it used to be 10-15 years ago. It's a pretty simple, painless process now.

What kind of problems might need a BIOS update?
Thanks, cb