Is there anyway to stop a BIOS update?

I have a Dell Aurora R7 Windows 10 21H1 and all is well.

I'm in the same dilemma as these other people somehow got bitten by Microsoft updating users PC's with latest Firmware/BIOS I was on 1.0.17 BIOS, and MS just installed 1.0.25 from WU currently pending a reboot.


My question is after these steps I've seen in the other threads:


1) F2 set up

2) Go to Security on list

3) Go down on the UEFI Capsule firmware updates

4) Put Disabled

5) Save and reset.


Will this method above STOP that update from fully installing? and keep me at 1.0.17? or am I already up the creek? I can see if it installs maybe it'll be totally fine... anyone's input will be much appreciated! I tried wushowhide i've had that has worked great before in the past, but to no avail this time.

I've posted on Dell's site also. Trying to get as mush info as possible.

Thanks

jumanji said:

As spunk said the firmware is already installed. I don't think you can get rid of it at this stage.

As per the Dell Support page 1.0.25 (released by DELL on 07 Oct 2021) is the latest version of BIOS for your machine.



In any case since you have already raised it in DELL Community/Forum you may wait to see the DELL opinion on it.
Having said that, I always update drivers on my Dell machine with DellSupportAssist. And the last update was a BIOS update just a few days ago. Don't you have DELLSupportAssist on your Aurora?

You may also explore the possibility of downloading the BIOS from DELL website and overwrite the BIOS with the Dell version. Ask Dell about it.


From the same Dell Support Page:
Download and Installation
1. Click Download File.
2. Click Save to save the file to your hard drive.
3. Browse to the location where you downloaded the file.
4. Double-click the new file.
The system restarts automatically and updates the BIOS at the system startup screen. After the BIOS update is complete, system restarts again.

Seems Dell tech support is trying to charge people for help if the PC is out of warranty, and they (most people that posted in the Dell forum) say that the Dell tech reps are unaware of this wide spread issue.

I do not have Dell Support Assistance. I've used it in the past and it was really buggy. Maybe the new version is better.. I use the method as yourself and update right from Dell support page with my service tag.

That might be a good idea and just download the latest from Dell and install it. I really don't want to end up like at least two dozen people who have had their system bricked with these BIOS updates pushed from Windows Update.

- - - Updated - - -

Try3 said:

Dell Bios updating arrangements vary.

In the case of my Dell Inspiron 7779, Bios updates do not get installed through WU automatically unless I install a particular Dell update, "BIOS Flash Utility", that probably enables such behaviour [its description is vague].
I did not install that so I only get Bios updates when I choose to download & install them myself. Which suits me fine.

22Green -
I do not share the widespread & largely irrational fear of Bios updates.

You have not explained why you are worried about the Bios/firmware update that's just been done.
- Bios versions are not always the same as the Firmware versions shown in Device manager.

[They are apparently the same for some computers. They are not the same for mine.]

- You can check the Bios version using Check BIOS or UEFI Firmware Version - TenForumsTutorials

I can re/install any Bios version I want and I suggest you check your own computer's capabilities in this regard.
What is BIOS and How to Check and Update the System Setup or BIOS on Your Dell System - Dell
How to Recover the BIOS - Dell


All the best,
Denis

Thanks for the info. My concern was, and why I was worried is the issues from many users having Aurora's recently that are getting BIOS updates from WU and it is causing havoc! :) I'm not big on just installing new BIOS's unless it is extremely critical. My system is rock solid on 1.0.17.

I've never come across a BIOS update being installed this way in 20+ years. I've always done them manually. Any how I do appreciate the information. Looks like i'm going to just DL it from Dell and override it. Cross my fingers. I've already made a bootable flash drive with the 1.0.17 BIOS on it. That was the BIOS i'm on. Also made note of that link for recovery.

- - - Updated - - -

jumanji said:

The OP can find the BIOS file and BIOS Recovery Image file for his Alienware_Aurora_R7 in this Dell-US page

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en...ora-r7-desktop
should he ever want to reflash the OEM BIOS or perform BIOS recovery - if he finds the BIOS corrupted.

He should go through Try3's poat above and also make his own research. in the Dell Documents.


BIOS:
File Format:CPG BIOS Executable for Windows/DOS

File Name:Alienware_Aurora_R7_1.0.25.exe

BIOS Recovery
File Format:BIOS Recovery Image File

File Name: BIOS_IMG.rcv

In his case I believe the firmware in Device Manager is actually the BIOS (On my Dell Inspiron it is not as Try3 said)

Correct the Firmware and BIOS are one in the same. I'll keep an eye on the Dell thread and DL the 1.0.25

Thanks again folks

BIOS flashed to 1.0.25 successfully. Sigh of relief. Thanks for everyone's input.

Excellent. Now please mark thread as solved.