1 Rookie
•
4 Posts
•
11 Points
0
62
May 16th, 2026 09:27
m15 R5, can't install BIOS update
So there is a new bios update, which includes the new Windows update certificates (so important). But everytime I try and install it it fails with a message that the it's an "Invalid firmware image".
I'm currently running 1.29.1 and trying to go to 1.32.0. SupportAssist isnt giving any other options (intermediate images). I've tried multiple times, always the same outcome.
Any suggestions how to resolve it?
No Events found!
ostuart
1 Rookie
•
4 Posts
•
11 Points
0
May 16th, 2026 16:25
Ok so I decided to have another go at it, first time failed just as before. But second time (the 3rd time in total using the pinned method) the update worked and I'm now running 1.32.0.
Thanks for your help.
It's a shame that the BIOS update mechanism is seemingly so flakey.
DELL-ChrisM2
Community Manager
•
1.4K Posts
•
5.6K Points
0
May 16th, 2026 15:45
Do not use SupportAssist or Driver Update utility to install a Dell system BIOS update.
At the top of this Alienware Laptops board, read through the Pinned Posts, "Laptop BIOS update instructions". Then let us know if you still receive the error.
(edited)
ostuart
1 Rookie
•
4 Posts
•
11 Points
0
May 16th, 2026 16:06
Thanks for your reply.
I did read that pinned post after I initially raised the issue (wasnt paying enough attention before).
I downloaded the BIOS update (Alienware_m15_R5_1.32.0.exe), and it initially starts as a Windows application, so I was hopeful it would work.
However it then triggers a reboot and I get exactly the same error screen "Invalid firmware image", so that way of applying the BIOS update doesnt work either.
It's a little worrying that a DELL employee is telling me not to use the official DELL update tools, I would have hoped that those would have been the most reliable way to carry out the upgrade.
DELL-ChrisM2
Community Manager
•
1.4K Posts
•
5.6K Points
0
May 16th, 2026 16:24
It's a little worrying that a DELL employee is telling me not to use the official DELL update tools, I would have hoped that those would have been the most reliable way to carry out the upgrade.
* That is just a troubleshooting step that has worked for many users.
Perhaps try to install the BIOS updates in order =
1.30.0
1.31.0
1.32.0