XPS 8940, BIOS version 2.17.0 on Windows 11

Question

On Feb 5, 2024 Windows 11 Downloaded a new BIOS 2.17.0 and asked for a restart.

Unfortunately, after the restart the BIOS was not updating, and the PC just rebooted into windows.

I rebooted several times with the same results.

I decided to reboot and press F2 to see if the BIOS changed, but it still showed 2.16.0.

When I tried to exit BIOS it finally started the flashing process and updated the BIOS.

The whole process did not seem normal, but that PC now shows BIOS 2.17.0 as you can see from the attached picture.

I checked for Windows updates on a second XPS 8940 and is did not show up the same BIOS update.

I checked the DELL XPS 8940 support site and the latest BIOS available for XPS 8940 is still 2.16.0.

Does anybody know what is going on? Where is the BIOS 2.17.0 for the XPS 8940? Why was it updated by Windows update and not available to download from Dell support site?

Please clarify what is happening.

Element115s4 · Answer

That is interesting because the Windows Update usually will lag behind a Dell official release.

larryc · Answer

For what it's worth, I just ran Windows Update on my XPS 8940 and no BIOS update was offered, either in the top-level updates section or the Optional updates section. Larry

fgg2009 · Answer

@Element115s4​  The BIOS update 2.17.0 came down on a machine that has Windows Insider R.P. 22631.3085, Beta 22635.3139, Dev 23620.1000. I did not get that update on the other XPS 8940 which is on Public Build 22631.3085.  Perhaps Dell gave the new BIOS to MS for the insider Builds?

JamieLinux · Answer

@fgg2009​ I would be very careful using firmware updates of the insider build, I had one back when Windows 11 was in testing. The Intel firmware updated bricked a laptop of mine, due to a misconfiguration from Intel.

Element115s4 · Answer

@fgg2009​  AH, well that explains it then. If you want to be a beta tester, that's what you do.

fgg2009 · Answer

@Element115s4​  That is not the point. I don't mind getting a Beta release, but if Dell is giving a Beta BIOS to MS it should be also available to download as Beta from the DELL web site.  😎😝🤷‍♂️ They are sure creating a big messy confusion. 😝😝🤬

Element115s4 · Answer

@fgg2009​  Understood but I have never seen Dell do Beta stuff and it's probably because they have enough issues as it is. :O

fgg2009 · Answer

@Element115s4​  I have seen this happening before. A new BIOS coming down with Windows Update and not yet available on the Dell support site, but usually it shows up one day later at the Dell support site. This one is pretty unusual, it is still not available from Dell after 4 Days that it showed up with Windows Update. Maybe they found out it has problems updating and they are holding it back? 😎😝🤷‍♂️ I wish we could get a clarification from DELL.  It is quite a confusing situation. 🤬

larryc · Answer

This morning, Windows Update started offering "Dell Inc. - Firmware - 0.2.17.0" as an Optional update.

I'm resisting for now pending further information and feedback from those more daring than me.

Larry

Element115s4 · Answer

FWIW, I do know there are other Dell models that really needed all the bios and Windows updates, or you would experience a very unreliable PC at least with the latest builds of Win11.

With the 8940 though, I'm not sure if that is the same situation.

JamieLinux · Answer

@larryc​ it is still not offered on the Dell website or through the app, it still lists 02.16.0. Prob would wait to install it.  Especially since it cannot be verified and there are no notes with it.

larryc · Answer

@JamieLinux​ Yeah, I'm waiting for the new BIOS to appear on the Dell Support site before taking the plunge. Larry

JamieLinux · Answer

@larryc​ it showed up on my windows optional updates as well, however going though the windows beta  branch notes i cant find mention of it at all.

ohwell1954 · Answer

I installed it yesterday and have not noticed any problems so far.

RoHe · Answer

Be sure to disable UEFI Capsule Updates in whatever BIOS version is running now, before Windows Update decides 2.17.0 is no longer 'optional', and force-installs it without warning when you're not looking...

XPS Desktops

XPS 8940, BIOS version 2.17.0 on Windows 11

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