XPS 8940, so many many BIOS updates. What's the deal?

@RayR10 

BIOS updates are not rare. Certainly when the PC is new and problems are discovered.

However, the code also has some Security Functions as well. Unfortunately Dell seems to put this 'boilerplate statement' on all releases:

==================

Dell Technologies highly recommends applying this important update as soon as possible. The update contains critical bug fixes and changes to improve functionality, reliability, and stability of your Dell system. It may also include security fixes and other feature enhancements.

==================

Some people have the opposite thoughts on updating the BIOS, only do it if you have a problem.

Unless Dell would ever state WHAT is fixed in the new BIOS (they have occasionally, when the prior release clearly broke something, like AMD cards) you might decide to not install it.

Dell usually states the Security Fixes by its own labeling but not always.

BIOS updates to fix security issues (blame Intel) are typically marked "Critical" while BIOS updates to fix other non-security issues are typically marked "Recommended".

While I think we can all agree the XPS 8940 is not Dell at its best going by all the complaints, I have not had problems with the units I have dealt with (only a few of them).

Also, many OEM's are having a hard time with all the rapid changes and complexity so it's not just Dell.

Not a single problem wity my 8940 with almost three years of use.  I added a hard drive.  Nothing else.

A lot of OEM manufacturers do a lot of Firmware updates for CVEs because of the sure amount of computers they sell. It used to be the typical if it ain't broke don't flash it mentality. But with today's threats to cybersecurity, they push a lot of direct hardware updates. The chances of you getting a firmware exploit from the internet are extremely low and remote. 

However, in a business setting the chances someone could use a firmware exploit on direct hardware to gain access to resources on a cooperate network is much higher.  Lots of Businesses buy XPS systems. 

Bios are rare or used to be. I would buy a PC and maybe do 2 updates in a lifespan. I got an Inspiron 3020 in already installed 4 in 2 months. It is a bit crazy. 

@Randalllind You posted in a thread about a different product...

Here's what Inspiron 3020 BIOS updates do:

1.18.0 Improve stability of the system

1.17.0 Fix Intel's problem with 13th and 14th Gen CPUs

1.16.0 Security patches

1.15.0 Security patches

1.14.0 Improve stability of the system

1.13.0 Security patches

Be happy they're staying on top of these issues, especially with security patches. 

Nobody is forcing you to update BIOS, that's your decision...

@RoHe​ My new Dell continually forces me to update bios. The screen will freeze and when I restart, knowing Dell said I will get a DRIVER update upon restart and I've been ignoring that but had to restart because the screen froze, it then updates the Bios. This has happened twice and never ever before on the Dell I had 15 years.  Any idea what is happening?

@bird222  - Always include exact PC model and version of Windows in your posts.

What version of BIOS do you have and what version is trying to get installed?

How are you trying to update BIOS, via SupportAssist inside Windows, manually inside Windows, or manually entirely outside Windows via the F12 menu?

Are you sure BIOS is actually getting updated? Or is it trying and failing, so it tries again the next time?