Microsoft has released a bunch of firmware updates which should fix some annoying issues.
One of the great things about Microsoft owning the hardware and software eco system (in the realm of Surface and Windows), is the telemetry data they have across the board and the ownership they take across hardware and software.
According to Microsoft there’s been some issues affecting Surface Pro 8, Pro X and Laptop 6 which have (hopefully) been fixes with this latest update. Let’s dive into the specifics of what these updates address for each device.
Surface Pro 8 (Intel)
Some or the reported issues with Surface Pro 8 include issues with Surface Slim Pen, flickering screen issues when using the Surface Dock 2, and even issues with the built in USB-C ports. This update should fix all those ensuring a smoother and more reliable experience.
Surface Pro X (Arm)
One of my favourite devices (big fan of Windows on ARM), but many users have reported camera issues with the camera app hanging or the camera locking and showing as not working until a reboot. There has also been issues regarding the keyboard when using in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) or Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE). This firmware update addresses these issues.
Surface Laptop 6 (Intel)
A stable for many businesses, the Surface Laptop 6 has seen a number of odd issuesnpartixukar with the fan and cooling system with reports of the laptop’s fans running excessively (and not turning off), even when the device isn’t under heavy load. This not only affects battery life but can also be quite distracting. This latest update should fix this issue by optimising the fan behavior and improving the system’s response to internal temperature changes, especially when connected to an external monitor and peripherals.
How to get the firmware updates
If you’ve been experiencing any of these issues with your Surface device, then updating your device is simple. In most cases these updates will be deployed as part of the regular patch schedule across your business, but if you need to check and deploy manually, then simply head over to Windows Update and download and install any pending updates for your device.
Windows OS and Surface firmware updates are essential for maintaining the performance and reliability of your Surface devices even if you are not experiencing any of the issues above.