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How to Update Router Firmware: Use These Simple Methods
Best firmware solutions for most routers
11 min. read
Updated onJanuary 10, 2024
updated onJanuary 10, 2024
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Key notes
Almost every hardware device has software that is embedded in the device itself. This software controls how your device behaves and allows you to configure it.
New firmware versions often bring new features and security fixes, so keeping your firmware up to date is essential.
We already explainedhow to update BIOSin one of our older articles, and today, we’ll show you how to update the router firmware.
How do I know if my router needs a firmware update?
Several signs may indicate that your router needs a firmware update:
To determine if your router needs a firmware update, check the manufacturer’s website for any available updates. You can also check your router’s user manual or settings to see if there is a built-in update feature. Some routers may even notify you when a firmware update is available.
Do routers automatically update the firmware?
Most routers do not automatically update their firmware by default. However, some routers may have an Auto-update or Automatic firmware update feature that you can enable in the settings.
If this feature is enabled, the router will check for firmware updates periodically and download and install them automatically.
It’s important to note that enabling the automatic firmware update feature can also have some drawbacks, such as:
Therefore, we recommend manually checking for firmware updates and reading the release notes before installing them; significantly, the update may be impacted if you have customized settings or use specific features.
How do I update router firmware?
1. How to access and update a router in general
Before you can update your router firmware, you need to access your router. You need to enter a specific address in your browser to do that.
Most routers will have this address and the login details in the instruction manual. However, following the above steps, you can also find this address manually.
After obtaining the router’s IP address, you can use it to log in to your router and update its firmware. To update your router firmware, do the steps above.
2. Update the firmware for aNetgear router
If you own a Netgear router, you can update your firmware by following the above steps. As you can see, updating the firmware is quite simple since you can download and install it automatically.
If you can’t download the update automatically, you can install it manually. VisitNETGEAR Download Center, enter your router’s model, and download the latest firmware.
Follow the above steps from 1-4, and once you are logged in, click theChoose FileorBrowsebutton. Then, please select the file and make sure it doesn’t interrupt the update process.
3. Update the firmware for aLinksysrouter
Updating the firmware on a Linksys router is quite simple. However, to perform the update safely, we advise you to connect your PC to your router using an Ethernet cable.
To ensure the upgrade process is successful, don’t open any new pages or perform any Internet-related activity.
Linksys’ security can also be enhanced with a VPN solution.
4. Update the firmware for aD-Linkrouter
In some cases, you need to reset your router before you can use it. To do that, press and hold the Reset button on the back of your router for 10 seconds.
Remember that you’ll need to configure your settings again after the reset.
5. Update the firmware for a TP-Link router
Before you update the firmware of your TP-Link router, you need to check its model and hardware version. To do that, check the label on the back of your device.
In addition, we also advise you to connect your PC to your router using the Ethernet cable to ensure that your connection is stable.
6. How to perform an ASUS router firmware update?
7. How do you update the Huawei router firmware?
8. How to update router firmware Spectrum?
Do Wi-Fi routers need to be updated?
Wi-Fi routers should be updated regularly to ensure they remain secure and operate efficiently.
Updating your Wi-Fi router’s firmware can help fix bugs, address security vulnerabilities, and improve overall performance. However, failing to update your router’s firmware can sometimes leave it vulnerable to security exploits, potentially compromising your network.
As you can see, updating a router’s firmware is relatively simple, and newer routers can automatically download and install the firmware updates.
We must mention that upgrading firmware brings new features and improvements but can also permanently damage your router if you’re not careful.
Although firmware updates can sometimes fix network-related issues, we advise you to perform a firmware update as a last resort.
If you have more questions about updating a router’s firmware on Windows 10, don’t hesitate to drop them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:firmware update,Router guides
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
