Beginning Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Your university Dell computer may receive a critical firmware update.
What is it?
While regular software updates refresh your apps or Windows/macOS, a firmware update refreshes the actual hardware inside your computer—think of it like updating the engine in a car.
What to expect
These are essential updates that help your computer handle power, battery life, and security at the fundamental hardware level. It may require a restart that takes a few minutes longer than usual. Please do not turn off your computer during this process.
Starting in October, OneIT will automatically scan for and install these critical updates on the first Wednesday of every month. Research devices will be excluded from this process.
What you need to know
Here is what you need to know about how this affects your university device.
Single-User and Shared Computers
On the first Wednesday of each month at 9:00 A.M., your university Windows computer will quietly check to see if a system update is needed.
- If no update is needed: Nothing will happen, and you will not see any pop-ups.
- If an update is needed and you are logged in: A notification window will appear on your screen letting you know that OneIT needs to install a critical update. You will have three options:
- Select Install Now: Click this to start the update immediately.
- Do nothing: If you do not make a choice, the update will start automatically from the two-hour countdown clock.
- Select Install in 12 Hours: Click this to postpone the update. A task will be set to run the update 12 hours later. If your computer is asleep or turned off: When that time comes, the update will start the next time you turn it on or wake it up.
- If no one is logged in: The update will install automatically without showing a pop-up window.
Computer Restarts
Once the update installs, your computer will need to restart to finish the process.
- You will get a reminder pop-up when there are two minutes left before the restart.
To avoid losing any unsaved work, please save your files and close your applications when you see these pop-ups.
Lab, Podium, Kiosk, and Digital Signage Devices
Computers in computer labs, classroom podiums, kiosks, and digital signage displays will be updated using a separate, silent process overnight. If an update is installed, these devices will automatically restart during off-hours so daily campus activities are not interrupted.
Need help?
View this FAQ or contact the OneIT Service Desk if you experience issues after the update.