I was just wondering if Zorin OS can detect and install update for my BIOS/UEFI.
My motherboard is the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI.
And also, since my motherboard resets the CMOS (the BIOS settings) after an update, what will happen to the Zorin OS secure boot config i did at the install ?
I'm unsure of the tools to use through Linux that may allow you to update the bios in this manner, as there are some on Windows I know of. I believe there may be a couple, but I would recommend against them anyway. My personal way of ever updating bios is to go to the manufacturer's site, then find the exact file i'm looking for, and manually update by going into the Bios and updating from there.
However, what I also recommend is this: If there is nothing wrong with the system currently, and everything is functioning as it should, then you should NOT update the bios. There's always a chance that it locks and all of a sudden you're stuck with a bricked motherboard that you can't use. More modern mobos have a bios switch in case this ever happens, but I still follow this approach.
I know there are some cases where someone says "something something security update", but unless there's a MAJOR reason, and that would legitimately affect you, I would avoid updating. There's also the cases where you can add more up to date CPUs on newer BIOS versions, so I could also understand in those scenarios as well. But it shouldn't be something to go out and look for unless you have to.
If you're going to update your BIOS (and I'm a fair bit less wary of such updates than Applecheeks), I definitely recommend using the method they described, in which you download a specific file and update from inside BIOS. The less you're running, the safer the update is, and you can't have anything less running than booting into BIOS.
As to your second question, regarding your secure boot config: you'll likely need to do it over. Since it resets the CMOS, your secure boot will also go to factory defaults. The process should be the same as it was the first time.
The only reason I am so cautious is because it's very easy for something to go wrong with a USB stick upgrading the BIOS. A slight budge, maybe the port isn't great, the wind coming in the wrong direction, can cause so many issues so fast for something that realistically for most people shouldn't be done.
Yet I see so many articles online about security this and that, that won't affect the vast majority of people. Then even articles claiming you'll get more performance by upgrading, which more often than not doesn't actually mean anything in game, to the point that I think it's just doing more harm then good.
Basically updating the BIOS is not the same as updating a graphics driver or an application, but some people treat it as such. I find that very concerning lol.
Modern motherboards have a workaround for this. It's obviously not something you ever want to have to use, but there's a button on the back that will let you flash the motherboard from a connected USB device even if the system is thoroughly unbootable. You don't even have to have a CPU or RAM installed for this button to work. I checked, and the OP's motherboard does support this feature. I still agree with you that BIOS updates should be done when there's something significant to gain or something serious to avoid, but there really is a fallback.
(I have an ASUS ROG Strix 670 E-F, which made news for being prone to frying CPUs. ASUS pushed out several beta firmware updates trying to resolve the issue before getting it done, warning initially that use of beta firmware voided warranties, before backing down due to community outrage. It was nerve wracking having to apply update after update. I get it, honestly.)
My motherboard does have a "Flash BIOS" button on the back.
I have a Gigabyte M.B. that has an option to check and apply BIOS updates from within the BIOS itself. This removes the need to download onto a USB stick or to boot into any operating system at all to apply a BIOS firmware update.
I am always wary of 'Flash BIOS' button unless you know what it is going to do. I have an Asus motherboard. Updates have to be downloaded as a .zip file to USB, then update is via 'EZ Flash 3.0' within the BIOS itself. What happened on my last update implemented compatibility for Win 11 which I did not want. It also messed up my boot options and took a while to sort it out. Additionally, it knocked out my option to boot VM's, which meant re-enabling it, also a laborious find as not logically named.
DELL BIOS updates does through the Software Store.
I have an MSI computer, and from what I can tell, offer's no ability to update the BIOS from Linux, last time I tried that, using a Windows EXE, it literally bricked my system beyond biblical proportions.
My BIOS does have the option to update the BIOS from a USB stick, as its been an option available for computers at least what 15-years now or so? But here's the thing, one is always taking a risk to update the BIOS.
(1) Is your computer working perfectly fine, and all hardware is being detected and utilized?
ANSWER = You don't need to update the BIOS!
(2) Is your computer suffering from lack of new hardware detection issues, for example, you need a BIOS patch to detect a USB NVME storage drive?
ANSWER = You probably need to update the BIOS.
PS: In some cases, your computer might be so old, (think 2012) that a BIOS update wouldn't even be available to utilize an NVME drive in any fashion at all, and a new computer would be required. My old computer tops out with 2.5" SSD drives, can't recognize anything newer, no BIOS update available at all to correct.
Warning: I say again, BIOS updating is a risky procedure, and shouldn't be done by flying by the seat of ones pants. Only do BIOS updates if absolutely 100% necessary.
