HP Support Asst for All Software Updates

[CraigS726]

Can I rely on the HP Sppt Asst App in my desktop for BIOS and Driver updates? I show BIOS F30 dated 5/7/19 AND a BIOS Update Released 5/13/19 - 6 days later - YET HP Sppt Asst App states - No Updates Available - AND I was W10 v1809 on May 13 and am 1909 NOW. What Danger to Update BIOS or drivers for an Older Ver of W10?

Would be Great to Rely Totally on the HP Sppt Asst App for correct determination of All Updates. Thanks for any Clarification.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@CraigS726 

Yes, it would be great to be able to totally rely on the HP Support Assistant for all your updates.

The BIOS offered might be the latest version available.  To Check / Verify whether that is the case, see the "basic" instructions later in this message.

NOTE

• The following is based on personal experience and observation.
• There are other opinions on the subject - you must do as you think best.

HP Support Assistant or Manual Updates - BIOS

BIOS updates are generally best done manually, that is, not using the Hp Support Assistant.  Business grade systems (which your Envy is not) do support the use of smarter update software that is (I think) better adapted to the inclusion of the BIOS update in a "multiple update" scenario.  Even there, managing the BIOS updates might be best handled using the "manual" method.

There are a number of reasons for doing BIOS updates yourself, the most of important of which is that you have a bit more control over the process.  BIOS updates are fussy and can be unpredictable in the best of circumstance - having a modicum of control over how and when the BIOS update is applied to your computer makes sense.

For example:

• BIOS updates should only be done when you have a reason to update the BIOS.  For example, performance issues, security concerns, requirements by other drivers / software on the computer.
• BIOS updates should only be done after you have completed a backup of your most critical data to "somewhere" other than the computer itself.  For example, copy your most sensitive data to a USB stick, to a network disk or storage system, to the cloud, even to another computer - "Somewhere" you can access the data in the event the computer is unavailable.
• BIOS updates should only be completed on a notebook / workstation when that device is connected to AC power (plugged in).  The device should remain connected to power during the entire BIOS update process.
• BIOS updates are fussy - close other programs, games, browsers before updating the BIOS.
• BIOS updates do not take very long to complete,  When possible BIOS updates should be attended during the entire process.

Reminder – Manually Update the BIOS

How to install BIOS Updates:

Always connect the computer to AC Power and leave the power connected during the entire BIOS update procedure.

Select the option to manually install the BIOS update.

HP Notebook PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

HP Desktop PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

Open HPSA Software

Settings > Set to “Notify” as opposed to “Auto-Update”

Save Changes > Restart the computer and log in

Open HPSA

Check for Updates > Use the list to determine candidates for update

• Click on each update in the list to see a short description of that package
• If BIOS is offered, simply set to “ignore” or otherwise remove this update from list of potential updates
• If desired:  Install other HP software and updates using HPSA or manually install those updates

Check Current BIOS version

Control Panel > icon view > Administrative Tools > System Information

System Summary - Check the information next to BIOS Version / Date 

Basic Instructions to Update the BIOS

• Open your product home page

For example, results of the search for your system include:

1. HP ENVY Desktop - 795-0010
2. HP ENVY Desktop - 795-0010na
3. HP ENVY Desktop - 795-0010no

• Open Category Software, Drivers and Firmware (wording varies)
• Open section BIOS
• Open "See full details"
• READ everything in each available section - this is the time to be informed!
• If more than one BIOS listed, select the correct BIOS for your system board / version
• Download-Save the BIOS installation file to your computer
• Create a backup of your most sensitive data to somewhere "outside" the computer
• Close other programs
• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file, normally "Downloads"
• Right-Click on the installation file, and select "Run as Administrator"
• Follow the prompts

References

Help and Troubleshooting for HPSA

READ:  Get help and Learn about the HPSA software

HP PCs - Using HP Support Assistant (Windows 10, 8, 7)

HP PCs - Troubleshooting HP Support Assistant - Windows 8.x and Windows 10

Reference and Resources – Places to find (more) help and learn about your Device

Clarification of terms and "what the device can do" (Specifications)

Device Homepage

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

HP Drivers / Software and BIOS, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

Open Support Home

Enter the name of your device

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