HP Notebook 17by0062st System Bios update SoftPaq sp95067 is it safe and do I need it

[HIuser3]

I am using HP Support Assistant and recently for the last month or so see and update in HP Support Assistant for my HP notebook/laptop but am very unsure weather to allow it to install or not. This update does not explain what this update does or what it is for so that is why I am sceptial especially due to it is a System BIOS update which is the scarry part. The description of the update for download is: HP Notebook System BIOS Update, this package providing an update to the  System BIOS, the update installs on supported notebook models using supported Microsoft Operating System. SoftPaq number: sp95067, Version: F.33, size: 22.86MB. Does anyone know what this particular update System BIOS does or includes and if I really need it or not?

[EddyK]

Hello @HIuser3,

HP Support Assistant is pretty useful but sometimes it seems to excessively recommend BIOS updates. This seems to be the one in question:

HP Notebook System BIOS Update (Intel Processors)

Description:

This package provides an update to the System BIOS. The update installs on supported notebook models using a supported Microsoft Windows Operating System. Restart the system to complete the installation.

Fix and enhancements:

- Provides the updated BIOS.

Type:

BIOS

Version:

F.33 Rev.A

Operating systems:

Windows 10 (64-bit)

Release date:

Feb 22, 2019

File name:

sp95067.exe

(22.9 MB)

I don't know what version you're currently using but note that the latest one should have all the features and fixes from the previous ones. You can check out the descriptions on this page > BIOS > Previous versions > Details. BIOS updates do come with the risk of bricking the computer but I haven't experienced issues with BIOS updates. The bigger concern might be experiencing stability issues after the update so if you aren't finding any issues with your computer right now, there's technically no obligation to update.

- Eddy

[HIuser3]

EddyK, thank you for your response/reply. This HP System BIOS update F.33 Rev.A does not provide any README/Release Notes, or is it there are never readme release notes on System BIOS updates? I have never done a System BIOS update on my new HP Notebook since brand new in December 2018 although I do not know its build date. I do not know how or where to find what version System BIOS that is currently installed that came with my HP Notebook. I do have the latest Microsoft OS update version 1809 in which I don’t know if this HP Support Assistant System BIOS update F.33 Rev.A, if HP Support Assistant scans my computer for the MS OS version as the HP System BIOS update does state: “this package providing an update to the System BIOS, the update installs on supported notebook models using supported Microsoft Operating System.” HP product updates for my product did provide the previous System BIOS update being: F.22 Rev.A Oct 12, 2018, which I don’t know if I have or if I have a previous than that. It may sound confusing here but I am not a computer geek I need to depend on Microsoft updates and HP updates to provide me with correct specific product needs. Overall it is still a big question to me do I really need this HP Support Assistant System BIOS update F.33 Rev.A?, and can it really mess up my HP notebook/laptop or not? I have tried to do an Internet search on this but have not found any hits specifically to my product and this HP Support Assistant BIOS update. I can tell you that I have used the HP Support Assistant in the past and my Security software found a Trojan in two of the HP Support Assistant downloads and quarantined them. HP swears they never would supply a download with a computer virus or otherwise but I beg to differ as I have been using Norton security for well over 10 years and it has never failed me.

[HIuser3]

I found this discussion here on HP community and this is one reason it also is scarry to me to download and install this BIOS update via HP Support Assistant, System BIOS updateF.33 Rev.A.

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Business-PCs-Workstations-and-Point-of-Sale-Systems/Automatically-Chec...

Hi, Is there a way to get the latest Release BIOS Version of an HP Computer, any model, automatilcy? I want to find either a program to run or make a script that can be set to perodicly check for new BIOS version without having to go to the support website. 

Why would you want to update the BIOS?
One reason is to support a (newer, faster) replacement CPU, in the extremely rare case where that is required.
I am firmly in the camp that "if it works, leave it alone".
Also, a failure of the AC power during a BIOS-update can "brick" the motherboard.
So, unless a PC is connected to a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), I don't try.
I've seen postings on this forum from people who have updated, with less-than-perfect outcomes, who then find out that the BIOS is preventing a previous BIOS from being installed to "roll-back". They express their complete frustration.