Firmware update changelog?

[XPerfect]

Where can I check what changes was introduced in latest BIOS update Q85 01.07.00? It had been installed unattendedly without any prompt.

On laptops of another vendors I had problems with firmware updates and I want to decide whether install them or not. Why it is installed without my premission?

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@XPerfect 

The BIOS update listed in your Software and Drivers Website Support:

HP Firmware Pack (Q85)

Open and read information under sections:

Associated Files

Fixes 

and 

Revision History

There are two methods available for installing HP software and updates on your business class computer:

HP Support Assistant

and, for business class machines:

HP Softpaq Download Manager

HP Support Assistant

If you are using the HP Support Assistant and if that software is set to "Automatically" install HP software and updates, then amongst other things, drivers and software will be installed without you having to check the status of a particular update.

If you wish to do so, you have the option to change the HPSA > Settings to notify you as opposed to updating installed software and drivers in the "automatic" option.

HPSA_Settings_3A

Personal Observation - HPSA

Reminder - Do NOT use the HPSA to update the BIOS

Although the HPSA can update the BIOS, under some circumstances it may not do so as expected.

How to install BIOS Updates:

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

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

Help and Troubleshooting for HPSA

Read and Learn about the HPSA software

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

HP PCs - Troubleshooting HP Support Assistant (Windows 10, 😎

Driver Management for Business class computers (SDM)

 Business Systems - Client Management Solutions (software management)

Softpaq Download Manager - HP Software installations / updates / management

Business class computers support a robust, comprehensive software tool for updating and

managing HP Software and Drivers:  Softpaq Download Manager (SDM)

SDM will find-install-update needed HP software and drivers for your business class machine, including, when applicable, the fussy BIOS update.

 HP SoftPaq Download Manager (SDM)

4.4.0

sp87158

04/20/2018

Windows (Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10)

sp87158.exe

sp87158.html

How-to and Instructions:

HP Notebook PCs - Using HP SoftPaq Download Manager

Discussion

In general, you may be happier using SDM to manage the HP software and drivers on your business class computer.  In addition to the option to check and then select software and drivers you want to install, SDM can successfully manage and update the BIOS as part of the normal operations.  For example, if you decide to install a BIOS update in a "group" of other HP software / driver updates. 

Generally, I check the list (Check for updates) , install "other" updates, restart the computer (and log in), then select and install the BIOS update by itself (alone).  Personal decision.  I have (in the past) included a BIOS update in a group of "other" updates and the SDM software handles the "group" method.

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

Device Homepage

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

HP ProBook 430 G5 Notebook PC

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[XPerfect]

>> Reminder - Do NOT use the HPSA to update the BIOS

>> Although the HPSA can update the BIOS, under some circumstances it may not do so as expected.

And that's what I am afraid of.

So, the only difference between HPSA and SDM is that SDM is intended for business-line of HP laptops and HPSA for all machines? Is SDM more stable? Can personal users (not businesses) use it free of charge?

[Dragon-Fur]

@XPerfect 

HPSA is nice software - the program actually provides more than the "update" services (see the help documents for information).   Set the software to "check / notify" and it won't surprise you.

SDM is tailored for business class computers.  If you have not done so, you will discover that the software is free and available for use with your computer.  Use is based on the type of hardware (business / commercial class) and not whether you are operating a business (retail, various types of office (Law, Real Estate, Insurance), any "business" activity).

Partial Excerpt from  HP Notebook PCs - Using HP SoftPaq Download Manager

This document is for HP commercial PCs.

HP SoftPaq Download Manager (SDM) is a utility which provides a quick and easy way to download software and driver updates for HP commercial notebook and desktop PCs.

For more information about SDM, go to HP Client Management Solutions or HP SoftPaq Download Manager and HP System Software Manager -- A Powerful Combination (.pdf).

Less about stability and more about purpose,  SDM is deployment level software - this just means the software is meant to be used in an environment either in the home office (one or a few machines) or perhaps in a small business. 

More Information

Once you install the software, open SDM and click the blue Question Mark   in the upper left column.

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We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

Click Thumbs Up on a post to say Thank You!

Answered? Click post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.