Windows bug blocks BIOS updates for Lenovo ThinkPad laptops
Lenovo ThinkPad owners are facing a headache with BIOS updates due to a recent change made by Microsoft in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Reports indicate that the latest Windows updates have altered the way certain executable files are treated, blocking them for security reasons.
This includes called WinFlash64.exe, which is to update the BIOS. The result has been chaotic, as users attempting to apply BIOS updates may encounter error messages indicating that the update process has failed. The bug affects Windows 11 24H2, 23H2, and 22H2, along with Windows 10 22H2.
This issue arises from Microsoft’s security blocklist, which has led the operating system to label the BIOS update as a ‘vulnerable driver.’ Consequently, Windows declines to execute the firmware update. This affects users with various ThinkPad models trying to utilize Lenovo's BIOS Update Utility or the Lenovo Vantage app. This situation marks an unusual turn of events, BIOS updates inherently carry some risks, but it is rare for them to be directly flagged in this manner by the operating system. BIOS updates may sometimes be necessary to ensure the smooth operation of a computer.
Lenovo is currently advising users to use Windows Update as an alternative method for applying BIOS updates to bypass this issue. This workaround relies on the operating system's ability to find the appropriate patches and deliver them through Windows Update. If no updates appear, users are left periodically checking for new patches, hoping to resolve the matter.
Fortunately, Lenovo is actively addressing the situation. A new BIOS version, v1.61, has been released and should be compatible with the company’s BIOS Update Utility. If successful, this update will stabilize the installation process for affected ThinkPad models.
Source: Techradar
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Another day, another MICROSOFT (a convicted monopoly) story that brings tears of joy streaming down my face.
One day they will be gone, despite the dick moves they pulled with NOVELL (no longer around, I wonder why?) and others.
If you *really* want to keep up-to-date with M$ bullshit past present and future, check out TechRights site, the guy has really spent a lot of time detailing M$ fuckups and evil. They are nothing more than legalized CRIMINALS. ALL OF THEM.
https://www.techrights.org/
This happen to my Lenovo laptop 2 years ago when I decided to install Win 11…after that I could no longer accses the bios still to this day no update to fix it from both MS and Lenovo..it pisses me off that I cant get into the bios.
Try installing Linux Mint. I don’t think it will fix the BIOS, but it’s worth a try. Is there no way to downgrade BIOS? Maybe taking it to a repair shop?
It is a serious mistake and criminal for MS to allow BIOS updates via Windows Update together with automatic Bitlocker enablement to cause data loss and bricking.
Microsoft should stop any and all bios, driver, and all other none windows operating system updates that are done and made available via windows update.
This is actually a good thing.
NEVER UPDATE BIOS FROM WINDOWS OR VIA WINDOWS UPDATE! Due to high chances of bricking the device for various reasons like what if Windows BSOD or crash restarts on you, Bios Update App crashes on you, antivirus or something interferes, etc.
Always only Update Bios manually from the Update Option inside the Bios itself by copying Bios file to FAT32 formatted Thumbdrive. Just make sure you don’t download the wrong Bios file or Beta Bios file. Also only update the Bios if it is really necessary.
Windows is the worst thing that have happened to computers ever.
It used to be better before, now it’s evident it’s horrible. I don’t understand people who are tech-savvy, know all the downsides of Windows, they see it’s getting worse and worse, they aren’t tied to it because they need some software that absolutely won’t work on Linux, but would refuse to move to something else.
And until more people get annoyed with Windows and move to either Mac or Linux, Microsoft will keep making Windows worse. At this point I’m just curious how bad, invasive and user-unfriendly they can make it.