New firmware versions often bring new features and security fixes, so keeping your firmware up to date is essential. We already explained how to update BIOS in one of our older articles, and today we’ll show you how to update the router firmware.

How do I know if my router needs a firmware update?

Several signs may indicate that your router needs a firmware update:

Security vulnerabilities – The manufacturer may release firmware updates to address vulnerabilities discovered in the router’s software. Performance issues – If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds or other performance issues, a firmware update may help resolve these problems. New features – Manufacturers may release firmware updates to include new features to the router, such as better parental controls or support for new technologies. Compatibility issues – If you’ve recently upgraded your devices or software, you may find that your router is no longer compatible. A firmware update can resolve these compatibility issues.

To determine if your router needs a firmware update, check the manufacturer’s website for any available updates. You can also check your router’s user manual or settings to see if there is a built-in update feature. Some routers may even notify you when a firmware update is available.

Do routers automatically update the firmware?

Most routers do not automatically update their firmware by default. However, some routers may have an Auto-update or Automatic firmware update feature that you can enable in the settings.  If this feature is enabled, the router will check for firmware updates periodically and download and install them automatically. It’s important to note that enabling the automatic firmware update feature can also have some drawbacks, such as:

Compatibility issues – A firmware update may not be compatible with your router’s hardware or software configuration, which can cause problems. Security risks – If the automatic update feature is enabled and the router’s firmware is outdated, it may be vulnerable to security risks until the update is installed. Unwanted changes – A firmware update may introduce new features or settings you don’t want or may change existing settings, which can be inconvenient or undesirable.

Therefore, we recommend manually checking for firmware updates and reading the release notes before installing them; significantly, the update may be impacted if you have customized settings or use specific features.

How do I update router firmware?

1. How to access and update a router in general

1.1 Find the router IP

Before you can update your router firmware, you need to access your router. You need to enter a specific address in your browser to do that. Most routers will have this address and the login details in the instruction manual. However, following the above steps, you can also find this address manually.

1.2 Update using the router IP

After obtaining the router’s IP address, you can use it to log in to your router and update its firmware. To update your router firmware, do the steps above.

2. Update the firmware for a Netgear router

If you own a Netgear router, you can update your firmware by following the above steps. As you can see, updating the firmware is quite simple since you can download and install it automatically. If you can’t download the update automatically, you can install it manually. Visit NETGEAR Download Center, enter your router’s model, and download the latest firmware.  Follow the above steps from 1-4,  and once you are logged in, click the Choose File or Browse button. Then, please select the file and make sure it doesn’t interrupt the update process. SPONSORED

3. Update the firmware for a Linksys router

Updating the firmware on a Linksys router is quite simple. However, to perform the update safely, we advise you to connect your PC to your router using an Ethernet cable.  To ensure the upgrade process is successful, don’t open any new pages or perform any Internet-related activity.  Linksys’ security can also be enhanced with a VPN solution.

In some cases, you need to reset your router before you can use it. To do that, press and hold the Reset button on the back of your router for 10 seconds. Remember that you’ll need to configure your settings again after the reset.

Before you update the firmware of your TP-Link router, you need to check its model and hardware version. To do that, check the label on the back of your device. In addition, we also advise you to connect your PC to your router using the Ethernet cable to ensure that your connection is stable.

6. How to perform an ASUS router firmware update?

7. How to update router firmware Huawei?

8. How to update router firmware Spectrum?

Do Wi-Fi routers need to be updated?

Wi-Fi routers should be updated regularly to ensure they remain secure and operate efficiently. Updating your Wi-Fi router’s firmware can help fix bugs, address security vulnerabilities, and improve overall performance. However, failing to update your router’s firmware can sometimes leave it vulnerable to security exploits, potentially compromising your network. As you can see, updating a router’s firmware is relatively simple, and newer routers can automatically download and install the firmware updates. We must mention that upgrading firmware brings new features and improvements but can also permanently damage your router if you’re not careful. Although firmware updates can sometimes fix network-related issues, we advise you to perform a firmware update as a last resort. If you have more questions about updating a router’s firmware on Windows 10, don’t hesitate to drop them in the comments section below.

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