How to Update Your Router Firmware

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Here's How to Update Your Router Firmware.

2. How to Enable

1. Press Windows Key + X Keyboard Shortcut to open the menu.
   
   
2. Select Network Connections from the menu.
   
   

1. Network & Internet window will now appear. Under your connection, click on Proprieties.
   
   

1. Then scroll all the way down and you will see a Proprieties section.
   
   
2. Locate the IPv4 DNS server and memorize the IP address.
   
   

Before you can update your router firmware, you need to access your router. To do that, you need to enter a specific address in your browser.

Most routers will have this address along with the login details available in the instruction manual. You can also find this address manually by following the above steps.

How to access and update a router in general

1. Connect to your router using the Ethernet cable. It’s highly recommended to establish a stable connection with your router in order to avoid any damage during the update process.
   
   

1. Open your web browser.
   
   
2. In the address bar enter the IP address of your router, like below. The IP is just an example.
   
   

1. Now you’ll be asked to enter a username and password. You can find the login information in your router’s manual. You can also find the login information for your router online from third-party sources.
   
   

1. Once you log in, you need to locate the Firmware or Router Upgrade option. Usually, you can find this option in Administration, Utilities , or Maintenance section.
   
   

1. Once you locate this section, you should see the current version of your firmware as well as its release date.
   
   
2. Now you need to visit your router manufacturer’s website and navigate to the Support section. Locate your router model and check if any firmware updates are available. If so, be sure to download them. Some routers have a built-in option that will take you directly to the manufacturer’s website and allow you to download firmware updates for your router.
   
   
3. After you download a router update, extract it to your Desktop or any other folder on your PC.
   
   
4. In the Update section of your router, there should be a Browse or Choose File button available. Click the button and locate the router update file on your PC. Select the file by double-clicking it.
   
   

1. After choosing the update file, start the upgrade process.
   
   
2. Wait for the process to finish. Keep in mind that the update process can take a few minutes, so be sure to wait patiently and not interrupt the process. Interrupting the upgrade process can cause irreversible damage to your router, so use extra caution.
   
   
3. After the update process is complete, your router will restart and you’ll have the new firmware installed.

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.

We have to mention that the firmware update process can sometimes fail, and if that happens, you need to reset your router. To do that, log in to your router and locate the Factory Defaults section.

Click the Restore button and wait while your router resets. If you can’t access your router, you can also reset it by holding the Reset button on the router.