Dell ships BIOS updates for PowerEdge servers through a single format, the Dell Update Package, and gives you several ways to apply it. This guide covers the method most administrators use, the iDRAC9 web interface, plus Lifecycle Controller, in-OS updates and fleet tools. It applies to 14th, 15th and 16th generation servers such as the R740, R750 and R760. Dell documents the same manual update steps for iDRAC10.
Find the right update package
Go to Dell Support, open Drivers & Downloads and enter the Service Tag. The tag filters the list to your exact configuration. Choose the BIOS category, then open View full driver details to confirm the file type:
| File | What it is | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| .EXE | Windows 64-bit Dell Update Package | Run in Windows, or upload through iDRAC on any operating system |
| .BIN | Linux Dell Update Package | Run in Linux: check with ./file.BIN --version, then ./file.BIN |
| .d9 and similar | iDRAC firmware payload extracted from an .EXE | For iDRAC only; Dell recommends the .EXE first |
Update order and downtime
Dell publishes a recommended order for PowerEdge firmware: iDRAC, then BIOS, then CPLD or FPGA, then everything else. iDRAC, BIOS, power supply and CPLD or FPGA updates should each run separately, with no other updates scheduled. Dell is also clear that every update except iDRAC requires downtime, so schedule a maintenance window. Record your current versions first so you can see what changed.
Update the BIOS through iDRAC9
Step 1: Find the BIOS for your Service Tag
On Dell Support, open Drivers & Downloads and enter the Service Tag, or browse to the model. Filter to the BIOS category, check the operating system, and open View full driver details to confirm the file type and version.
Step 2: Check the current versions
Press F2 at boot and open System BIOS, System Information, or check firmware versions in iDRAC. Record the BIOS and iDRAC versions before you change anything.
Step 3: Update iDRAC first if it is behind
Dell's recommended order is iDRAC, then BIOS, then CPLD or FPGA, then everything else. Run each of these as its own update with nothing else scheduled.
Step 4: Upload the BIOS in iDRAC
In the iDRAC9 web interface, go to Maintenance, System Update, Manual Update. Set Location Type to Local, click Choose File, select the Windows .EXE update package and click Upload. A plus sign next to the file means it is valid; expand it to compare the current and available versions.
Step 5: Choose when to install
Select Install and Reboot to apply the BIOS now, or Install Next Reboot to stage it for your maintenance window. BIOS updates need a reboot to apply.
Step 6: Watch the Job Queue
Open the Job Queue in iDRAC and wait for the BIOS job to complete. Leave the server powered until it finishes and returns to the operating system.
Step 7: Confirm the new version
Check the BIOS version again in F2, System BIOS, System Information or in iDRAC.
iDRAC can also pull updates directly from Dell. In Manual Update, set Location Type to HTTPS, enter downloads.dell.com as the address and click Check for Update. iDRAC compares the catalog to the installed firmware and lists what is newer.
Other ways to update
| Tool | Use it when |
|---|---|
| iDRAC web interface | Updating one server remotely, with or without an operating system |
| Lifecycle Controller (F10) | You are at the console, or want to pull updates from the Dell catalog or a USB drive |
| Dell Update Package in the OS | The server runs Windows or Linux and you prefer to update from there |
| Dell System Update, Server Update Utility, Repository Manager | Building update bundles or offline repositories for several servers |
| OpenManage Enterprise | Applying firmware baselines across many servers |
Lifecycle Controller: press F10 at boot, choose Firmware Update, then Launch Firmware Update. Select a repository: the Dell website, a network share (CIFS, NFS, HTTP or HTTPS), an FTP server, or a local drive. A USB drive must be FAT32. For Dell's online catalog, update iDRAC first, then use Network Share, HTTPS, downloads.dell.com with the file path catalog. The server restarts when the updates finish.
In the operating system: on Windows, run the .EXE and click Install. On Linux, run the .BIN. Both stage the BIOS for the next reboot.
BIOS updates and memory
PowerEdge BIOS release notes regularly include memory changes. The R630XL and R730XL BIOS 2.5.5 notes list "Added support for mixed Quad Rank and Dual Rank LRDIMMs" and an updated Memory Reference Code. A 14th generation recommended BIOS lists Memory Reference Code 189.84. These are the reasons to update the BIOS before you add or change DIMMs, with the existing memory installed.
Once the firmware is current, follow our Dell PowerEdge RAM install guide for socket order and population rules. If iDRAC logs memory errors afterward, see troubleshooting RAM errors on a Dell PowerEdge server. The Dell PowerEdge memory upgrade guide lists the memory type and capacity for each model.
NEMIX RAM carries Dell PowerEdge server memory by model, including the R740, R750 and R760, plus DDR4 RDIMM for earlier generations. See all options on our Dell memory page.
Frequently asked questions
Which file do I use to update a PowerEdge BIOS through iDRAC?
Use the Windows 64-bit Dell Update Package (.EXE). iDRAC accepts it whatever operating system the server runs. Dell notes that Windows does not support the Linux .BIN files.
In what order should I update PowerEdge firmware?
Dell recommends iDRAC first, then BIOS, then CPLD or FPGA, then the remaining components. Update iDRAC, BIOS, power supply and CPLD or FPGA separately, with no other updates scheduled.
Does a PowerEdge BIOS update need downtime?
Yes. Dell states that every update except the iDRAC update requires downtime. Plan a maintenance window and use Install Next Reboot if you want to stage the update ahead of it.
Can I update the BIOS without an operating system?
Yes. Use the iDRAC web interface, or press F10 at boot to open Lifecycle Controller and run Firmware Update from the Dell website, a network share or a FAT32 USB drive.
Can I roll back a BIOS update?
iDRAC has a Rollback page under Maintenance, System Update, Rollback that lists previous firmware for components that support it. Check whether a previous BIOS version is listed for your server before you rely on it.
Why update the BIOS before adding memory?
PowerEdge BIOS releases include memory items, such as updated Memory Reference Code and support for new DIMM configurations. Dell lists firmware updates as a first step for memory issues.
Buying for more than one system
IT teams and integrators that maintain Dell PowerEdge fleets can standardize on one kit per model. Request a quote with your models and quantities, or send us your system model and we will confirm the right module before you order.
Steps and rules are summarized from the vendors' published documentation; follow the guide for your exact model.