Microsoft just released a single file installer for Surface Pro 3 tablets that will update system firmware and drivers and install from a single downloadable package.
This installer will make it much easier on you if you ever need to reset your Surface due to virus, corruption or some other reason. No longer will you need to wait for Windows Updates (potentially for hours) to finish downloading and installing.
This tool could also be really handy if you have a slow internet connection (you could download the file to a USB drive from a computer with faster connection – maybe your work computer?) or if the problem you’re having with your Surface just happens to be a missing or corrupt Wireless driver.
If you’re curious as to what all is included in this tool, here’s some details from the Microsoft Download page…
[This tool contains] cumulative and current firmware and drivers for the Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 2, and Surface Pro. This firmware and driver package contains drivers for all of the components in the Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 2, and Surface Pro devices, as well as updates to the system firmware that have been released via Windows Update. These drivers and firmware are compatible with Windows 8.1 (Pro and Enterprise). The Surface Pro driver pack contains drivers and firmware that are compatible with Windows 8.0 (Pro and Enterprise). The Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 2 drivers and firmware are not compatible with Windows 8.0 (Pro and Enterprise). These drivers and firmware are not compatible with Surface RT and Surface 2.
So, basically, the downloadable file (which is well over 140MB, by the way) contains all of the system drivers, system updates and firmware for the Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, and Surface Pro 3.
Note: the file only supports the Windows 8.1 version; so, if you haven’t upgraded yet, you might want to think about doing so now.
Latest Surface Pro 3 Updates in a Single File: How to Get And Use It
So, to use this tool, just follow these steps…
- Make sure you’re logged into your Surface with administrator rights
- Open a web browser and go HERE
- Tap on Download
- Check the box for the latest version of the MSI file (in this case the January 2015 version) then tap Next
- Wait on the download to finish then extract the contents of the zip file to your desktop
- Tap on the .MSI file, check the “I accept” box then tap the Install button to begin the installation process
From this point, it’s a pretty standard install process so just follow the on-screen instructions.
Latest Surface Pro 3 Updates in a Single File: Older Surface Pro Models
Unfortunately, if you have a Surface Pro or Surface Pro 2, Microsoft did not include a nice installer like for the Surface Pro 3. You can still download the driver pack but all the file contains is a bunch of folders with the driver files and a read me file.
You can use those drivers from within Device Manager by doing a tap and hold (right click) then select Update Driver Software but you’ll have to do it one at a time.
I hope this tool will make it a bit easier on you, if you need to install or re-install system drivers or firmware for your Surface Pro 3.
Tim
