The updates (designated System Firmware Update – 10/28/2014) include graphics and WiFi fixes, among other things. If you’re the curious type, you can find some more details about the individual updates below.
Second October Surface Pro 3 Firmware Update: Details
- Surface Pro UEFI update (v3.11.250.0): Should enhance system stability, increase the reliability of the graphics display performance, and add a status bar when applying future System Firmware Updates.
- Surface Pro Embedded Controller Firmware update (v38.7.50.0): Intended to increase the reliability of sleep state transitions with a Surface Pro 3 Docking Station connected.
- Surface Integration update (v2.0.1168.0): Address issues setting the hibernate value in Windows 10.
- Intel(R) 8 Series PCI Express Root Port #3 – 9C14 update (v2.0.1151.0): Address cases when the Wi-Fi adapter is not available upon resuming the system from sleep. (This one should fix a lot of WiFi issues folks have had with the SP3.)
- Wireless Network Controller and Bluetooth driver update (v15.68.3059.117): Improve Wi-Fi throughput, especially after rebooting with paired Bluetooth devices, enhance power consumption situations, and address instances of system instability.
Second October Surface Pro 3 Firmware Update: Install Notes
The updates showed up on our SP3 last night and we promptly did the install. It was pretty quick and painless, taking only about 3-5 minutes. The SP3 is working fine afterwards and we haven’t noticed any new problems as a result of the update.
One thing to be aware of, though. During the update there was a point where the fan came on full blast (making us wonder if our SP3 was firing up the jet engines and getting ready to lift off to return to the mothership) for around 5-6 seconds then the tablet abruptly turned itself completely off.
I looked at Joanna and said “that didn’t seem right” but, about 3 seconds later, it restarted and everything was fine. So, if that happens to you when you apply the update – don’t panic.
Finally, if you don’t see the update yet, don’t worry about it. Microsoft usually delivers Surface updates in stages, so it should show up in the next couple of days.
Tim
