Intel Microcode Update What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Install ItKeeping your system secure and running smoothly involves more than just updating your operating system. One important, but often overlooked, aspect is the Intel microcode update. These updates play a key role in fixing CPU-level bugs, improving stability, and protecting against security vulnerabilities. Understanding what a microcode update does, why it’s essential, and how to apply it can help you maintain a more reliable computer system.
This topic explains the purpose of Intel microcode updates in simple terms, outlines how they work, and guides you on how to check and install them properly.
What Is an Intel Microcode Update?
Microcode is low-level code that acts as a bridge between the processor hardware and higher-level machine instructions. It’s stored within the CPU and tells it how to perform certain functions. Sometimes, flaws or bugs are discovered in this code after the CPU has already been manufactured and shipped.
Rather than replacing the hardware, Intel provides microcode updates essentially firmware patches to fix these issues.
Why Microcode Updates Are Important
Intel processors, like all complex hardware, may have undiscovered bugs or security vulnerabilities. These issues could lead to system instability, incorrect calculations, or security exploits such as Spectre and Meltdown.
Microcode updates
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Fix hidden bugs in the CPU
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Improve hardware stability and performance
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Close critical security vulnerabilities
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Ensure compatibility with newer operating systems
Even if your computer seems to be working fine, a missing microcode update could leave you exposed to risks that are not immediately visible.
How Microcode Is Delivered
Intel microcode updates are usually delivered in two main ways
1. Through BIOS/UEFI Updates
Motherboard manufacturers often include updated microcode files when releasing BIOS/UEFI updates. These updates are stored in the system firmware and loaded during boot.
2. Through Operating System Updates
Modern operating systems like Windows and Linux can also load microcode updates at startup. These updates are temporary they’re applied in memory and disappear after a reboot unless they are included in the BIOS.
Both methods are valid, and some systems rely on one more than the other.
How to Check Your Current Microcode Version
Depending on your operating system, there are different ways to check the current microcode version.
On Windows
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Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
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Type the command
wmic cpu get name, DeviceID, NumberOfCores, MaxClockSpeed -
To find detailed microcode info, third-party tools like CPU-Z can display this data under processor details.
On Linux
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Use the following terminal command
dmesg | grep microcode -
This will show the currently loaded microcode version and whether a new update was applied during boot.
How to Update Intel Microcode
Method 1 Update BIOS/UEFI
This is the most permanent way to apply a microcode update.
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Visit your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s support page.
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Download the latest BIOS/UEFI firmware for your specific model.
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Follow the instructions carefully. Most updates can be done through a utility built into the BIOS menu or via a Windows tool provided by the manufacturer.
Warning A BIOS update should be done cautiously. Incorrect flashing can lead to a non-functional system.
Method 2 Use Operating System Updates
For Windows users
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Ensure Windows Update is enabled.
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Microsoft occasionally includes Intel microcode updates as part of cumulative updates.
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These updates are automatically applied at boot if needed.
For Linux users
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Install the package
intel-microcodeusing your distribution’s package manager (e.g.,sudo apt install intel-microcodeon Ubuntu). -
Reboot your system for the update to take effect.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
1. Update Not Applying
If you’re not seeing a version change after update
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Make sure the BIOS update was successful.
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For OS-based updates, check if your CPU model is supported by the update.
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Verify that Secure Boot or firmware protection isn’t blocking changes.
2. System Becomes Unstable
Sometimes, rare bugs can cause issues after a microcode update. If this happens
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Roll back the BIOS to a previous version.
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Uninstall or block the specific OS microcode update (Windows users can do this through update history).
3. Compatibility Problems
Newer microcode versions may require OS updates to work correctly. Ensure your system is fully updated to avoid crashes or boot loops.
Intel Processors That Require Microcode Updates
Most modern Intel CPUs have had at least one microcode update since release. This includes
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Intel Core i3, i5, i7, i9 (8th Gen to 13th Gen)
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Intel Xeon processors
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Intel Atom and Celeron processors
Microcode updates are particularly critical for CPUs affected by Spectre, Meltdown, or other speculative execution vulnerabilities.
Benefits of Keeping Microcode Updated
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Improved Security Eliminates known CPU-level vulnerabilities.
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System Stability Fixes bugs that may cause freezes or crashes.
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Performance Optimizations Some updates enhance CPU scheduling or energy efficiency.
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Future-Proofing Helps maintain compatibility with future OS versions and software.
Microcode updates from Intel are a crucial yet often overlooked part of system maintenance. By understanding what they are and how to apply them, users can enhance the performance, stability, and security of their computers. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or just use your PC for everyday tasks, staying on top of microcode updates ensures your system runs at its best.
For most users, relying on automatic updates via BIOS or operating systems is sufficient. However, knowing how to manually check and apply updates gives you better control and peace of mind.