14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has released a new firmware update for Surface 3 devices, and this time the company has included further mitigations for Meltdown and Spectre flaws disclosed in January.
In the last few months, Microsoft rolled out several patches for the two hardware flaws, but the company promised every time that further fixes would be published when they are ready.
This new firmware update for the Surface 3 bumps Surface UEFI to version 1.51116.198.0, which in its turn resolves potential security vulnerabilities, including Meltdown and Spectre. These security improvements are aimed at devices that are running at least Windows 10 Creators Update (version 1703).
Furthermore, if your Surface 3 has already been updated to the April 2018 Update (version 1803), this new firmware release also comes with Intel HD Graphics version 20.19.15.4835, which includes compatibility with high resolution external displays.
You can find the download links for each version of the Surface 3 in the box after the jump.
Update, update, update
“For devices with Windows 10 Version 1703 (Build 15063) or Windows 10 Version 1709 (Build 16299) you should download the MSI for Build 15063 and above. For devices with Windows 10 Version 1803 (Build 17134) or above, you should download the MSI for Build 17134 and above,” Microsoft explains.
The general recommendations for firmware updates are valid in this case as well, and you need to make sure that your device is fully charged before launching the installer. Keeping the device plugged in is an easy way to be sure that everything runs according to the plan, as interrupting a firmware update could lead to stability issues.
Needless to say, all users are recommended to update their devices as soon as possible, especially because the new firmware version includes security fixes that could block attacks aimed at two already widely-discussed vulnerabilities.