Pat wrote:
Anyone here know how microcode updates work with modern processors?
Over the last few weeks, we have all seen the discussion of the
microcode bug that can be mitigated by OS updates which have the side
effect of slowing the processor. That, I understand. However, I have
also seen references to microcode updates released by, for example,
Intel for their processors. How do those get installed? How can
software running on a processor update the very microcode being used
to run the software? I must be missing something.

Pat


The general rule for Spectre/Meltdown

Intel releases the microcode update
The OEM(pc manufacturer) or mobo manufacturer releases the UEFI/BIOS or
BIOS update accommodating the microcode update
The system end-user installs/updates the UEFI/BIOS or BIOS

Bottom line - Not all devices will receive or be able to update UEFI/BIOS or
BIOS for all Intel released microcode updates for two simple reasons -
Firmware updates is not an in perpetuity support requirement and OEM or Mobo
manufacturers' are not going to attempt to update all
impacted(Spectre/Meltdown vulnerable) hardware on the planet.

Microsoft, in fact, may not release firmware updates for all of its own
released hardware using Intel, ARM or Atom chipsets(e.g. Surface, XBox, etc.
products)


--
...w¡ñ§±¤ñ
msft mvp windows experience 2007-2016, insider mvp 2016-2018