Reader-supported: some links on this page are affiliate links, which may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Monitors run firmware — and sometimes that firmware needs updating. Here's when it's worth the effort, how to do it safely, and when to leave well enough alone.
Monitor firmware is the embedded software that manages the scaler chip — the processor inside the monitor responsible for interpreting the incoming video signal, driving the panel, managing the OSD (on-screen display), and handling features like adaptive sync, local dimming zones, and input switching. It's the operating system of the monitor, invisible during normal use but fundamental to how the display behaves.
Unlike computer software, monitor firmware rarely needs updating. The firmware ships in a stable state and most users never interact with it beyond the OSD. Updates exist primarily to fix bugs identified after the product launch — things like HDCP handshake failures, VRR flickering at specific refresh rates, incorrect EDID reporting, and compatibility issues with new GPU drivers or gaming consoles.
Update monitor firmware only when you have a specific problem that a specific firmware release addresses. The changelog or release notes for the update should describe the fix, and the fix should match the issue you're experiencing. Common reasons to update include persistent flickering with adaptive sync enabled, resolution or refresh rate not being detected correctly, HDCP compatibility failures with streaming devices, or OSD menu errors.
Do not update firmware preemptively or because a newer version exists. Unlike operating system patches that close security vulnerabilities, monitor firmware updates carry no security urgency. If your monitor is working correctly, the update offers no benefit and introduces a small but real risk of a failed update that can render the monitor unusable.
The update method varies by manufacturer. The most common approaches are USB update, software-over-USB update, and over-DisplayPort/HDMI update.
Download the firmware file from the manufacturer's support page, copy it to a USB drive formatted as FAT32, plug the drive into the monitor's USB port, and navigate to the update option in the OSD menu. The monitor reads the file, writes it to internal storage, and reboots. This process typically takes two to five minutes.
Some manufacturers provide a desktop application that communicates with the monitor over USB (not a video cable — a USB data cable from the monitor's USB hub to the computer). The application detects the monitor, identifies the current firmware version, and applies the update. This method is common with Dell, LG, and Samsung professional displays.
A few gaming monitors support firmware updates delivered over the DisplayPort or HDMI connection through manufacturer software running on the host computer. ASUS, for example, updates some ROG monitors this way through their support utility. This method requires no USB connection to the monitor but depends on the software correctly identifying the monitor model through the video signal.
The primary risk is a power interruption during the firmware write. If the monitor loses power mid-update — a power outage, a tripped surge protector, or an accidentally unplugged cable — the firmware can be left in a partially written state. Depending on the monitor's architecture, this may be recoverable through a secondary boot partition (some enterprise monitors have this), or it may require manufacturer service (most consumer monitors do not recover gracefully).
Precautions are straightforward: use a reliable power source (plug directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip with a loose switch), do not unplug the monitor or USB drive during the process, and do not turn off the computer if the update runs through desktop software. Close all other applications during a software-based update to minimize the chance of a system hang.
Once the update completes and the monitor reboots, check two things immediately. First, confirm the firmware version in the OSD matches the version you intended to install — this verifies the update actually applied. Second, check that your custom OSD settings survived. Some updates preserve user presets; others reset everything to factory defaults. If your brightness, color temperature, or input preferences changed, restore them manually.
If you use a colorimeter calibration profile, recalibrate after a firmware update. Firmware changes can alter the monitor's tone curve, gamma response, or backlight behavior in ways that invalidate the existing ICC profile. A fresh profiling run takes five minutes and ensures your calibration matches the monitor's current behavior.
Test the specific issue the update was meant to fix. If VRR flickering was the problem, enable adaptive sync and run the content that triggered the flicker. If HDCP was failing, test the streaming device or application that produced the error. Confirm the fix actually works before closing the loop.
Can a firmware update brick my monitor?
It is possible but rare. A failed firmware update — caused by a power loss or disconnected cable during the write process — can leave the monitor in an unrecoverable state. Always use a reliable power source and follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly. Do not update unless there is a specific reason to.
How do I find my monitor's current firmware version?
Most monitors display the firmware version in the OSD menu under a System, Information, or About section. Some manufacturers also expose the version through their calibration software. If the OSD doesn't show it, the model label on the back of the monitor sometimes includes a revision code.
Do all monitors have updatable firmware?
No. Many consumer monitors have firmware burned into the hardware at the factory with no update mechanism. User-updatable firmware is more common on gaming monitors, professional-grade displays, and higher-end consumer panels. Check the manufacturer's support page for your model to see if firmware updates are available.
Will a firmware update reset my OSD settings?
It depends on the manufacturer and the scope of the update. Some updates preserve user settings, while others reset the OSD to factory defaults. Document your current brightness, color temperature, and custom settings before updating so you can restore them if needed.