Can Windows 10 Update still push out bios update if I have legacy bios?

For those Dell pc that has UEFI only (no legacy bios option), not all are equipped with bios setting option to disable UEFI capsule firmware updates.  For example, this option is present in XPS 8940, Aurora R13 but cannot be found in Aurora R11, R12 (at least not present in service manual system setup options).

there are mixed UEFI user reports of success or failure of manually stopping Windows update from automatic bios update by disabling the UEFI capsule in bios settings.  Some said it worked, other said bios is still flashed after setting is changed. 

Maybe you can tell us.

But I suggest you be quick about it because it will have to be a fairly old computer to not be UEFI-Compatible. Weren't all Windows-8 computers UEFI?

That means these computers you are asking about are 2013 models or older (ie, barely working) .

lol I am for one fond of “old” Dell desktop.  You tell me one recent Dell desktop model that is company’s pride, I say nay, that is not a pc I would like to collect. 

friendly banter aside, there are plenty of 2013-2021 Dell desktops that sport both legacy and UEFI bios. My point is that if one old school user sticks to legacy bios boot option, there may be a safe haven away from the almighty Microsoft control freak that takes over bios update from local admin.  R10 (circa 2020-21) for one is a model that still has legacy bios rom option, not R11.  Optiplex 7060 (2018) has legacy, not 7070.  XPS 8930 (2017) has legacy bios, not 8940.

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@redxps630 wrote:

lol I am for one fond of “old” Dell desktop.  You tell me one recent Dell desktop model that is company’s pride, I say nay, that is not a pc I would like to collect.  I still like my XPS 730(X), Area 51 R1, R2,  Aurora R4.

 

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I'm in no-way bashing old Dell computers. I still use my XPS-8300, Aurora-R1, and some other Dells. Of course, you don't have to worry about UEFI-Capsule updates from Windows-Update on those.

Some new Dell pc service manual has no mention of UEFI firmware capsule option. I suspect it is either a Dell sloppy typo, or the capsule is built in and cannot be turned off by user in bios.

regarding those legacy dell that has legacy bios only, the issue may be moot because there is no new bios push out from Dell anyway.

If you glance at these threads some IT admin expressed consternation at this auto bios update trend, which I see as a concerted effort of OEM (Dell, HP, ASUS etc.) and MS to enhance security.

https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/it-is-scary-to-me-that-windows-update-is-now-flashing-the...

https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/2329983-disable-bios-updates-in-windows-update

I think that the issue was blown out of proportion.  From what I have experienced, the firmware update was an optional and unless user selected to run, it would be dormant.

Regardless of UEFI or Legacy settings, firmware update would be pushed as an update to the machine.  In the cases of self execution, by itself or together with automatically updates, it highly was caused by the users settings.  The OOBE setup has some options and combining with Windows settings, they allowed auto updates, feedback, usage reporting, and so on.  Many of these were overlooking by users.

All of the machines I setup with local accounts, and without any of Dell support apps.  They did not have issue with BIOS updates pushed by MS, only found available thru optional updates.  Still try to catch one so I can understand and learn what the fuss was all about.

There is no doubt about the joining effort from these companies to reach their common goal, securities.  Similar like Android and Apple, Microsoft has expanding to control many aspects of life via devices.  Many of features in personal assistant, financial transactions, and global communications do required to be secured as an assurance to users, else it won't survived in competitions.  

What I was pointing out about the process of implementation for BIOS update is not relatively a bad thing.  The concern about losing control of your machine doesn't have to required an all out effort and misplaced.  The current effort from tech companies are gradually formed once everyone is on new systems.  For instance, Win 11 and 12 have features which only can implement to the recent released CPUs, when users are forced install on older systems, only the core operating will work but not the security features.  One day, all their effort will be achievable.  Except for a small population of legacy machines, most PC being used today are capable of BIOS recovery, so the fear of BIOS auto update not scary as it seemed and who to say a failed update is avoidable if performed by user.

My experience and knowledge are limited, so this is just my own view and no intention in spreading false information nor persuade other beliefs.