T480s won't update BIOS

[bovender]

I have a strange problem with updating the BIOS on my T480s, 20L8S02D00.

Current BIOS version is 1.12. I am attempting to upgrade to 1.26 using a bootable USB stick.

The BIOS update utility starts and works as expected and as I know it from several previous Thinkpads that I owned. However, at the point where it says that the system is going to restart, once I hit ENTER the screen turns black and the machine becomes unresponsive. Not even the power button reacts, however long I press it (kept pressing it for >> 30 s). I had to insert a pin into the tiny hole at the buttom to turn it off. When I turn the machine back on again, the OS boots (current KDE neon), but the BIOS version remains the old one, 1.12.

I've done this twice with same result.

How can I properly upgrade the BIOS?

Thanks.

[BillMorrow]

hello and welcome to the forum..
to be honest, i don't have an answer for that issue..
in the past bios updates were very tricky (can't think of a better word just now)..
using a floppy and needing the thinkpad to be plugged into the AC adapter and have a full battery..
now..? things are a bit different.. on my X1carbon gen 2 and a gen 3 (the latest thinkpads i own) i let the update app do all the work..
wait a bit, i'm sure someone with more current info will enter this thread..

[bovender]

I was able to update after all after disabling the administrator password and loading the BIOS factory settings.