Download

Versions:

- ME Firmware: 12.0.72.1757
- EC Firmware: 24.41
- Integrated Graphics Option ROM: NA
- Integrated Graphics UEFI Driver: 9.0.1086
- SATA RAID Option ROM: 17.5.0.4055
- AHCI Code: Based on AHCI_19
- LAN Option ROM: 0.5
- Visual BIOS: Intel AptioV

New Fixes/Features:

- Updated ME Firmware to 12.0.72.1757
- Updated EC Firmware to 24.41
- Updated CPU Microcode to M22906EC_000000DE and M22906ED_000000DE
- Fixed issue with Power button LED failure.
- Fixed S0 LED Indicator blinking frequency (Hz) question is not grayed out when S0 Indicator Blinking Behavior is set to Solid.
- Fixed issue where CPU fan keeps running after CPU Fan question is set to under 50 degrees and the CPU temperature drops below 50 degrees.
- Fixed issue with NTFS DXE driver when parsing NTFS file system partition.

Known Errata:

- Rear Thunderbolt Type-C port 2 is not detected when both ports are occupied on AC Power OFF then ON.

Which file to choose:

- Recovery BIOS Update [QX0036.cap] - A .BIO file to be used for F7 BIOS Update method or a BIOS recovery process. In the unlikely event that a BIOS update is interrupted, it is possible the BIOS may be left in an unusable state. Use the recovery BIOS update to recover from this condition. It requires a USB flash device or CD.
- iflash BIOS Update [QXCFL579.0036.RECOVERY.zip] - A DOS-based utility to update the BIOS regardless of operating system. It requires a USB flash device or CD.
- UEFI BIOS update [QXCFL579.0036.UEFI.zip] - Allows updating of the BIOS from the EFI shell. It requires a USB flash device.
- Express BIOS update [QXCFL579.0036.EBU.exe] - Self-extracting Windows-based update file, designed to be used on Windows systems.

Important Notes:

- Once the update process has started, DO NOT POWER DOWN YOUR SYSTEM before the update is complete. The update process will take up to 3 minutes.
- Update the BIOS on your computer only if the newer BIOS version specifically solves a problem you have. We do not recommend BIOS updates for computers that do not need it.
- Downgrading the BIOS to an earlier version is not recommended and might not be supported. An earlier BIOS version might not offer support for the latest processors, bug fixes, critical security updates, or support the latest board revisions currently being manufactured. If you are trying to downgrade to a previous BIOS version and its Intel ME Firmware version is older than that currently on the motherboard, then the downgrade is NOT supported.
- Before initiating a BIOS update, be sure to read and precisely follow the instructions included in this document. You may wish to print the instructions for easy reference.
- If a BIOS update process is interrupted, your computer may not function properly. We recommend the process be done in an environment with a steady power supply (preferably with UPS).
- Before updating the BIOS, manually record all BIOS settings that have been changed (from default) so they can be restored after completing the BIOS update.

Express BIOS update instructions:

- With the Intel Express BIOS Update utility, you can update the BIOS while in Windows.
- Save the Express BIOS update file to a temporary folder on the target Intel NUC.
- Double-click the .EXE file to run the Express BIOS update.
- Follow all prompts.

F7 BIOS flash update instructions:

- Download and save the Recovery BIOS (.BIO) file to a USB portable device.
- Plug the USB device into a USB port of the target Intel NUC.
- Turn on (or restart) the Intel NUC.
- During boot, when the F7 prompt is displayed, press F7 to enter the BIOS Flash Update tool.
- Select the USB device and press Enter.
- Select the .BIO file and press Enter.
- Confirm you want to update the BIOS by pressing Enter.
- Wait 2-5 minutes for the update to complete.
- Remove the USB device.
- Restart the computer.

Power button menu update:

- The Power Button Menu Update allows you to update the system BIOS during the boot process and before the operating system loads. However, some Intel NUC models do not include this feature.
- Download and save the Recovery BIOS (.BIO) file to a portable USB device.
- Plug the USB device into a USB port of the Intel NUC when it is turned off (not in Hibernate or Sleep mode).
- Press and hold down the power button. The system emits three short beeps from the PC speaker. You can plug headphones into the front panel audio jack, if available on your Intel NUC, to hear the beeps.
- After the beeps, release the power button before the 4-second shutdown override.
- The Power Button Menu displays. Options on the menu can vary, depending on the Intel NUC model.
- You can do a normal BIOS update by pressing F7 or a BIOS Recovery by pressing F4.
- Wait 2-5 minutes for the update to complete.
- The computer either turns off when the recovery process is completed, or it prompts you to turn it off.
- Remove the USB device.
- Restart the computer.

iFlash update instructions:

- Download and save the iFlash Update .ZIP file to a temporary folder.
- Unzip the downloaded file.
- Copy the .BIO file and IFLASH2.EXE to a bootable USB device (see information below).
- Boot the target PC to DOS.
- At the appropriate directory prompt for the USB drive, type IFLASH2 /pf XXX.BIO (where XXX.BIO is the filename of the .BIO file) to launch the iFlash BIOS update process.

BIOS Recovery update instructions:

- In the unlikely event that a BIOS update is interrupted, it is possible the BIOS may be left in an unusable state. The recovery process requires the chassis to be opened to move the onboard BIOS Configuration Jumper.
- WARNING: This process is intended to be performed by a trained technician.
- Copy the recovery file (.bio) to a bootable USB device.
- Plug the USB device into a USB port of the target Intel NUC.
- Shut down the computer and unplug AC power.
- Open the chassis and remove the yellow BIOS Configuration Jumper. See the Technical Product Specification for the location of this jumper.
- Power the system on.
- Wait 2-5 minutes for the update to complete.
- The computer will either turn off when the recovery process is completed or it will prompt you to turn off the computer.
- Remove the USB device from the USB port.
- Replace the BIOS Configuration Jumper.
- Restart the computer.

To identify your current BIOS version:

- Press F2 during boot to enter BIOS setup.
- The third segment of the BIOS ID string (a 4-digit number) is the current BIOS version.
- Press ESC to exit BIOS.

About OS Independent BIOS:

Although installing a newer BIOS version might add new features, update various components, or improve the device’s usability, this process is very risky, so the upgrade is recommended to be performed only when it is really needed.

In addition to that, this task should be performed by someone who has the knowledge to successfully complete the installation; regular users may fulfill it at their own risk.

When it comes to applying a new version without taking into account the computer’s operating system, the most commonly used method to flash the BIOS is by creating a bootable USB or CD containing the update file, and running it from DOS.

About BIOS Update Utility:

Applying a new BIOS version can bring various fixes, add new features, or improve existing ones; however, this action is very risky and should be carefully carried out in a steady power environment (such as the one ensured by a UPS unit), and only when it is really needed.

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a highly important piece of software that loads the currently installed operating system and tests all hardware components – so make sure you flash it correctly.

When it comes to changing the BIOS version, the update utility searches for a compatible package in any given location or on the web and, if found, it will automatically install the desired build, if and when your approval is given.

Do take into account that failing to perform the installation could seriously damage your system, and the faulty BIOS might even render it unusable.

Therefore, if you intend to upgrade your BIOS, hit the download button, get and install the package, and run the utility to check if a newer version is available. Don’t forget to check with our website as often as possible to be up to date with the latest releases.

  It is highly recommended to always use the most recent driver version available.

Try to set a system restore point before installing a device driver. This will help if you installed an incorrect or mismatched driver. Problems can arise when your hardware device is too old or not supported any longer.