SanDisk® Global Customer Support (US)
Dashboard/Firmware Updates for SSDs - General FAQ
This page contains information regarding firmware updates for SanDisk SSDs and when it might be necessary to submit a support request for assistance. It is designed to address a number of the most commonly asked questions regarding firmware updates.
This page contains answers to the most commonly asked questions and information regarding firmware updates for SSDs and when it might be necessary to submit a support request for assistance. It is designed to address a number of the most commonly asked questions regarding firmware updates.
Q. I have both a SanDisk and WD SSD installed in my Windows system. Do I need both of the SanDisk and WD Dashboard utilities installed on my system?
A. That is a great question. The answer is no. They use the same underlying code and can detect both brands. When you toggle the dropdown list at the top of the application and switch from SanDisk to WD drives and vice versa, you will notice that the UI changes to reflect which brand of SSD you are looking at.
Q. I bought a new SanDisk or WD SSD and have installed it. How can I tell which firmware revision is installed on the drive on my Windows system?
A. Install the Dashboard utility and launch it. After your drive(s) is detected, you will see the version of firmware currently installed on your SSD. This is the preferred method. Alternately, you can launch Device Manager on your Windows system, right-click on the SSD and select Properties. Click on the Details tab then select Hardware IDs from the dropdown menu. You may see a number of entries listed. The entry on the top line will have the version (the last 4 characters). The drawback for using this method is that Windows will truncate the value and not display the entire version.
Q. Is there a version of the Dashboard for macOS or Linux? How can I get a firmware update for my Mac or Linux machine?
A. Unfortunately, those platforms are not currently supported by the Dashboard. Please check back on this FAQ from time-to-time to see if or when those platforms may be supported in a future release.
Q. I bought a new SanDisk or WD SSD and have installed it. How can I tell which firmware revision is installed on the drive on my Mac?
A. As there is no macOS version of the Dashboard utility at this time, you must use the macOS to provide that information. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen. Select 'About this Mac > More Info'. Select the 'System Report'. Under 'Contents', click on 'Hardware' to expand the list of devices installed. Click on 'Serial-ATA'. This should open up a window which displays information about your drive. The firmware version should be listed in the 'Revision' field.
Q. The Dashboard has an option to manually update my firmware from a file on my computer. Can you send me the file to update my firmware manually?
A. This is a good question. The Dashboard is responsible for keeping the firmware up-to-date on your system. The option to install manually is for rare cases when there may be the necessity for Engineering to provide a test file for a customer to use. In those cases, Support will provide the necessary file and provide instructions for uploading and refreshing the firmware on your unit. This is why that button is there.
Q. How does the Dashboard know my SSD needs a firmware update?
A. When installed, the Dashboard talks directly to the SSD itself. It does not require the Windows OS to provide any details or metrics about the SSD. Once it has identified the model number and the firmware revision of the SSD, it will connect to the cloud to query the firmware resources located there to see if an update is available. If there is an updated version of the firmware for that model, it will advise you so that you can download and install it.
Q. I bought a branded desktop/laptop from Dell, HP, etc., that has a Sandisk or WD SSD installed. I saw that there is a firmware update available but my Dashboard says my firmware is up-to-date. Can you send me the file so I can update my system?
A. This is a really good question. When there is a firmware update for SSDs installed in OEM machines such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc., those manufacturers will include those updates on their own distribution platform or utility such as "Dell Updates" or "HP Support Assistant" and similar. Firmware updates for OEM partners are very specific to the OEM-branded SSDs. Retail firmware updates and OEM updates are very different as OEM SSDs have different specs and characteristics than Retail SSDs. OEM firmware updates are provided for your specific model directly from the manufacturer.
Q. My SSD/HDD have been EOL/Discontinued (End of Life). Can I still get firmware updates and support if the Dashboard fails to update the drive?
A. When an SSD has been discontinued, the Dashboard can only apply the most recent firmware update available for that drive when it was a product that was currently shipping. In other words, when a product has been discontinued, firmware updates for that product are not removed from the Dashboard. It is still available to apply. Once applied, however, there will be no further firmware updates for that product. If the Dashboard is unable to update the firmware, please open a case with Customer Support (see Helpful Links below).
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