Surface 3 gets rare firmware update with security fixes in tow

The Surface 3 hasn't received a firmware update since late-2016, but, if you have one lying around, Microsoft is changing things up a bit by pushing a fresh set of fixes out to the device.

The latest updates include compatibility improvements with high-res external displays, along with a patch for the dreaded Spectre and Meltdown security vulnerabilities that were first disclosed in January. Here's a look at what's new (opens in new tab):

Surface – Firmware – 1.51116.198.0 - Surface UEFI – Firmware: 1.51116.198.0 resolves potential security vulnerabilities, including Microsoft security advisory 180002 (opens in new tab).
Intel Corporation – Display adapters – 20.19.15.4835 - Intel(R) HD Graphics – Display adapters: 20.19.15.4835 improves compatibility with high resolution external displays on Windows 10 April 2018 Update.

The updates are available now for all Surface 3 devices on the Windows 10 Creators Update and newer, and should be available to grab via Windows Update now.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl.

24 Comments

Well, kiss my F-in grits! They haven't forgot about Rodney.
But, I wonder what this will F-up🤔🤔
I hate doing updates on Window. Always a headache and never know what breaks.
But, what OS isn't like that????🤔🤔🤔
ChromeOS. 5 mins update completely better than 5 hrs
Please.. 🙄
Typical Rodney response.
😉💜😘😘😘
On my surface pro 2017 are updates just 2-3 minutes long, don't compare EMMC with atom cpu, to chrome books or laptops with windows
Yeah but ChromeOS is just a web browser so it doesn't take much to upgrade it anyway.
AND, fixes can be updated in the background all damn day long until it's right...MS can't send 30 updates a day to your machine.
If you think that all it does you haven't been keeping up with its progress and about to release it running Linux as well as running Android apps. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.theverge.com/platform/amp/circuitbreake...
My Surface 3 LTE is still in full use even though I'm looking to upgrade. I hate shopping for laptops. I found several in my budget i want to buy but really wanting an always connected LTE device that doesn't break the bank. This is good to know.
Me too. I'm home now looking to see what Microsoft delivers this fall with
there new 10. device
The S3 is still serving me well...welcomed update - just might keep it a little while longer.
I love how now, the Surface 3 has a newer Intel GPU driver than the Surface Pro 4.
Well if it ain't broke don't fix it would seem to apply. What would a more up to date graphics driver add to the SP4 that the old one doesn't have?
Good. I'll check it out on my Surface 3.
Still got my Surface 3, love it. just waiting for next surface (non pro)
A 400 Dollar Surface 2 in 1 Tablet/Laptop hybrid with an intel core M CPU would be a
breath of fresh air for many folks who cannot afford to pay 700 Dollars or more for the
current Surface devices up for sale. I will buy one when they go up for sale. I am not
doing intensive video editing or computer Aided design work so a core M Intel CPU
Surface device would work well for what I do.
Got it. Also had an old intell update that was sitting around for a while...
Haven't seen it yet.
I was a bit surprised but appreciate the updates. I've been a happy S3 user for several years now.
Still using my Surface 3. Added a Surface Laptop which replaced the Surface Pro 3 that I donated to my Church. If the new non-pro Surface device looks and tests well, I'll donate my Surface 3 and replace it with the new unit. 😊

Show more comments

Windows Central Newsletter