Surface Duo gets its first firmware update on launch day. Here is what's new and fixed.

Surface Duo Os Update
Surface Duo Os Update (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • The Surface Duo has a launch day firmware update.
  • The update improves device, calling, and camera stability.
  • Software updates roll out in stages for the Surface Duo.

As is often the case with new hardware, the Surface Duo has a launch day update. The update improves device stability, camera stability and performance, and improves calling on the device. It also enhances gestures for moving apps around the device. The firmware update brings the Surface Duo to version 2020.812.86 on unlocked devices and version 2020.812.87 on AT&T locked devices. This firmware update is the same update that reviewers received on September 4.

This update should also bump the Android security patch to September 5th and is the same one Surface Duo reviewers received a few days ago.

Surface Duo checks for OS and system updates during the out-of-box-experience and device setup process for new owners. While you can skip this process (and do it later), this update does bring many improvements that you will want right away.

Latest Videos From

The full changelog of the update appears on the new Surface Duo update history page, which might be worth bookmarking. The page points out that updates for the Surface Duo roll out in stages, so you might not see this update right away.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Firmware versionUpdate info
2020.812.86 (Unlocked Device)
2020.812.87 (AT&T Locked Device)
• Device stability improvements.
• Camera stability, performance, and image quality improvements.
• Improved application gestures for dismissing and moving apps to full screen.
• Improvements in calling features and stability.

Microsoft also outlines how to update your Surface Duo.

  1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
  2. Select Settings on your Surface Duo's home screen.
  3. Select System.
  4. Select System Update.
  5. Select Check for update.
  6. Select Restart now.

While the firmware update for the Surface Duo will help your device's software run smoothly, you'll also want to make sure to protect its hardware with one of the best Surface Duo cases.

Microsoft Surface Duo

Main

YouTube YouTube
Watch On
Sean Endicott
News Writer

Sean Endicott is a News Writer at Windows Central, where he covers Windows 11, Surface hardware, Microsoft 365, AI, apps, and the broader PC ecosystem. Since joining the site in 2017, he has written well over a thousand articles across the Microsoft landscape, covering breaking news, analysis, and feature reporting.

He writes Windows Wrap, a weekly column covering the biggest stories in Windows and the PC industry, and what they mean for the platform going forward.

Before joining Windows Central full-time, Sean worked in journalism and media production after earning a First Class degree in Broadcast Journalism from Nottingham Trent University. Outside of tech, he is an award-winning American football coach based in Nottingham, England, and was named BAFCA Youth Coach of the Year in 2024.