Microsoft Surface Dock 1 Firmware Update: Step-by-Step Installation Guide

That old Surface Dock 1 still has life in it. I kept mine running through three Surface Pro generations, and the firmware update was the key to stability with newer devices.

You’ll need a Surface Pro 3 or later, the latest Windows updates, and a USB-C to USB-A adapter if your device lacks the older port. The entire process takes under 10 minutes once you track down the right driver package.

Microsoft hides the update in the Surface Dock firmware section of their download site—not the Surface Pro page. Download, run the installer, and let the dock reboot itself twice. No tools, no disassembly.

If the update stalls, unplug everything except the power cable and try again. This fixed my intermittent display flickering on a 2017 Surface Pro, and it’ll likely solve yours too.

What Youll Need

Step-by-Step Instructions for Updating Your Dock Firmware

Here’s the procedure I use to keep my setup running smoothly and without issues.

Connect the dock to your Surface device using the included Surface Connect cable. Open Settings, then navigate to Devices > Connected devices. Check that the dock appears as Surface Dock in the list.

To confirm the current firmware version, open Device Manager, expand System devices, and locate Surface Dock Firmware Update. Right-click and select Properties > Details > Hardware Ids. The version is listed in the Value field. Note this down for comparison after the update.

Visit Microsoft’s official support site and search for Surface Dock Updater. Download the latest .msi installer for your system architecture (typically x64). Run the installer as administrator—right-click the file and select Run as administrator to avoid permission errors.

The installation takes 2-3 minutes. Wait until the progress bar completes and the installer closes automatically. Do not disconnect the dock or power off the system during this process, as it may corrupt the firmware.

Launch the Surface Dock Updater from the Start menu. Follow the on-screen prompts to begin the update. The tool will automatically detect the connected dock and verify that a newer firmware version is available.

The update process takes 5-10 minutes. Watch for the progress indicator to reach 100% and display a confirmation message. The dock’s status LED will blink amber during the update and turn solid white once complete.

Once the update finishes, close the updater and restart your Surface device. Disconnecting and reconnecting the dock after restarting ensures the new firmware initializes properly.

Return to Device Manager and check the firmware version again using the same steps as before. Confirm that the version matches the latest release noted on Microsoft’s support page. If the version hasn’t changed, run the updater again or check your internet connection for automatic updates.

Tips and Common Mistakes

These insights will help you avoid pitfalls during the firmware update process.

Patience During Installation: In Step 2, the Surface Dock Updater installation takes exactly 2-3 minutes as specified. I learned the hard way that disconnecting the dock or powering off prematurely can corrupt the firmware. Trust me—wait for the progress bar to complete and the installer to close automatically before touching anything.

Update Process Timing: Step 3’s firmware application requires the full 5-10 minutes to complete. Don’t be alarmed if the dock’s status LED blinks amber during this time—it’s normal. The update is finished when the LED turns solid white, and the progress indicator reaches 100%. Rushing this step can leave your firmware partially installed.

Verification is Key: In Step 4, always double-check the firmware version in Device Manager after restarting. I once skipped this and found my dock still running the old version. If the version hasn’t changed, run the updater again or ensure your internet connection is stable for automatic updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Updating your Microsoft Surface Dock 1 firmware ensures optimal performance and compatibility with your device. 💡 By following the step-by-step guide, you’ve taken a proactive step to enhance functionality. Next, check for additional updates regularly to keep your dock running smoothly—your future self will thank you!