How To Install Fwupd on Manjaro

Keeping your system’s firmware up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance, security, and functionality. Fwupd is a powerful tool that simplifies the process of updating firmware on Linux systems, including Manjaro. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to install and use Fwupd on Manjaro, ensuring your device’s firmware stays current and secure.

What is Fwupd?

Fwupd is an open-source daemon that allows session software to update device firmware on Linux systems. It supports a wide range of devices, including laptops, desktops, and various peripherals. By using Fwupd, you can easily manage and update firmware for components such as BIOS, UEFI, network adapters, and more.

Key benefits of using Fwupd include:

• Simplified firmware updates
• Enhanced security through timely patches
• Improved device performance and compatibility
• Support for a growing list of hardware vendors

Prerequisites for Installing Fwupd on Manjaro

Before we dive into the installation process, ensure you have the following:

• A Manjaro Linux installation (up-to-date)
• An active internet connection
• Basic knowledge of terminal commands
• Sudo or root access to your system

Installing Fwupd on Manjaro

Manjaro, being an Arch-based distribution, offers a straightforward method to install Fwupd using the package manager Pacman. Follow these steps to install Fwupd on your Manjaro system:

Step 1: Update Your System

First, ensure your system is up-to-date by running the following command in the terminal:

sudo pacman -Syu

This command synchronizes the package databases and upgrades all installed packages to their latest versions.

Step 2: Install Fwupd

Once your system is updated, install Fwupd by executing the following command:

sudo pacman -S fwupd

This command will download and install the Fwupd package along with its dependencies.

Step 3: Verify Installation

After the installation is complete, verify that Fwupd is installed correctly by checking its version:

fwupdmgr --version

This command should display the installed version of Fwupd.

Configuring Fwupd on Manjaro

Once Fwupd is installed, you’ll need to configure it for optimal performance and functionality. Here are some essential configuration steps:

Enable and Start Fwupd Service

To ensure Fwupd runs automatically, enable and start its systemd service:

sudo systemctl enable fwupd.service
sudo systemctl start fwupd.service

Configure Automatic Updates (Optional)

If you want Fwupd to check for updates automatically, you can enable the fwupd-refresh timer:

sudo systemctl enable fwupd-refresh.timer
sudo systemctl start fwupd-refresh.timer

Customize Fwupd Configuration

For advanced users, you can modify Fwupd’s behavior by editing its configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/fwupd/fwupd.conf

Here, you can adjust settings such as update frequency, download behavior, and more. Remember to restart the Fwupd service after making changes.

Using Fwupd on Manjaro

Now that Fwupd is installed and configured, let’s explore how to use it effectively on your Manjaro system.

Basic Fwupd Commands

List Devices

To see all devices that Fwupd can manage, use the following command:

fwupdmgr get-devices

This will display a list of supported devices along with their current firmware versions.

Check for Updates

To check for available firmware updates, run:

fwupdmgr refresh
fwupdmgr get-updates

The first command refreshes the metadata, while the second lists any available updates.

Install Updates

To install available firmware updates, execute:

sudo fwupdmgr update

This command will download and install any available firmware updates for your devices.

Using Graphical Front-ends

While command-line operations are powerful, some users prefer graphical interfaces. Manjaro offers several options:

GNOME Software

If you’re using GNOME, the Software application integrates with Fwupd, allowing you to manage firmware updates through its interface.

KDE Discover

For KDE Plasma users, the Discover application provides a user-friendly way to manage firmware updates via Fwupd.

GNOME Firmware

The GNOME Firmware application is a dedicated tool for managing firmware updates using Fwupd. Install it with:

sudo pacman -S gnome-firmware

UEFI Firmware Updates

Updating UEFI firmware requires special consideration. Here’s what you need to know:

Requirements for UEFI Updates

• Ensure your system is booted in UEFI mode, not legacy BIOS mode
• Verify that your EFI variables are accessible
• Mount your EFI System Partition (ESP) correctly

Preparing the EFI System Partition

To prepare your ESP for UEFI updates:

1. Identify your ESP partition (usually /dev/sda1 or similar)
2. Mount the ESP if not already mounted:

   sudo mount /dev/sdX1 /boot/efi

3. Create necessary directories:

   sudo mkdir -p /boot/efi/EFI/fwupd

Secure Boot Considerations

If you have Secure Boot enabled, ensure that Fwupd’s EFI binaries are signed with a key recognized by your system. Some systems may require temporarily disabling Secure Boot for firmware updates.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While Fwupd generally works smoothly, you might encounter some issues. Here are solutions to common problems:

Update Failures

If an update fails, try the following:

1. Ensure your system has sufficient battery power or is connected to AC power
2. Check your internet connection
3. Verify that you have enough free disk space
4. Try running the update command with sudo

Device Detection Problems

If Fwupd doesn’t detect your device:

1. Ensure the device is properly connected
2. Check if the device requires additional drivers
3. Verify that the device is supported by Fwupd

Dependency Issues

For dependency-related errors:

1. Update your system: sudo pacman -Syu
2. Reinstall Fwupd: sudo pacman -S fwupd
3. Check for conflicting packages and remove them if necessary

Best Practices and Tips

To ensure smooth firmware updates and system stability, consider these best practices:

• Regularly update your Manjaro system to ensure Fwupd and its dependencies are current
• Always back up important data before performing firmware updates
• Check your device manufacturer’s recommendations before updating firmware
• Keep your system plugged in during firmware updates to prevent interruptions
• After major updates, verify that all your hardware is functioning correctly

Advanced Fwupd Usage

For power users and system administrators, Fwupd offers advanced features:

Downgrading Firmware

In rare cases, you might need to downgrade firmware. Use caution with this command:

sudo fwupdmgr downgrade

Using Fwupd with Full Disk Encryption

If you’re using full disk encryption, ensure that your ESP is accessible and mounted correctly. You may need to provide additional authentication during the update process.

Custom Metadata Sources

Advanced users can add custom metadata sources for firmware updates. Edit the Fwupd configuration file to include additional repositories:

sudo nano /etc/fwupd/fwupd.conf

Fwupd and Security

Firmware updates play a crucial role in system security. Here’s why Fwupd is important for maintaining a secure system:

• Regular firmware updates patch security vulnerabilities
• Fwupd verifies firmware authenticity before installation
• The tool supports encrypted firmware updates for enhanced security

To further enhance security, consider disabling the local cache server (passim) by adding the following line to your Fwupd configuration file:

P2pPolicy=nothing

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Fwupd. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing Fwupd on Manjaro system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Fwupd website.