![]() ![]() Patching a DIY computer is more complicated, so we made a guide on how to find your motherboard’s Spectre CPU fix. Find that, then search for the support or downloads page for your PC’s model number. Most prebuilt computers and laptops have a sticker with model details somewhere on their exterior. Because of that, patches for individual systems will likely take longer than Intel and AMD’s stated timelines to trickle down to home users. Instead, you need to snag them from the company that made your laptop, PC, or motherboard-think HP, Dell, Gigabyte, et cetera. Given Microsoft’s warning of post-patch performance slow-downs, Intel’s firmware stability woes, and the optional nature of AMD’s fix, you may want to wait until AMD’s microcode update is tested and benchmark before deciding whether or not to apply it to your system.Īctually getting those firmware updates is tricky, because firmware updates aren’t issued directly from Intel and AMD. They’re classified as optional, however, because “differences in AMD architecture mean there is a near zero risk of exploitation” of the Spectre variant that requires firmware updates. Intel quickly released firmware updates for most of its processors released in the past five years-but the “fix” could cause system instability, reboots, and data loss or corruption.ĪMD will release CPU firmware updates too, starting with Ryzen, Threadripper, and Epyc processors before moving on to older chips. You also need to install CPU microcode/firmware fixes to protect against one of the Spectre variants, which can’t be combated by operating system patches alone. Intel’s Core i7-8700K CPU is vulnerable to Meltdown and Spectre. Check for a CPU firmware update Gordon Mah Ung Patches are also available for the Linux kernel. It contains mitigations against the CPU flaws. Chromebooks should have already updated to Chrome OS 63 in December. If your Mac doesn’t automatically apply updates, force it by going into the App Store’s Update tab. We do not recommend manually installing the Windows Meltdown patches if Microsoft hasn’t pushed them to your PC via Windows Update.Īpple quietly worked Meltdown protections into macOS High Sierra 10.13.2, which released in December. If it didn’t automatically update your PC, head to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then click the Check now button under “Update status.” (Alternatively, you can just search for “Windows Update,” which also works for Windows 7 and 8.) Your system should detect the available update and begin downloading it. ![]() Microsoft pushed out an emergency Windows patch late in the day on January 3. It’s an issue with the hardware itself, but the major operating system makers have rolled out updates that protect against the Meltdown and Spectre CPU flaws. The more severe flaw, Meltdown, affects “effectively every processor since 1995,” according to the Google security researchers that discovered it. First, and most important: Update your operating system right now.
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