Almost a month after the previous 2.0.16 release, fwupd, an open-source tool designed to simplify firmware updates on Linux-based systems, has reached version 2.0.17, introducing several important new features.
This version introduces client-side phased update deployment, enabling updates to be rolled out in controlled stages on the client side. Additionally, a notable security advancement is the support for post-quantum signatures, preparing Fwupd for future cryptographic standards resilient to quantum computing threats.
Other highlights include the ability to clear the cache directory, new tooling that allows fwupdtpmevlog to dump raw event log data, and improvements to NVMe GUID generation, now derived directly from device serial numbers.
On top of that, Fwupd 2.0.17 makes fwupdtool extract more robust when working with deeply nested firmware images, adds parsing support for VSS and FTW variable stores from EFI volumes, and reintroduces the FreeBSD CI target—a welcome return for developers testing across platforms. Compatibility with very old UDisks versions has also been restored, further broadening the software’s range.
On the bug fixes side, this update includes an extensive set of bug fixes that improve stability and usability across numerous hardware configurations.
Among them are fixes to prevent unnecessary reinstall prompts for composite devices, better handling of MTD BIOS regions, and more accurate device ordering when the parent specifies install-parent-first.
Crashes found through fuzzing—such as those involving Ilitek parsing—have been resolved, while issues affecting Jabra firmware, Dell docking stations, and Intel GPU OptionROM data have been addressed.
Other notable fixes include preventing updates to PK or KEK when test keys are installed, correcting the handling of EFI volumes, and cleaning up lock files after using fwupdtool. The release also enhances the reliability of firmware updates for Logitech Rallybar devices by clearing stale events and introduces smarter handling for Dell docks and Thunderbolt controllers to ensure updates are completed in the correct order.
Finally, Fwupd 2.0.17 expands its hardware compatibility by adding support for several new devices:
- Primax Ryder Mouse 2
- ASUS CX9406 touch controller
- Framework Copilot keyboard
- Genesys GL352530 and GL352360 USB hubs
- Huddly C1 conference camera
- Lexar and Maxio NVMe SSDs
For more information, see the changelog.
