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Microsoft Surface with Windows RT Firmware Updated Again

Surface RT gets its second firmware update
Jan. 8, 2013 Paul Thurrott

In tandem with the regularly scheduled “Patch Tuesday” event today, Microsoft issued a small firmware update for its Surface with Windows RT tablet.

This is the second firmware update that Microsoft has issued for its first Surface device. The first firmware update was released in November, also at the same time as Patch Tuesday.

As with the November update, Microsoft didn’t provide any details about this month’s firmware update, so I asked Microsoft for information. I was told that this update provides the following two improvements to the device’s UEFI-based firmware:

·         Improvements to audio playback when in Connected Standby

·         Additional capabilities for handling firmware updates during low battery situations

So, nothing major. But good to know

Surface firmware updates are installed through Windows Update along with other software updates. They require you to restart the device.

For more information about installing these updates, please visit the Surface web site.

Discuss this Article 14

GoodThings2Life
on Jan 8, 2013

The audio issue during standby is definitely a "major" issue, at least in my view. I hate having music playing, and then the device goes into standby only to result in the music sounding like a bad cell phone call. I'm glad this is addressed... finally.

Waethorn
on Jan 8, 2013

Is it just me, or did anybody else notice that on the Surface, the recovery options in WinRE don't have an option for entering the UEFI firmware, whereas any x86 system with UEFI allows the feature?

Is this the same on other WOA devices? Is this a security feature that Microsoft mandates when building devices for Windows RT?

neonspark
on Jan 8, 2013

oh sounds like they fixed the audio problem. this is fantastic. every time I got an email surface would sound like a broken radio with lots of static and hissing.

rth314
on Jan 8, 2013

I agree. I had to turn off email notifications because the sound my Surface would make, while in standby, when I got an email was embarrassing!

mstudney50
on Jan 8, 2013

Anyone else notice a major improvement in the mail app's performance? It was slow as dirt for me prior to this update (no other variables introduced)... and now seems to be much quicker to respond to deletions and clicking/displaying new messages.

ProGeek
on Jan 8, 2013

Update applied. I was able to confirm audio playback is better. Previously transitioning from song to song in stand by was a problem. A definite welcome update!

tootallmoose
on Jan 8, 2013

After some basic testing it looks like the audio problem is actually fixed. I can even use my usb dac now w/o the whole tablet locking up when it goes into standby!!

Thomas VAILLIER
on Jan 9, 2013

I'm disappointed, the Wi-FI problem is still here (being in a "Limited" state). Maybe it will be fixed in a future update. I hope so.

geoff
on Jan 9, 2013

I'm disappointed too . . .

The problem is that WiFi does not work in the 'n' band (perhaps this is limited to 64GB models only - so not everyone has seen it).

The solution is to disable 'n' at the router. Use 'b' or 'g' instead, and you're ok.

Alternatively, you can disable 'n' at the Surface RT.

That requires a registry edit. It's annoying that Microsoft didn't fix this, or even provide a UI to disable 'n' easily.

Anyway, I've done the registry edit, and it's working properly now.

the67project
on Jan 9, 2013

This has worked for me. I found this on another blog page and it really worked! Right after I rebooted I haven't experienced another limited connection. I think that this might help me in some cases.

To lock Surface to 802.11 b/g band you can use 'Regedit'.
Open Desktop -> Search -> regedit
Open regedit. Select menu Edit -> Find...
Enter "AutoUse40Mhz" -> do search.
There are 2 such entries in registry. We need to change one, located under "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\" branch.
Set "AutoUse40Mhz" to "0" (it has value "1" by default)
Set "Band" to "4" (it has value "6" by default)
Reboot and Surface will connect using 802.11 b/g band

Make sure to save this so you can change it back when MS gets the issue resolved. I run a hot spot off my Droid Razr and I only had limited connection no matter what I tried until this.

robalexclark
on Jan 9, 2013

So when are MS going to fix the "limited" wifi connection problem that has been plaguing 1000s of Surface users. I suspect that they can't, because if they could they would have done it by now.

Waethorn
on Jan 9, 2013

For those with a WiFi problem: What kind of router/access-point are you using?

I've had no issues here, and I've been on Linksys, D-Link (various G and N), Netgear (108G, 150N), TP-Link (150 & 300N), 2Wire (54G), and a few other types of routers I can't think of right now.

I know 3 other people with Surface tablets that don't have any problems either.

If it's a constant issue, just get a warranty exchange.

HowardAbraham
on Jan 9, 2013

My Surface is full of apps to the point where I have to uninstall apps in order to install a new one. When firmware updates come out I have to wipe/restore/update/reload. This process is clearly broken. It would be great if firmware updates could utilize the space available on my SD card.

the67project
on Jan 9, 2013

For anyone having a wifi issue the "limited" death.... try this easy fix. Worked for me and I run off a hotspot from my droid razr. It worked as soon as I rebooted. Its been 2 FULL DAYS WITHOUT the limited message.
I think that this might help in some cases.
To lock Surface to 802.11 b/g band you can use 'Regedit'.
Open Desktop -> Search -> regedit
Open regedit. Select menu Edit -> Find...
Enter "AutoUse40Mhz" -> do search.
There are 2 such entries in registry under "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\" branch.
Set "AutoUse40Mhz" to "0" (it has value "1" by default)
Set "Band" to "4" (it has value "6" by default)
Reboot and Surface will connect using 802.11 b/g band

The search process for Autouse40mHz took about 5 mins so let it go if your surface is taking a while.

Please or Register to post comments.

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