Microsoft releases firmware update for Surface Laptop Ultra to fix screen flickering, restarts, and slow reboots
Microsoft’s October 22, 2026 firmware update addresses Surface Laptop Ultra screen flickering, unexpected restarts, and slow reboots reported in early reviews. It rolls out automatically, but users can install it manually; once installed, it can’t be rolled back.
Microsoft has released a firmware update for its Surface Laptop Ultra, addressing several bugs that affected the device at launch. The October 22, 2026 update targets three specific issues: screen flickering, unexpected restarts, and lengthy reboot times. Microsoft says it also includes unspecified “additional bug fixes and general performance improvements.”
The bugs were notable enough to surface in early reviews. The Verge’s Tom Warren reported that rebooting the device was “surprisingly slow” and that “moving a window around rapidly sometimes left a little trail” — consistent with the screen flickering issue the update addresses. Warren also encountered speaker interference loud enough to “sound like firecrackers,” which resolved after rebooting but recurred multiple times. It remains unclear whether that issue is among the additional fixes included in the update; The Verge has asked Microsoft for clarification.
After installing the firmware, Microsoft recommends restarting the device to complete the installation: “To restart your device, select Start, and then select Power > Restart.”
The update will roll out automatically to all Surface Laptop Ultra devices, though not all units will receive it simultaneously. Users who prefer not to wait can install it manually through Microsoft’s driver and firmware page. Once installed, the update cannot be uninstalled or rolled back to a previous version.