Solved Bought new router but having problems upgrading firmware


scott784

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Windows 11 Pro
I just replaced my Asus router with a new Netgear Nighthawk AX5400 (model RAX50) router. This thread is not really about my specific router, but just thought I'd put that out there.

So I just installed the new router on my home network today and got all wireless devices working as well. But here's the situation. I noticed that firmware updates are available. Despite this being a new router, the last firmware update on this device appears to be from August 2021. I understand I have to do them myself manually (one by one until I reach the most current level of firmware updates).

But accessing the updates from my router's home page, I get no where. In other words, I get a zip file that Windows 11 cannot recognize or do anything with. All I get are prompts - asking silly questions like how I want to open the file (i.e. Word, Adobe, etc. I thought Windows 11 had zip file extractions built into the Windows 11 operating system?

Can someone advise? For example, is there any third party software that I need in order to extract the firmware files that Netgear states are available for my new router? If this is not necessary, how do I get around the endless cycle of Windows 11 asking me how I wish to open these firmware updates?

Any feedback here is appreciated. I realize I have to be SUPER careful with firmware updates in order to avoid destroying the new router. And Netgear tech support indicated that each firmware update (with the past year) will need to be installed (one by one) before the router will become smart enough to grab future updates on its own.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-9700 @ 3.00GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Z390 Gaming X-CF
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 980 Pro 1TB
    WDC SSD 500GB
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
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    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
I thought Windows 11 had zip file extractions built into the Windows 11 operating system?

It does. Right-click on the file, select Extract All. Follow the prompts.

1661665301656.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i7-12700F
    Motherboard
    ASUS TUF GAMING Z690-PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 Series 64GB (2 x 32GB) DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Black Gaming
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    RealTek HD 7.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming 27" 2K HDR Gaming
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 990 Pro 1TB NVMe (Win 11)
    SK hynix P41 500GB NVMe (Win 10)
    SK hynix P41 2TB NVMe (x3)
    Crucial P3 Plus 4TB
    PSU
    Corsair RM850x Shift
    Case
    Antec Dark Phantom DP502 FLUX
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black + 7 Phantek T-30's
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK 320
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    Razer Basilisk V3
    Internet Speed
    350Mbs
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    Firefox
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    Windows 10 22H2 19045.4170
    On System One
  • Operating System
    Win 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-11700F
    Motherboard
    Asus TUF Gaming Z590 Plus WiFi
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4
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    EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra Gaming
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    SoundBlaster X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung F27T350
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
    Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB
    Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SSD
    PSU
    Corsair HX750
    Case
    Cougar MX330-G Window
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 EVO
    Internet Speed
    350Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
Despite this being a new router, the last firmware update on this device appears to be from August 2021.
That's normal considering it hadn't been updated while in the seller's possession, no way to know how long that was. Same for a new computer always needs updating after setup.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 2TB WDC HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
Every router I have ever had with factory firmware has had an upgrade page on its web interface. You just click the button to upgrade firmware and it does it automatically itself, no files to download or unzip, just like Windows Update. For example, if there were updates available, I would just click the Update All button and it would handle everything for me:

capture4.jpg

Yes, custom firmware such as DD-WRT may be different.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
I did briefly speak with tech support at Netgear. I was told that I would have to go through every firmware update (since my router's last firmware update) and install them one by one. In other words, no jumping from my August 2021 firmware version to the latest firmware update.

I am not sure why the manufacturers of routers don't make this an easier process. And perhaps that explains that according to statistics I've read online, the vast majority of home user's never bother updating their router's firmware at all.

But I am a big advocate of online security; and I know it all starts with the router. So I certainly believe in doing it! I understand Netgear has an automatic firmware update, "but" I was told this won't work in the background until I do all the manual updates over the past year.

Thanks for the replies here. I will post back when I have time to accomplish this.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-9700 @ 3.00GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Z390 Gaming X-CF
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 980 Pro 1TB
    WDC SSD 500GB
    Antivirus
    Norton 360

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 2TB WDC HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
It just seems really weird to me that "a new Netgear Nighthawk AX5400" would not have the option in the web interface to upgrade firmware automatically when my old reliable Nighthawk R7000 does. Heck, my old Nighthawk even has an option to keep itself updated. Any idea why Netgear did away with those options on new routers?

capture3.jpg
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
Well, first thing to think about is whether you need to update.

The principle "if it ain't broke, don't fix it' is always a good maxim.

My router is waiting an update but works fine. The router forum is flooded with complaints about latest update losing connection all the time.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro + others in VHDs
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook 14
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    N/A
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Optane NVME SSD, 1 TB NVME SSD
    PSU
    Yep, got one
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wired
    Internet Speed
    72 Mb/s :-(
    Browser
    Edge mostly
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0
I forgot to mention the reason for updating was a message from Netgear about Security Firmware Update.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 2TB WDC HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
Oddly enough, I learned today that my new router was on the current version! Somehow over the last 2 days, the router automatically made it to the latest firmware version of V1.0.11.112_2.0.77

That was not the case when I originally posted a couple of days ago. At that time (and with the router online), there was no option to simply click an update button (as you would do in Windows). Nothing so simple at all. And Tech Support at Netgear had previously advised that I would have to install each firmware update (one by one) until I made it up to the most current firmware version. I was told that only then would the router take over and do its own housekeeping (so to speak) with these firmware updates.

So, again, it was odd that the router suddenly was able to grab the latest version on its own, when I was not getting this option 2 days ago. Oh well, I am happy now. Thanks for all the replies here.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-9700 @ 3.00GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Z390 Gaming X-CF
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 980 Pro 1TB
    WDC SSD 500GB
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
So I am all set on my new router. But I do have one question, which might sound dumb.

When I gave my router a home network name, I named it Rexford. But now when I go to network wi-fi connections, I see that I can choose between Rexford or Rexford/5G. I did a speed test between the two of these wi-fi connections. And you guessed it. When I choose Rexford/5G as my wi-fi connection in the home, the speed test results are much higher than the regular speed under the name Rexford.

So here's the dumb question. Given that scenario, why would I ever want to log onto the wi-fi Rexford when I can choose Rexford/5G and get higher wireless speeds? In other words, since my devices seem to be capable for either one, would there be any reason to ever choose the Rexford wi-fi connection? And since it's the same home network, why is there a separate name for each? Thanks for any final replies here.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-9700 @ 3.00GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Z390 Gaming X-CF
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 980 Pro 1TB
    WDC SSD 500GB
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
So I am all set on my new router. But I do have one question, which might sound dumb.

When I gave my router a home network name, I named it Rexford. But now when I go to network wi-fi connections, I see that I can choose between Rexford or Rexford/5G. I did a speed test between the two of these wi-fi connections. And you guessed it. When I choose Rexford/5G as my wi-fi connection in the home, the speed test results are much higher than the regular speed under the name Rexford.

So here's the dumb question. Given that scenario, why would I ever want to log onto the wi-fi Rexford when I can choose Rexford/5G and get higher wireless speeds? In other words, since my devices seem to be capable for either one, would there be any reason to ever choose the Rexford wi-fi connection? And since it's the same home network, why is there a separate name for each? Thanks for any final replies here.
It's a dual band router. 5GHz faster and shorter range. 2.4 GHz slower but with a longer range. Basically if your device is far from the router then select the 2.4 GHz band.

2022-08-30 06_59_30-Bought new router but having problems upgrading firmware _ Windows 11 Foru...png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro & 🐥.
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700U with Radeon Vega Mobile Gfx
    Motherboard
    ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. X509DA (FP5)
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RX Vega 10 Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@60Hz)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 2TB NVMe 1.3
    Internet Speed
    25 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ACER NITRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5800H / 3.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    CZ Scala_CAS (FP6)
    Memory
    32 GB DDR4 SDRAM 3200 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio. NVIDIA High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" LED backlight 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 144 Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2TB NVMe M.2
    PSU
    180 Watt, 19.5 V
    Mouse
    Lenovo Bluetooth
    Internet Speed
    25 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
So I am all set on my new router. But I do have one question, which might sound dumb.

When I gave my router a home network name, I named it Rexford. But now when I go to network wi-fi connections, I see that I can choose between Rexford or Rexford/5G. I did a speed test between the two of these wi-fi connections. And you guessed it. When I choose Rexford/5G as my wi-fi connection in the home, the speed test results are much higher than the regular speed under the name Rexford.

So here's the dumb question. Given that scenario, why would I ever want to log onto the wi-fi Rexford when I can choose Rexford/5G and get higher wireless speeds? In other words, since my devices seem to be capable for either one, would there be any reason to ever choose the Rexford wi-fi connection? And since it's the same home network, why is there a separate name for each? Thanks for any final replies here.
Not all pcs or mobile phones have 5G ability, and have to connect to 2.4G.

Some routers have same uuid for 2.4G and 5G and router automatically chooses. Others do a separate uuid as you say above.

I prefer latter as sometimes routers connect on slower 2.4G even though 5G is available.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro + others in VHDs
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook 14
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    N/A
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Optane NVME SSD, 1 TB NVME SSD
    PSU
    Yep, got one
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wired
    Internet Speed
    72 Mb/s :-(
    Browser
    Edge mostly
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0
@scott784
I see the same on my Nighthawk, 2 choices.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 2TB WDC HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
Yeah, since all my devices appear to offer me the choice of what must be 2.4G (the wi-fi connection called Rexford on my home wi-fi) as well as the 5G Rexford/5G, I just thought it was kind of odd that I must scroll down in the list to get to the Rexford/5G wi-fi connection. At any rate, good to know that this is normal and others see a similar set-up on their home wi-fi networks. As previously stated, when I do a speed test, the download and upload speeds are much greater on the 5G. So I just set up all devices to use the Rexford/5G home wi-fi, especially since none of my devices are far away from the router. This is only a 1412 square foot home (with everything on one level). So none of the devices are far away. Thanks for the feedback.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-9700 @ 3.00GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Z390 Gaming X-CF
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 980 Pro 1TB
    WDC SSD 500GB
    Antivirus
    Norton 360

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