A recent Windows 11 update has been causing frustration for some Lenovo ThinkPad users. The issue stems from a change Microsoft implemented to block the executable file WinFlash64.exe. This modification, included in the latest patches for Windows 10 and 11, was primarily made for security reasons.
However, it has inadvertently affected the BIOS update process for certain Lenovo devices. Users attempting to utilize either Lenovo’s BIOS Update Utility or the Lenovo Vantage app to install BIOS updates have encountered errors. Various error messages may appear, but the end result remains the same: users are unable to proceed with the updates.
Following the update, the operating system flags the BIOS update as a ‘vulnerable driver,’ effectively preventing the process from running. This update affects multiple active versions of the Windows operating system, including 24H2, 23H2, and 22H2 for Windows 11, as well as 22H2 for Windows 10. For ThinkPad users eager for a solution, there is some good news.
A fix is reportedly on the way. In the meantime, users are advised to check Windows Update for the BIOS update, which may be applied directly, bypassing the BIOS Update Utility. However, this workaround is contingent upon Windows detecting the necessary patch.
Lenovo is also working on rectifying the situation, with a newer BIOS version (v1.61) expected to address these concerns. While it is somewhat unusual for a BIOS update to be labeled as risky, users are hopeful that this glitch will be resolved swiftly, alleviating any major inconveniences.