Intel CPU microcode update failure

What is INTEL-MICROCODE-UPDATE-FAIL?

INTEL-MICROCODE-UPDATE-FAIL is a medium-severity processor (CPU) problem. The INTEL-MICROCODE-UPDATE-FAIL error occurs when the system BIOS attempts to load a CPU microcode patch and fails. Intel releases microcode updates to fix CPU errata, security vulnerabilities (Spectre, Meltdown, Downfall), and stability bugs. A failed microcode load leaves the processor operating with known silicon bugs active. It sometimes comes down to CPU generation mismatch. The steps below are ordered to resolve this efficiently.

Common Causes

• Outdated BIOS without microcode support
• Corrupted microcode file
• CPU generation mismatch

Step-by-Step Fix Guide

• 1
  Update motherboard BIOS to latest version

  Updating BIOS is the primary resolution — all modern BIOS updates include the latest microcode packages.

• 2
  Verify CPU is on motherboard's supported CPU list

  Check manufacturer QVL lists if CPU compatibility is uncertain.

• 3
  Contact motherboard manufacturer

  "Contact motherboard manufacturer" covers a less common but documented cause of INTEL-MICROCODE-UPDATE-FAIL.

Commands & Diagnostics

Frequently Asked Questions