All about Time Capsule, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Express base station firmware updates

Why should I install a firmware update?

Apple provides firmware updates to improve performance and functionality of your AWD. You should install the latest version of firmware available for the best experience.

How do I know when an update is available?

There are several ways that you may be notified of a firmware update.

• The device itself will check weekly to see if it has the latest version of firmware installed. If a newer (later) version is available, the device will automatically flash its amber light to alert you that it wants your attention. In this case, opening AirPort Utility will indicate that an update is available, and give you the option to install it. Apple Wireless Devices do not automatically install firmware updates without your interaction.
• Even though you may not have AirPort Utility open, it will automatically check weekly to see if an update is available. If it detects one, it will notify you.
• Each time you open AirPort Utility, it will also check for updates, and notify you if it finds any.

Can I adjust when AirPort Utility will check for Updates?

You can adjust the schedule that AirPort Utility follows to automatically check for updates by opening AirPort Utility and choosing AirPort Utility > Preferences from the drop down menu at the top of the screen.  You can also adjust the frequency with which the device itself checks for updates by choosing Airport Utility > Options.

How do I get and install an update?

To download and install any available firmwares on your AWD, simply open AirPort Utility. An alert indicates that an update is available (if one is). Click the Update button. If you are updating more than one base station, click Show Details to select the base stations you want to update.

If you are updating a Time Capsule, disconnect any clients that may be using the Time Capsule's disk before installing the firmware.

Note: AirPort Utility keeps an archive of any firmware updates you install, and store them in a specific location (in your ~/Library folder in Mac OS X).

How do I manually download the latest firmware update?

1. Open AirPort Utility.
2. Choose Airport Utility > Check for Updates.
3. Click Download.

If you are updating more than one base station, click Show Details to select the base stations you want to update.

How do I manually install the latest firmware update?

1. Open AirPort Utility.
2. Select your base station and choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu, or double-click on the AWD icon.
3. Click Update to in the Summary pane of AirPort settings to install the firmware.

If I have a computer or device that does not work well with an AWD with the latest update, how can I install previous (earlier) versions of firmware?

1. Open AirPort Utility.
2. From the AirPort Utility menu, hold the Option key (Control key in Windows XP and Vista) and choose Check for Updates....
3. Select the specific firmware version you require.
4. Click Download.
5. Select your base station and choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu, or double-click on the AWD icon.
6. Choose Base Station > Upload Firmware.
7. Select a firmware version and click OK.

An important note about installing firmware

After you have successfully installed a firmware update, AirPort Utility will wait for the AWD to restart. Once the AWD is available, AirPort Utility will display the standard configuration setup window with the Manual Setup and Continue buttons. Unless you intentionally wish to change some configuration of one of your apple Wireless Devices, you do not need to click Continue. At this point, simply quit AirPort Utility. Your AWD should be functioning correctly.