Question Is it possible for the bios to auto update itself?

[MyLittleFella]

Well, I shut down my PC a few hours ago and when I turned it back on, my motherboard displayed a message saying it was updating "Hydranode firmware."

But here's the thing: how is this possible?

- I have CSM (Compatibility Support Module) enabled because I don’t use Secure Boot or UEFI; I’m still using MBR.
- I don't have any ASUS software installed on my PC, other than the drivers available from their official website.
- Windows Update is turned off, as well as driver updates through the registry and device installation settings.

So how is this still happening?

The message was something like this (but with “Hydranode,” instead of BIOS)

EDIT: There is a chance it was just a bug. I did some digging online and other Asus owners reported something similar, but it wasn't Hydranode, it was LED or just BIOS.

 

[Lutfij]

Well, I shut down my PC a few hours ago and when I turned it back on, my motherboard displayed a message saying it was updating "Hydranode firmware."
Hydranode is a feature found on Asus boards, what is the model for your Asus motherboard? Probable that the OS saw the BIOS update was critical. Just an FYI, there are instances where even registry hacks to prevent the OS from updating were pretty much received with mixed results.

I tend to flash the BIOS to the latest version sans BETA versions unless I see instabilities on the non-BETA versions.

 

[MyLittleFella]

what is the model for your Asus motherboard?

X670E Crosshair Hero

Usually I don't like updating the bios because of the stability issues

 

[MyLittleFella]

Probable that the OS saw the BIOS update was critical.

is that possible even when I'm not using UEFI with CSM Enabled?

 

[COLGeek]

Typically, a PC's BIOS doesn't just update itself. This usually requires user action to initiate.

This appears to be a device firmware getting updated.

 

[dwd999]

IDK I looked at the ASUS web page for your motherboard and the most recent bios related update was 2024/12/05. But the first question is: did you have Hydranode enabled in your bios prior to this event; otherwise how would the computer even know that the firmware or software needed to be updated in the first place. And there are no Hydranode updates listed anywhere on the ASUS webpage. The whole thing sounds suspicious, perhaps some type of malware masquerading as Hydranode related. Perhaps some malware got through because Secure Boot and UEFI are turned off.

 

[MyLittleFella]

Typically, a PC's BIOS doesn't just update itself. This usually requires user action to initiate.

This appears to be a device firmware getting updated.

Agreed, but I don't know what triggered it

 

[MyLittleFella]

IDK I looked at the ASUS web page for your motherboard and the most recent bios related update was 2024/12/05. But the first question is: did you have Hydranode enabled in your bios prior to this event; otherwise how would the computer even know that the firmware or software needed to be updated in the first place. And there are no Hydranode updates listed anywhere on the ASUS webpage. The whole thing sounds suspicious, perhaps some type of malware masquerading as Hydranode related. Perhaps some malware got through because Secure Boot and UEFI are turned off.

Exactly my point. Hydranode was off.

 

[dwd999]

Since Hydranode was off (and you probably didn't have Hydranode compatible fans anyway, who does) malware becomes more likely.

 

[MyLittleFella]

Since Hydranode was off (and you probably didn't have Hydranode compatible fans anyway, who does) malware becomes more likely.

How do I get rid of if? Or even confirm it's the case

 

[dwd999]

You could run any of the commercial programs like Malwarebytes or any antivirus. But since you're still using an MBR disk with Secure Boot and UEFI turned off you might prepare for a complete windows re-install with GPT and all security features turned on.