Microcode Update Error Received after Upgrading Intel® Xeon® Processor

Documentation

Error Messages

000006993

08/16/2023

Intel® Xeon® Processors allow for minor software updates from within the motherboard BIOS specific to the processor stepping. The processor stepping is similar to a hardware version. The stepping number is incremented as minor modifications are made to the processor design, like errata corrections.

What am I seeing?

If the BIOS doesn't properly identify the processor stepping, you may encounter one of the following microcode update errors: 

  • Error: Microcode update required
  • Error: Microcode was not found in the system BIOS for the installed CPU
  • Error: BIOS update data incorrect

How to fix it:

To resolve a microcode update error, contact the system or motherboard manufacturer for the appropriate BIOS update files and instructions.

Before installing a BIOS revision, verify that the Allow BIOS Update option is enabled in the BIOS (if applicable).

If the system or motherboard manufacturer doesn't provide BIOS update files, they may not validate for use with the processor installed. In this case, the processor is incompatible with the motherboard.