The update subcommand is used with fwupdate to update system and device firmware. The update subcommand supports two methods for updating system and device firmware:
Automatic mode uses information contained in an XML metadata file that is packaged with the platform firmware download to update device firmware. This metadata contains information about the components that can be updated with the included firmware file. In addition, the metadata contains commands for any host resets or power cycles required by the update. See the release notes included with the firmware for more details. This is the most accurate and the recommended firmware update method to use.
Check the download package and its release notes to determine whether or not an XML metadata file is available, or simply look in the download package for a metadata XML file. The platform product notes might also contain important update information specific to the device you are updating.
Manual mode allows you to update the firmware of a single device directly using a firmware file. This firmware update method should only be used if there is no XML metadata file available for the device that you want to update. In addition, any required device reset or power cycle not performed automatically after the update must be performed manually. Check the release notes included with the firmware for more details.
Each mode has its own supported command syntax and set of targets and options.