Overview
Keeping your Samsung 990 Pro NVMe firmware up to date is essential for drive stability, performance, and longevity. Samsung periodically releases firmware updates that address known issues — including critical SMART warnings such as critical_warning: 0x4 (read-only mode) and critical_warning: 0x8 (volatile memory backup failure) — which can cause boot failures and data loss if left unresolved.
This guide covers one method: Samsung Magician (Windows required).
For Linux systems follow the same instructions for Windows by using an external drive to follow the setup the firmware update.
Why Windows external drive for Linux? Our team at Exxact has attempted a traditional Linux firmware update through USB with the .iso firmware installed but firmware update was not applied. As of 5/12/2026 it is recommended to temporarily use a Windows external drive to download the firmware through Samsung Magician.
Symptoms Indicating a Firmware Update is Needed
- SMART
critical_warningvalue is non-zero (0x4, 0x8, 0xc, etc.) - Drive has been placed into read-only mode
- Drive not detected or partitions missing after boot
- System hangs or times out waiting for swap or boot device
- Intermittent drive disconnects under load
Pre-requisites
Before beginning, ensure you have:
- Backed up all data on the drive — firmware updates carry a small risk of data loss
- Physical or remote access to the system's boot menu
Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Identify the Drive and Check Current Firmware Version
Before downloading anything, confirm the drive model and note the current firmware revision.
Windows
Open Samsung Magician → select the 990 Pro from the drive list → the current firmware version is displayed on the drive overview screen.
Linux
It is highly recommended to use an external drive for Samsung Magician firmware update via Windows as opposed to Linux instead.
Step 2: Download the Firmware
Visit Samsung's SSD support page and select 990 Pro from the product list. Two packages are available depending on your OS:
| Method | File Type | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Magician | .exe installer | Windows only |
| Bootable ISO | .iso file | Linux / no OS access / read-only drive |
Samsung SSD Magician & Firmware Download:
https://semiconductor.samsung.com/us/consumer-storage/support/tools/
Step 3: Update via Samsung Magician
- Download and install Samsung Magician from the link above
- Launch Samsung Magician
- Select your Samsung 990 Pro from the drive list on the left
- Click Firmware Update in the left sidebar
- If an update is available, click Update
⚠️ Do not power off or restart the system during the update. The process takes 1–3 minutes.
- Restart the system when prompted
- Reopen Samsung Magician and verify the new firmware version is displayed
Additional Notes & Tips
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Always back up data before updating | Firmware flashing carries a small risk of data loss |
| Never interrupt power during the update | An incomplete flash can render the drive unrecoverable |
| Use the ISO method if the drive is in read-only mode | Samsung Magician requires write access to the drive |
Run nvme smart-log after update |
Confirms critical_warning is cleared (should show 0x0) |
| Perform a full cold reboot after flashing | Some systems require a full power cycle for the drive to redetect correctly |
| Samsung Magician is Windows-only | Linux users should opt to use a Windows external drive |
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