Valve Index Hardware Won't Update

[Apple]

So I just bought a Valve Index, (I know, rumors abound there's a new one in the works but who knows when or if that'll actually come out), and I'm having some trouble getting the hardware to update it's firmware. Everything functions, it's just stuck using out of the box versions.

When I start SteamVR, it tells me there are updates available, I click update, it says it has to shut down any running VR apps to update and so it closes... and then nothing. If I restart SteamVR it tells me there are updates available again.

I have tried reinstalling SteamVR, opting in and out of the beta, running the app in Admin mode, disabling and even completely uninstalling my anti-virus, I even updated to Windows 11, as when I initially started I was running Windows 10.

As I said, everything is working, the headset, the controllers, and the base stations, but they all need updates, and none of them will take, and while the device is technically functional, I can only assume those firmware updates come with performance enhancements that would be nice to have.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Bob Loblaw]

Lots of people report false results from SteamVR's firmware version checking. Leave it. There's so many things that can break PC VR (including a borked firmware update) that you should not fiddle with a working system.

You might try to google up these performance enhancements you assume exist, to see you are missing nothing worth any trouble at all. There was one update that loosened the g-force limit on controllers after beat saber pros exceeded original limits. There was also a tightening of the base station (1.0) selfchecks that made them more likely to catch one going bad while still under warranty, making them start flashing red earlier, requiring early replacement.

Edit: user reports following post#4 below and the firmware update enabled ability to change index refresh rate.

[Apple]

Originally posted by Bob Loblaw:

Lots of people report false results from SteamVR's firmware version checking. Leave it. There's so many things that can break PC VR (including a borked firmware update) that you should not fiddle with a working system.

You might try to google up these performance enhancements you assume exist, to see you are missing nothing worth any trouble at all. There was one update that loosened the g-force limit on controllers after beat saber pros exceeded original limits. There was also a tightening of the base station (1.0) selfchecks that made them more likely to catch one going bad while still under warranty, making them start flashing red earlier, requiring early replacement.

So basically if it ain't broke don't fix it? I guess that's fair, lol XD

One of the times I started up SteamVR it told me one of the base stations was up to date, but when I started it up again it said both needed updates, so I suppose it very well could be throwing false flags. And if the updates don't really offer anything anyway I guess I'll just try to put it out of my mind and ignore it. I appreciate you taking the time to respond and offering some piece of mind.

[ZED]

To be honest I am having the exact same issues over here too, I have just set up my headset today (out of the box version too) with SteamVR just instantly terminating by the time I try to update the hardware. I wonder if it's a SteamVR bug in their latest version that needs to be addressed?

[Rectus]

Apparently it is an issue with the current SteamVR version. It seems to be possible to work around by generating a system report:
https://steamcommunity.com/app/250820/discussions/3/560232350276927847/#c596262646468112914

[ZED]

Okay so I did their method of doing a "create system report" before I was able to update the firmware of the Base Stations and the headset, BUT no matter if I tried doing the controllers, It would do the same thing where it would just boot me out of SteamVR.