If you manage an HP ProLiant Gen8 or Gen9 server, you have likely uttered a specific string of curse words followed by a desperate Google search: “How to downgrade iLO 4 firmware.”
Conventional wisdom says newer firmware is always better. It patches security holes, fixes bugs, and adds features. But for HP’s Integrated Lights-Out 4 (iLO 4) management controller, that wisdom is dangerously wrong.
In fact, for many administrators, downgrading iLO 4 to version 2.70 or 2.82 isn’t a last resort—it is the optimal configuration.
This article explains why rolling back your iLO 4 firmware often results in better stability, better performance, and better compatibility than running the latest (and final) versions.
After the downgrade completes (iLO will reboot; ~5 minutes):
In the world of iLO 4, “downgrade” is not a step backward. It is a strategic retreat to stable ground.
You downgrade not because you are lazy, but because you demand better performance, better stability, and better usability. The final iLO 4 firmwares are security bandages on an obsolete platform. They treat the symptom (CVEs) by killing the patient (responsiveness).
If your ProLiant Gen8 or Gen9 server sits in a homelab, a dark data center, or a segmented corporate LAN, stop suffering with sluggish 2.90. Flash 2.82 tonight.
Your fans will quiet down. Your remote console will snap to attention. And you will finally understand why so many sysadmins whisper the forbidden mantra: “Downgrade iLO 4 firmware for a better server.”
Pro Tip: After downgrading, block the iLO’s IP address from reaching the internet via your firewall. Patched or unpatched, iLO 4 should never talk to the outside world. Then, enjoy the speed.
To "downgrade iLO 4 firmware better," you generally need to use the iLO web interface or the HPE Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) in interactive mode to force the installation of an older version.
Users typically seek this "feature" to resolve performance or hardware compatibility issues, such as:
Fan Speed Issues: Newer firmware sometimes causes server fans to run at 100% speed constantly; downgrading can restore normal fan control.
Legacy Hardware Support: Certain older components or "non-genuine" parts (like third-party GPUs for transcoding) may be flagged or restricted by newer iLO 4 security protocols. downgrade ilo 4 firmware better
Stability: If a recent update causes frequent crashes or GUI lag, returning to a leaner, stable previous version can restore usability. How to Downgrade iLO 4 Firmware
The most direct method is through the iLO web interface using a standard firmware image file.
Updating the BIOS and/or iLO firmware using the iLO web interface
To downgrade your HP Integrated Lights-Out 4 (iLO 4) firmware to an older version, follow this comprehensive guide. Downgrading may be necessary if a newer version causes unexpected fan noise or breaks compatibility with specific hardware. ⚠️ Important Precautions Before You Begin
Do not lose power: Ensure that both your computer and the server do not lose power during this process.
Settings may reset: Although iLO usually keeps its settings, there is a small chance they could reset to defaults. Ensure you know your network settings and credentials.
FIPS Mode: If the server is in Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) mode, a downgrade might be blocked without a factory reset first.
Downgrade Policy: Some administrators lock the firmware from being rolled back. 🛠️ Step 1: Obtain the Older Firmware File
You must have the raw .bin file of the firmware version you want to install. Navigate to the official HPE Support Center.
Search for "iLO 4" and choose your operating system to find the driver downloads.
Look at the Revision History tab to locate and download the specific older version you require.
Download the .exe file (the online flash component for Windows) or the corresponding file for your operating system.
On your local machine, run the downloaded .exe and choose the Extract option rather than install. If you manage an HP ProLiant Gen8 or
This will provide you with a file named something like ilo4_xxx.bin (where xxx is the version number). 💻 Step 2: Flash the Firmware via the iLO 4 Web Interface
This is the most straightforward, "better" way to perform the rollback without needing to reboot the physical host server immediately.
Downgrading iLO 4 firmware can be a bit tricky, but I'll provide a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Before you start:
Downgrade process:
Post-downgrade steps:
Additional considerations:
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully downgrade your iLO 4 firmware. However, please exercise caution and thoroughly test your iLO 4 functionality after the downgrade. If you're unsure or encounter issues, consider consulting the HPE documentation or contacting their support team for assistance.
Downgrading iLO 4 firmware is often done to restore fan control features (removed in later versions like v2.78 and above) or to fix compatibility issues. While the process is generally safe, HPE typically recommends against downgrades unless they are absolutely necessary. How to Downgrade iLO 4 The most common methods for rolling back firmware include:
The ILO 4 Firmware Downgrade Conundrum
It was a typical Monday morning for John, an IT administrator at a large corporation. He was tasked with managing the company's server infrastructure, which included several HP ProLiant servers with Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) 4 management interfaces. One of the servers, however, was experiencing issues with its iLO 4 firmware, causing problems with remote management and monitoring.
The current firmware version was 1.32, and John wanted to downgrade it to version 1.30, which was known to be more stable. He had tried to downgrade the firmware using the standard iLO 4 interface, but it wouldn't allow him to do so. The interface would accept the older firmware version, but after the downgrade process completed, the iLO 4 would not come back online.
John searched online for solutions, but the information was scarce. He reached out to HP support, but they were stumped. They told him that downgrading iLO 4 firmware was not a recommended practice and might cause issues. In the world of iLO 4, “downgrade” is
Undeterred, John decided to try a different approach. He recalled that iLO 4 had a feature called " Firmware Update" which allowed him to update the firmware using a USB drive. He wondered if he could use this method to downgrade the firmware.
The Solution
John downloaded the older firmware version (1.30) from the HP website and placed it on a USB drive. He then inserted the USB drive into the server's USB port and entered the iLO 4 interface. He navigated to the "Firmware Update" section and selected the option to update from the USB drive.
To his surprise, the iLO 4 interface allowed him to select the older firmware version (1.30) and complete the downgrade process. The iLO 4 restarted, and after a few minutes, it came back online with the older firmware version.
The issues with remote management and monitoring disappeared, and John was relieved that he had successfully downgraded the iLO 4 firmware.
Lessons Learned
John learned a few valuable lessons:
Best Practices
To avoid similar issues in the future, John implemented the following best practices:
By following these best practices and learning from his experience, John was able to successfully manage his iLO 4 firmware and ensure the stability of his server infrastructure.
While downgrading iLO 4 firmware is possible, it is rarely "better" for modern environments unless you are troubleshooting a specific regression or compatibility issue Hewlett Packard Enterprise Community Reasons to Downgrade Interface Preference:
Users often prefer the "minimalistic" and "compact" GUI of iLO 4 versions v2.30 or earlier
. Newer versions (v2.40+) adopted a new style with larger fonts and more scrolling. Hardware Compatibility:
Some non-HP components (e.g., third-party GPUs) may trigger "non-genuine part" warnings or fan speed issues on newer firmware, which can sometimes be bypassed by rolling back to an older version. Bug Troubleshooting:
If a specific update introduces stable connection drops or watchdog reset errors, a temporary downgrade may restore stability. Critical Risks & Constraints