How to Update a D-Link Router

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

The operating system that your router runs on is called "firmware". Each router make and model has firmware that was specifically made for it. From time to time, router manufacturers offer firmware updates on their website or from within the router's web console.

Why would you want to update your router?

Router updates are provided to add new security features, fix vulnerabilities, or other enhancements like performance upgrades.

Your router should only be upgraded to a firmware that was made for your specific make, model and version. Some firmware updates are specific to certain regions. Upgrading to the wrong firmware version may damage your router and void the warranty.

Do not upgrade through wireless connection unless the router is limited to only a wireless connection.

Turning off power during the upgrade process may cause permanent damage to the device.

2. Download D-link Router's Firmware

1. Go to a computer that is connected to the router.
2. Open a web browser and go to http://support.dlink.com
3. Click View All.
   

1. Find and click your router in the list.
   

1. In the drop-down box, select the correct hardware version of your router.
   

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2. The hardware version is marked on a label located on the side or back of your router. The hardware version of your device will be marked with H/W.
3. Locate Firmware, click Download and save it on your computer.
   

Take note of the file download location:

• Windows OS - files typically download to your Downloads folder.
• Mac OSX - files typically download to the Downloads folder in the Dock.

3. Extract Zip File

In Windows, files typically download to your "Downloads" folder.

1. Open Windows Explorer by holding down the Windows Key and then pressing E (Win + E)
   

1. In the left pane of the window that opens, click Downloads.
   

1. Locate the file you downloaded.
2. Right-click the file and select Extract All....
   

1. The extract window will appear.
   

1. Take note of the extract location (folder). If you wish to extract to another location such as a USB drive or a different folder on the computer, click Browse and pick a new location.
2. Click Extract when you are done.
3. Once the files are extracted, a new Explorer window will appear with the uncompressed files. The location will be shown in the address bar while the extracted files files will appear below.
   

Take note of the file location. This is where your file(s) will be extracted to.

4. Login

1. Using a computer that is connected to the D-Link router, open a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.
2. Enter one of the following addresses into your browser address bar:
3. http://dlinkrouter.local
4. http://192.168.0.1
   

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2. When prompted, enter the credentials to log into the router.
   For DIR-xxx routers, the default credentials are:
3. Username: admin
4. Password: no password
5. For DSR-xxx routers, the default credentials are:
6. Username: admin
7. Password: admin

5. Update D-link Firmware (New)

1. After you login to your router's user interface, hover your mouse cursor to the Management option found on the horizontal menu.
2. From the drop down menu, click the Upgrade option.
   

1. Under Upgrade Manually, click on the Select file button and locate the extracted .bin file you downloaded and extracted before.
   

1. Highlight the file by clicking on it once and then click Open, you will see the file name to the right of the button, click Upload to continue.
   

1. Click OK to begin the firmware upgrade process.
   

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2. The router should display the upgrade percentage completion. It will reboot and present you with the login page after the upgrade is complete.
   

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2. The firmware should now be updated.

6. Update D-link Firmware (Old)

1. After you login to your router's user interface, click on the Tools tab at the top of the page.
2. Click on Firmware from the menu on the left-hand side.
   

1. Scroll down the page. Under Firmware Upgrade, click on the Browse… button.
2. Locate the .bin file you downloaded and extracted before.
3. Highlight the file by clicking on it once and then click Open.
   

1. Click on Upload.
2. When the upgrade is complete, a confirmation window will appear. Click Continue.
3. The firmware should now be updated.

7. Extract Zip File

In macOS, files typically download to the Downloads folder in the Dock.

1. Click on Go then Downloads.
   

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2. Double click on the archive that you just downloaded to extract its contents.
   

1. The extracted files should appear in the same folder as the original archive.

Sometimes you may not see the Zip file. Safari may have extracted the file for you if you downloaded the file with it. Just look for the unzipped file or folder.

Take note of the file location for later use of the extracted content.