As the name suggests, the Microsoft Surface Dock transforms your Surface device into a desktop-like PC. It has a USB Type-A, USB Type-C, audio port, an ethernet port, etc (quite similar to a standard laptop). It not only improves the overall device usage but also enhances the productivity of your Microsoft Surface device just like the computer. However, it seems that some of the unfortunate Surface Dock users are experiencing the Failed to Install SurfaceBaseFwUpdateDriver.dll error message while installing the Surface Dock update.

So, if you’re one of the victims then check out the troubleshooting guide below to easily fix this issue. As updating the Microsoft Surface Dock firmware is useful for the users, we can’t deny this particular error message. To recall, the error message says “Failed to install SurfaceBaseFwUpdateDriver.dll. Aborting installation.”

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How to Fix Failed to Install SurfaceBaseFwUpdateDriver.dll Error

It’s also worth mentioning that even if you think that you can update the Surface Dock firmware by using another Microsoft Surface device, you may not be able to use some of certain features or improvements on your actual Surface device if you don’t update it using the same Surface device. Quite strange!

Here we’re sharing some of the possible workarounds below that should help you out. So, let’s take a quick look.

1. Run Surface Dock Updater (System)

  • You’ll need to download the Surface Dock Updater here.
  • Next, download the PSTools Suit.
  • Extract the zip file on the PC > Click on Start > Type Command Prompt and right-click on it from the search result.
  • Now, choose Run as administrator > If prompted, click on Yes.
  • Type the following command and hit Enter:

psexec -i -s CMD

  • It may open up a new Command Prompt window.
  • Next, type the following command and press Enter on the new window.

whoami

  • The Command Prompt should return nt authroity/system command.
  • Then head over to the Surface Dock Updater file location on the PC.
  • Now, using the same new Command Prompt window, type the below command and hit Enter: (Ensure to replace the NameOfInstaller text with the actual Surface Dock Updater’s name)

./NameOfInstaller.msi

  • Once done, close all windows and restart your computer to check for the issue again.

2. Reconnect the Keyboard

Additionally, you can also simply detach (reconnect) the keyboard from the Microsoft Surface device. It may also possible that due to some software glitch, some of the peripherals can conflict with the software update of the connected device.

Simply use the Detach key on the keyboard to pull out the Surface device easily. Once done, try updating the Surface Dock firmware using the updater tool and check for the issue.

Read Also: How to Fix Microsoft Surface blue screen issues

3. Adjust Group Policy Editor

  • Press the Windows + R key shortcut to open up the Run dialog box.
  • Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter.
  • The Local Group Policy Editor interface will open.
  • Now, head over to the Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Installer location.
  • From the right side of the window, select the Prohibit rollback settings.
  • Next, double-click on it and choose Enabled.
  • Click on Apply and then OK to save changes.
  • Once done, restart your computer and check for the Surface Dock update again.

That’s it, guys. We assume this guide was helpful to you. For further queries, feel free to ask in the comment below.