NETGEAR regularly releases new firmware versions to improve product performance and add new features. If you want to load a specific firmware version or your router fails to update its firmware automatically, follow these instructions. These instructions do not apply to cable gateways (modem and router combinations).

To manually upgrade your router’s firmware:

1. Download the firmware for your router from the NETGEAR Download Center, save it to your desktop, and unzip the file if needed.
   Note: The correct firmware file uses an .img or .chk extension.  
2. Using a computer that is connected to your router via an Ethernet cable (wired), launch a web browser from a computer.
   Note: Do not use a computer that is connected wirelessly to the router to upload the firmware. A wireless firmware update might corrupt the router’s firmware, rendering it unusable.
3. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
4. Enter the router user name and password.
   Note: The user name is admin and the default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
5. Select ADVANCED > Administration
   .
6. Click the Firmware Update or Router Update button.
   The button label varies by router.
7. Click Choose File or Browse.
   
8. Locate and highlight the saved firmware on your desktop and click Open > Upload.
   
   Note: Do not interrupt this process as it might cause corruption, which will make your router unusable.
   Your router reboots after the firmware is uploaded. If your router does not reboot, check the Router Status page to confirm whether the new firmware version uploaded.