Keeping updated
Never apply an official Sony firmware update over a CFW or HEN setup unless you understand the consequences. Doing so can remove homebrew support or, on some models, brick the console. Only update using packages meant for your path.
Keeping CFW and HEN Updated
Both CFW and PS3HEN see periodic updates that add features, improve compatibility, and fix issues. Staying current is worthwhile, but updates must always come from the correct source for your chosen path, never from a stock online system update.
- Check for a new releaseWatch the project that maintains your firmware or HEN package for a newer version than the one you run.
- Read the notes firstReview what changed and any version requirements before downloading, so you avoid an incompatible build.
- Prepare the packagePlace the new CFW or HEN files on a FAT32 USB drive in the expected folder structure.
- Apply and verifyInstall through the update menu for CFW, or reinstall the HEN package, then confirm the new version in system information.
CFW versus HEN updates
A CFW update is applied much like the original install, through the system update flow. A HEN update means replacing the package files and re-running the enabler. After any update, re-test stability before heavy use.
Keep your previous working package available until the new one is confirmed stable. That gives you a known-good fallback if an update behaves unexpectedly on your console.