: Right-click the drive in Device Manager , select Uninstall device , and restart your computer to let Windows reinstall it automatically.
Complete Guide to the HP PLDS DVDRW DU8AESH Firmware Update Optical drives like the HP PLDS DVDRW DU8AESH often fly under the radar until they stop working. If your drive is rejecting discs, failing to burn data, or missing from your operating system, a firmware update can fix these issues.
Major Windows updates can occasionally break the communication pathway between the OS and older hardware controllers. Firmware updates patch these compliance bugs so Windows recognizes the drive immediately. Prerequisites Before Updating
Ensuring the drive burns at the rated speed without producing "coasters." Step-by-Step Guide to Updating HP PLDS DU8AESH Firmware 1. Identify Your Current Firmware Version
I can give you targeted steps to get your optical drive working smoothly again. Share public link hp plds dvdrw du8aesh firmware update
A known issue is the "PxHlpa64.sys" driver (often installed with Corel or Roxio burning software) conflicting with Windows' Memory Integrity feature. To resolve this:
: Older versions (XH61, XH62) often update to XH65. Later updates bring XH6A or XH6E. The latest as of 2023-2025 is typically XH6E or XH70 depending on region.
Enter your specific laptop model or All-in-One serial number. Expand the or Optical Drive section.
By following this guide, you have learned: : Right-click the drive in Device Manager ,
The specific model number for this ultra-slim, tray-loading optical drive. Why You Need a Firmware Update
As drives age, the laser calibration can drift. Updated firmware tunes the laser tracking and focus algorithms, allowing the drive to read scratched, older, or poorly finalized discs more reliably. 4. Resolves OS Recognition Issues
: Visit the Official HP Drivers and Software Download page. Enter your PC's serial number or model name to find the specific support page for your machine. Check the "Firmware" or "Driver - Storage" categories for any listed optical drive updates.
If a firmware patch is available for your PLDS optical drive, it will appear in the recommended updates list. Identify Your Current Firmware Version I can give
while the progress bar fills. Your system might briefly freeze—this is normal.
If you prefer an automated approach, you can use HP's proprietary management software.
The HP PLDS DVD-RW DU8AESH does not have a public firmware update. The version installed on the drive is likely the only version that will ever be released.
If the firmware updates successfully but the drive still fails to read any discs, the issue is likely hardware-based rather than software-based. Dust may have settled on the laser lens, or the laser diode itself may have burned out. Try using a commercial laser lens cleaning disc, or consider replacing the physical drive entirely. Because slim optical drives are highly standardized, replacing the DU8AESH with an identical or equivalent unit is an inexpensive and straightforward fix.
HP stopped releasing firmware updates for many older optical drives around the Windows 7/8 era. If you are running Windows 10 or 11 and the drive works, you likely already have the best compatible driver via Windows Update. If the drive is not working on Windows 10/11, a firmware update is rarely the solution—it is usually a driver issue or hardware failure.