Alienware AW3423DWF support page only comes with a Windows executable for updating the monitor firmware. It does not seem to work with Wine currently, but it can be run using a Windows 10 VM inside VirtualBox.

VirtualBox

This is not a tutorial for installing VirtualBox. See a relevant wiki for your distribution, e.g. https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/VirtualBox for Arch.

That being said, here are some pitfalls to avoid during the process:

  • Make sure to add yourself to the vboxusers group. Otherise VirtualBox won't be able to access USB devices.
  • Install the Guest Additions disc for easy file sharing from host.
  • Install the Oracle Extension Pack for better USB support.
  • Make sure to use a USB 3.0 (or above) port. 2.0 did not work for me.

Passing the monitor USB to the VM

You should have a working Windows 10 VM that you can copy files to at this point.

Connect the upstream USB-B from the monitor to your computer. Unplug any other USB passthrough devices plugged into the monitor.

Find the monitor identifier with lsusb.

Alienware monitor in lsusb output

In VirtualBox, go to the VM USB settings and enable and the USB 3.0 controller.

Add the monitor USB device to the filter list. Mine shows up as a Realtek HID device, just make sure the ID is the same as in lsusb.

VirtualBox USB settings
The monitor in VirtualBox USB settings

Run the firmware updater inside the VM.

If your monitor isn't detected, something is probably wrong with your VirtualBox USB setup.

The firmware update utility running inside the VM

Updating will take a few minutes and the monitor will reboot at the end.

Completed firmware update inside the VM

Profit.

AW3423DWF with up-to-date firmware