Sony Support

Firmware Update

Applicable Models

IMPORTANT: This file is only for use with the models identified. Not all models are sold in all countries.

This information is for the following models:

  • NWZ-A15
  • NWZ-A17

About this download

Benefits and improvements

This utility updates the Walkman® player to firmware version 1.21 and resolves an issue where the Walkman may not properly operate during play back or may restart unintentionally.

Benefits provided by previous updates and included in version 1.21:

  • The memory type (such as a built-in memory/SD card) can now be selected even while connected via USB
  • Addresses an issue where, in rare cases, sound may not be produced when the WALKMAN is connected with the digital amplifier
  • Provides additional function updates
  • Supports LDAC (a newly developed high resolution codec) during Bluetooth® connection.
  • Improves a condition where the Walkman may be slow in action when a FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) file, which has more than one jacket picture, is played and moves to the next or previous song

System Requirements

Operating Systems

  • Windows Vista®
  • Windows Vista® 64-bit
  • Windows® 10
  • Windows® 10 64-bit
  • Windows® 7
  • Windows® 7 64-bit
  • Windows® 8
  • Windows® 8 64-bit
  • Windows® 8.1
  • Windows® 8.1 64-bit

File Info

File Name

  • NWZ-A10_V1_21.exe

File Version

  • 1.21

File Size

  • 56.91 MB

Release Date

  • 11-05-2015

Before You Start


Applicable Models

This firmware update is intended only for NWZ-ZA10 series Walkman® Digital Media players. Please follow the steps below to check the model and firmware version of your player.

Note: This update is not necessary if your Walkman player has already been updated by the automatic firmware update function to version 1.21.

  1. Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu appears.
  2. Select settings (Settings), Common Settings and then Unit Information.
  3. Confirm that the Model number is NWZ-ZA10 Series, and the build number is lower than 1.21.

IMPORTANT: If the Build number is 1.21 or higher, do not attempt to install this update.

IMPORTANT:

  • It is strongly recommended that you transfer all tracks and data from the player to the computer before performing this update. Tracks and data that remain on the player may be damaged or deleted during the update process.
  • In order to install this update, there must be at least 80 MB of free space on the player. Please follow the steps below to check the amount of free space on the player:
    1. Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu appears.
    2. Select settings (Settings), Common Settings and then Unit Information.
    3. Under Unit Information confirm that the Free/Total Memory Space is at least 80 MB.
  • During the installation of this file, be sure that you are logged in as the Administrator or as a user with Administrative rights.
  • If a User Account Control dialog box is displayed, click Continue or Yes to proceed.
  • To ensure that no other program interferes with the installation, save all work and close all other programs. The Taskbar should be clear of applications before proceeding.
  • It is highly recommended that you print out these instructions for use as a reference during the installation process.

Download & Install


Computer System Requirements

  • One of the following Microsoft® Windows® operating systems:
    • Windows 10 Home
    • Windows 10 Pro
    • Windows 8.1
    • Windows 8.1 Pro
    • Windows 8
    • Windows 8 Pro
    • Windows 7 Ultimate (with Service Pack 1 or later)
    • Windows 7 Business (with Service Pack 1 or later)
    • Windows 7 Home Premium (with Service Pack 1 or later)
    • Windows 7 Home Basic (with Service Pack 1 or later)
    • Windows 7 Starter (with Service Pack 1 or later)
    • Windows Vista® Home Basic (with Service Pack 2 or later)
    • Windows Vista Home Premium (with Service Pack 2 or later)
    • Windows Vista Business (with Service Pack 2 or later)
    • Windows Vista Ultimate (with Service Pack 2 or later)
  • CPU: 1 GHz or higher
  • Memory (RAM): 32-bit (1 GB or more) 64-bit (2 GB or more)

Download and Installation Instructions

  1. It is strongly recommended that you transfer all tracks and data from the player to the computer before performing this update. Tracks and data that remain on the player may be damaged or deleted during the update process.
  2. WARNING!!: This NWZ-A10 firmware update and any changes incurred by it are permanent. It is not possible to return to a previous firmware version after updating this firmware. By continuing this update process and downloading and updating this firmware, you acknowledge that you are aware and understand that this update cannot be reversed.
  3. To ensure that no other program interferes with the installation on the computer, save all work and close all other programs. The Taskbar should be clear of applications before proceeding.
  4. Click Download Now to begin the download process.
  5. Read the Software Download License Agreement and, if you agree, click Accept Agreement.
  6. Download the NWZ-A10_V1_21.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
  7. Connect your Walkman player to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
  8. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the NWZ-A10_V1_21.exe file to begin the installation.
  9. Carefully follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation.

  10. IMPORTANT: Do not disconnect the player from the computer while the update is in progress.

    Note: During the update the USB connection is automatically controlled and the Connecting USB message is not displayed. On some computers a USB Disconnect message may be displayed.

  11. When the Completed message is displayed, click Finish.
Confirm Successful Update (optional)
  1. Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu appears.
  2. Select settings (Settings), Common Settings and then Unit Information.
  3. If the Build number is 1.21, the update is successfully installed.