---
name: "b43-fwcutter"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "b43-fwcutter"
version: "021-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/b43-fwcutter"
---

# b43-fwcutter(1)

Utility for extracting Broadcom 43xx firmware

## NAME

b43-fwcutter - Utility for extracting Broadcom 43xx firmware

## SYNOPSIS

**b43-fwcutter** \[*OPTION*\] \[*DRIVER*\]

## DESCRIPTION

b43-fwcutter can extract the firmware for your Broadcom 43xx hardware from different closed source drivers. The b43 driver depends on these firmware files and can't work without them.

Currently b43-fwcutter supports Apple MacOS X, Microsoft Windows and Linux drivers, but keep in mind that b43-fwcutter doesn't support all driver versions.

Example:

-

  b43-fwcutter bcmwl5.sys

to cut the firmware out of bcmwl5.sys

## OPTIONS

- **-l**\|--list

  List supported driver versions

- **-i**\|--identify

  Only identify the driver file (don't extract)

- **-w**\|--target-dir DIR

  Extract and write firmware to DIR

- **-a**\|--alt-iv

  Extract alternative initvals (only 3.10.x.x)

- **-v**\|--version

  Print b43-fwcutter version

- **-h**\|--help

  Print help information

## AUTHORS

b43 development team, http://wireless.kernel.org/en/users/Drivers/b43