An interface is provided to update a firmware of a persistent memory module at runtime without restarting an operating system on the platform. The operating system initiates the firmware update by triggering a sleep state or by entering a soft reboot. The interface is capable of preserving the state of the platform for all memory modes that support volatile memory regions, persistent memory regions, or both, and reducing or eliminating the demand for access to memory during the firmware update. The persistent memory module is capable of updating the firmware responsive to a platform instruction generated using the interface, including preserving operational states for memory devices in all memory regions, including memory devices in volatile and persistent memory regions.