Using Dell Command | Update

Owned by Peter Baughman (Deactivated)
Last updated: Jul 29, 2024 by A.J. Newman
2 min read

Dell Command Update is a tool provided by Dell to ensure that drivers and firmware are up-to-date on Dell manufactured computers. University IT professionals can use this to ensure all drivers and firmware are current after an OS reinstall or as a troubleshooting step to eliminate the aforementioned issues. 

Dell Command Update is preferred over SupportAssist in enterprise environments utilizing custom OS images because it establishes a baseline library based on device IDs (see Advanced Driver Restore below). This allows the software to "fix" issues related to malfunctioning drivers and undetected devices. SupportAssist will only detect driver updates if the device is already installed and functioning with an older driver; it does not have the ability to detect "unseen" devices or devices that were never installed properly in the first place.

 

dell command screenshot

 

Installing and Running Dell Command Update

  1. Download the latest version of Dell Command.

  2. Install it with all defaults.

  3. Open Control Panel > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Suspend Protection before running Dell Command Update.
    Note: BitLocker Encryption must be suspended prior to running Dell Command Update or the program will not update BIOS and other firmware.

  4. If this is your first time running the program, please see the section below first. If not, proceed to Step 5.

  5. Run Check for updates to detect and install the latest drivers and firmware. Your device may require a reboot once complete.

First Run ONLY

  1. Run the program when the install is complete, and select Advanced Driver Restore for Windows Reinstallation.

Advanced Driver Restore must be run the first time you use the program, or you may not receive all updates. The function loads a base driver CAB file to provide device IDs for all internal devices. Once complete, you can reboot, open Dell Command Update, and run a Check. With All Device IDs in place, it will pull all the latest drivers.

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