Windows: Installing BIOS and driver updates to improve performance

Keeping your computer up to date helps it run smoothly, stay secure, and avoid unexpected issues. Two important parts of this are BIOS updates and driver updates:

  • BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the built‑in software that helps your computer start up and communicate with its hardware. Updating it can improve performance, stability, and compatibility. (A bad/outdated BIOS can oftentimes be responsible for freezing or stuttering).
  • Drivers are small pieces of software that allow Windows to talk to your computer’s hardware. Drivers exist for every major component of your device, such as the Wi-Fi chip, keyboard, and mouse/trackpad. Updated drivers help keep everything working smoothly.

To make this easier, we provide tools in Software Center that check your computer and recommend any needed updates:

  • Dell Command Update for Dell computers
  • HP Image Assistant for HP computers

These tools scan your machine, show you which updates are available, and help you install them safely with just a few clicks. This article will guide you through how to open the tool for your device and run the update process.

Dell Computers - Dell Command Application

The Dell Command Update application is automatically installed on all St. Thomas Dell devices and can be used to update your BIOS and drivers to improve performance and stability. If you cannot find Dell Command Update on your PC, check the Software Center: 

  1. Open Software Center on your PC
  2. Search for Dell Command and click InstallUploaded Image (Thumbnail)

Once Dell Command Update is installed:

  1. Launch the app:
    • Search for Dell Command Update in the Start menu.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  2. Once launched, click the Check button to scan for updatesUploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  3. After the scan, you’ll see a list of recommended updates
    • We recommend leaving all items selected. Click Install to begin
      Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

  4. The updates will download and install. This may take several minutes depending on your connection and number of updates.

    Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

Important Notes:

  • Temporary disruptions are normal during this process. Your display may briefly go black, or your keyboard/mouse may stop responding for a moment.
  • If a BIOS update is included, your computer may restart one or more times, and the reboot process may take an additional 10–15 minutes.

HP Computers - HP Image Assistant

The HP Image Assistant (HPIA) is also available in Software Center and updates your BIOS and drivers for improved performance and stability.
Please allow up to one hour for this process, and avoid running it during meetings or while working on important tasks.

  1. Open Software Center on your PC
  2. Search for HP Driver and BIOS Update, then click Install or Reinstall
    • The update process will begin immediately upon installationUploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  3. A progress bar will appear. It may seem paused at times - this is normal!
    • You may also experience temporary disruptions such as the screen going black or the keyboard/mouse freezing.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  4. When updates are finished, you’ll be prompted to reboot. Make sure to save your work within the given grace period.
  5. After the restart, all updates are complete!

Completing these updates should help resolve slowness, freezing, or stuttering issues on your UST PC.

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