Windows: BIOS and driver updates for your Dell PC

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 (A bad/outdated BIOS can oftentimes be responsible for freezing or stuttering).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.

ITS uses the Dell Command Update application to keep drivers, BIOS, and firmware updated on your St. Thomas Dell computer. You may use Dell Command Update to install updates if you are experiencing issues on your computer. Note that you will also receive occasional prompts from Dell Command Update to install updates, including the option to postpone the update if necessary.

This article shows you how to use Dell Command Update to check for updates and install them, as well as what to expect when you receive a prompt to install updates.

Manually check for updates with Dell Command Update

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 Install
   
   
    

Once Dell Command Update is installed:

1. Search for Dell Command Update in the Start menu.
   
   
    
2. Once launched, click the Check button to scan for updates
   
   
    
3. After the scan, you’ll see a list of recommended updates
   • We recommend leaving all items selected. Click Install to begin
   • To allow the application to automatically restart your computer when complete, check the box.
     
     
      

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

   
    

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. You will see a black screen with the Dell logo and a progress bar. This is normal. DO NOT shutdown your computer while the BIOS is updating.
   

Automatic update prompts from Dell Command Update

You may periodically receive a prompt from Dell Command Update in the lower-right corner of your screen, notifying you that updates are ready to be installed, including the date when they must be installed. You may either choose "Install Now" to begin the update process, or you may choose "Remind Later" to postpone the update. You may only postpone the update 3 times.

If a computer restart is required to complete the updates, you will receive an additional prompt to restart the computer. You may either choose "Restart" to immediately restart, or you may choose "Remind Later" to postpone the restart. You may only postpone the update 3 times.