Dell Command Update - How to Update Drivers, BIOS, and Dell Applications

Summary

Dell Command Update is a program that can be used to keep drivers, BIOS, and other Dell utilities updated. It is included with all Dell computers supported by Pharmacy Technology Services.

Information​​​​​​

Driver updates can sometimes cause temporary loss of video, audio, and network connectivity, while BIOS updates require a reboot to finish installation. Pharmacy IT schedules Dell Command Update to run periodically on all desktops that are permanently connected to the Pharmacy network. These updates occur overnight when there is little chance of impacting any users. Updating laptops is more complicated because there is not a reliable time to schedule updates without potentially impacting the user. Therefore, it is highly recommended that users periodically follow the procedure below to check for and install any needed updates on their Pharmacy laptop.

1. Click your Start Menu, then scroll through the list of applications and click on Dell Command Update.
2. The main Dell Command Update window will show system details including the last time updates were checked as well as the update history. Click the blue Check button to check for updates.
3. The update scan will usually finish in less than one minute. When complete, there are two possible screens you will see:
   1. This system is up-to-date – Click the Close button. You have all the latest updates installed.
   2. Selected Updates – a count of available updates will be shown, categorized as Critical or Recommended. Continue to the next step.
4. When updates are found, it is a good idea to click the View Details link at the bottom to understand what type of updates are ready to be installed.
   • Ethernet and WiFi drivers have the potential to cause a temporary loss of network connectivity as the update is installed.
   • Video drivers may cause the screen to flash a few times during the installation.
   • System BIOS updates will require a reboot to install. These updates can sometimes take between 5-15 minutes, so allocate a little extra time.
5. Once you’ve reviewed the available updates, click the blue Close button.
6. You are now ready to install the updates. Click the blue Install button.
7. The update progress will be displayed. To reboot automatically at the end, click the Automatically restart system (when required) box. Otherwise, continue to monitor the update progress.
8. Once updates are finished, you will see an Installation Complete message.
   • If a reboot is not required, simply click the blue Close button to complete the process.
   • If a reboot is required, click the blue Restart button. Be patient while the computer reboots. If the BIOS is being updated, the progress will generally be displayed on the screen. However, it is not uncommon for a BIOS update to cause the screen to go black for a few minutes. It is important to be patient and let the updates finish unimpeded by not powering off or unplugging the computer. It should boot back to the Windows login screen within 5-10 minutes.