To view all the devices installed on the computer, open Windows Device Manager, click the View menu, and then select Show hidden devices. NOTE: By default, some hardware devices may not appear in this list.
It is important to install all the drivers that are listed under the chipset category. This includes the chipset driver, controller drivers, card reader driver, USB 3.0 controller driver, Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework driver, Intel Management Engine Components driver, and so on. The chipset category on the Dell Drivers & Downloads page may include multiple drivers that are required for your Dell computer. Updating the chipset drivers is important, especially if you are experiencing slow computer performance. However, specific chipset drivers provide optimal performance of the system board. Basic chipset drivers are typically included as part of the operating system. Chipset drivers are responsible for controlling communication between different components in the computer: the processor (CPU), video card (GPU), hard disk drives, system memory (RAM), USB controllers, and others. It is essential to install the Chipset drivers before installing the other drivers.Ī chipset is a collection of multiple integrated circuits that are designed to perform one or more related functions on the system board (motherboard). The chipset category lists the chipset drivers that are required for the Dell computer. When the computer is first started, the BIOS activates all the hardware components that are required by the computer to boot into the operating system including, but not limited to: The term ' Flashing' the BIOS is synonymous with updating the BIOS to the latest version.īIOS updates provide feature updates and issue fixes. The primary function of a computer's BIOS is to recognize and initiate all the hardware components to make them available for use. The BIOS is a firmware that controls and activates most hardware components of a computer.
Installing the audio drivers can typically fix audio or sound playback and recording-related issues.īIOS category lists System BIOS flash utilities that allow you to update the System BIOS firmware of the Dell computer. Audio drivers enable or improve functionality by enabling the speaker or microphone ports to transmit or record sound. The audio category lists drivers for the sound card in the Dell computer. For more information, see the Dell Digital Locker quick start guide.
With Dell Digital Locker, you can download purchased software, access licensed software products, view software license entitlements, and more. Dell Digital Locker - Dell Digital Locker allows you to view and manage your products, software, and licensing information in one location.Learn more about How do I use Dell Digital Delivery? All that it takes is an Internet connection and a few minutes, so you can enjoy the customization Dell stands for, without the wait, and get right back to work. You can automatically download and install available software titles on select computers. Dell Digital Delivery - Provides a new way to buy software when you purchase a computer.Other factory-installed software or digital purchases such as Adobe Acrobat, McAfee, and so on, may be available at one of the following locations: Some of the generic categories are: ApplicationsĪpplications category lists software downloads for a Dell computer, including but not limited to: The categories of available drivers vary between different Dell products.
It allows you to easily identify and download a specific type of driver based on the functionality of the device. Updates that are released over Dell tools such as Dell Command Driver Packages and Dell Business Client Catalog will generally be released on the fourth Tuesday of every month.ĭell reserves the right to release updates at any time for issues that present a significant risk to Dell or our customers.ĭrivers are sorted into ' Categories' on. Updates that are released over Dell applications such as Dell Command | Update, Dell Update, Alienware Update, SupportAssist, and Custom Update catalogs will generally be released beginning on the second Friday of every month. Updates through Windows Updates are released simultaneously. Table 1: Dell's drivers and downloads release schedule.Įxcept as otherwise stated below, updates are generally released on /support on the second Tuesday of every month. Dell reserves the right to modify this schedule at any time without prior notice. These releases typically alternate between functional and security updates as indicated below. Dell intends to release software updates for BIOS, drivers, firmware, and other software components for desktops, laptops, and all-in-one computers monthly.