Dell Command | Update

Modified on: Mon, 2 Jun 2025 3:26 PM

Introduction

This article will explain the usage of Dell Command | Update (DCU).

Dell Command | Update is a standalone application for Dell client systems that simplifies the process of updating software like BIOS, firmware, drivers, and applications. It ensures your system stays current, compatible, and healthy by providing a centralized method for updates.

Applicability

The target audience of this article is anyone wishing to learn about DCU.

DCU runs only on Dell computers. It is installed on most Dell computers, if you have a Dell computer and are unable to find DCU on it please contact the Staff Service Centre.

This article is primarily aimed at users whose computers are joined to the following domains:

sts.ad.ualberta.ca
engineering.ualberta.ca
ualibrary.ualberta.ca
registrar.ualberta.ca
med.ualberta.ca

Details

DCU runs automatically every Saturday at 9PM and again at 10PM and installs any updates that it finds. If a restart is required it can be deferred for 24 hours up to 3 times.

DCU can be run manually in two ways.

From the installed application. To run DCU follow these instructions.
1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard, to the left of your spacebar.
2. A window with a search field will open. Begin typing the words Dell Command.
  In the search results click Dell Command | Update
  
  Windows 11
  
  Windows 10
3. Click the Check button to check for updates.
4. If updates are found you may click View Details to see more about the available updates, or Install to install the updates. Please note that some updates require your computer be restarted to complete the installation. If you must restart please save and close all of your work. While updates are being installed do not change or remove the power source for your computer or attached peripherals.
5. If your computer has a BIOS password set you will not be able to update the BIOS using this method. Please use method 2 if you encounter an error updating the BIOS using this method.
From the Software Center
1. Open Software Center by clicking the Software Center icon on your desktop or using the following method:
  1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard, to the left of your spacebar.
  2. A window with a search field will open. Begin typing the words Software Center.
    In the search results click Software Center
2. In Software Center click the Applications tab. Click Dell Command | Update Check.
3. Click Install or Reinstall.
4. It may seem like nothing is happening, please be patient.
5. Read the warning on the window that comes up.
  You may click defer to not run the program at this time, be aware that you may only defer one time.
  Click Continue to run DCU.
  DCU will automatically continue in 10 minutes if no action is taken.
  
  If DCU is already open on your computer you will see the window below.
  Click Close Programs to automatically close DCU continue.
  Click Defer (if available) to defer running DCU.
  Close DCU manually and click Continue to continue running DCU
6. DCU will run.
7. If an update is installed that requires a restart you will see this window. You have the option to click Restart Now or Minimize the window. Please save and close all of your work at your earliest convenience. While updates are being installed do not change or remove the power source for your computer or attached peripherals.
8. When DCU is finished running you will see this window.