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XPS 8960, does it need updates or not?
On the left side of the picture below, which comes from the "Drivers and Downloads" page of my Dell online account, it seems that my XPS 8960 is missing critical updates.
On the right side of the picture is the result of running the Dell Update app on my XPS 8960.
Which one do I believe?
Chino de Oro
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September 5th, 2023 22:07
@Bulldog , there is no intention from me to confuse you. The information below is from my personal perspective, not speaking for Dell, or Microsoft.
As a device manufacturer, Dell is obligated to provide supports and Support website is one platform of fulfillment obligations.
As an operating system maker, MS has succeed in expansion and taking control of majority devices in the world. To have a component working properly in Windows operating system, devices makers have to use tools provided by MS to validate drivers and firmware prior to acceptance for release. At the end results, users from Windows 11 do not have control over the updates as we did before.
There are long time computer users, there also are first time users, or newbies. So Dell tools are really helpful to those who knows how to use computer but lacks of knowledge for PC maintenance.
Since there are many ways to achieve the same goal, update your system, I chose to remove all assist tools and let Windows manages the update. While I voice my input, it does not work the same for everyone. I see that you know your ways around the PC and just pointing out a better way than using which many have considering bloatware.
As the main point of your thread, if you see Dell support site is listing newly released software (by date and by version) while the Dell Update Tools did not have in its catalog (database using for update). Then, you can decide for yourself, if the Update Tool is accurate and put your trust to it.
Chino de Oro
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September 5th, 2023 15:29
Neither. There is a third updater, Windows, will update your system in due times.
You do not want to be the first, or testers. If something went wrong with the new firmware, drivers.
MastiffX
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September 5th, 2023 15:50
I recently chatted with a Dell support technician about my question above. This is what the technician said - copied verbatum:
"Yes, it takes time approx 15-18 days for the support site to reflect the updates.
Hence the best option is to check the updates from the dell applications." (They are referring to Dell Update or SupportAssist.)
Based on their answer, if correct, I see that I cannot, in fact, trust that the "Drivers and Downloads" page on Dell's website will be up to date - which makes me wonder why Dell offers that web page in the first place - but instead I should trust the Dell Updates app on my computer.
Chino de Oro
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September 5th, 2023 20:30
That is in contrary to your screenshots. New updates already are available on Dell Support website while Dell Update Tool did not have any updates in its catalog. So, it should be the other way around, it takes 15-18 days for Dell Update Tool to receive and reflect the new updates from Dell Support site.
Either ways, when Dell releases updates, they all have to be digitally signed and submitted to Microsoft, Windows updates will run them automatically if they are categorized as critical and recommended. Windows updates will offers as optional updates if they are categorized as optional. These are just from my observations, not actual processing rules from neither.
The practices of system updates are varied according to business practices and individuals preferences. You can try each methods to see which works better and find yours.
MastiffX
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September 5th, 2023 21:35
@Chino de Oro
"New updates already are available on Dell Support website while Dell Update Tool did not have any updates in its catalog. So, it should be the other way around, it takes 15-18 days for Dell Update Tool to receive and reflect the new updates from Dell Support site.
Sorry, but that only makes things worse (which was surely not your intention!)
Now I have one source telling me that the Drivers and Downloads web page is out of date, and another source telling me that the Dell Update app is out of date. If either or both of these are out of date, why does Dell bother having them at all?
And if I can get everything I need through Windows Update anyway, why did Dell go to the trouble of writing a web page or an app? There's something going on here that just doesn't make sense to me.
MastiffX
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September 7th, 2023 15:57
"Since there are many ways to achieve the same goal, update your system, I chose to remove all assist tools and let Windows manages the update. "
I agree with you on this. While I respect Dell as a hardware manufacturer, I am personally not impressed with SupportAssist (which I have already removed) and Dell Update (which I will remove) as I can perform their functions more efficiently on my own.
"... if you see Dell support site is listing newly released software (by date and by version) while the Dell Update Tools did not have in its catalog (database using for update). Then, you can decide for yourself, if the Update Tool is accurate and put your trust to it."
I actually downloaded some 'critical' updates from Dell's online support page, and their installers told me "you already have these!" So I'll stick with Windows Update.
Thanks for your advice.