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Dell AW988 Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset Usage and Troubleshooting Guide

Summary: The Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 has many features and options, see each section for general information, how to install the Alienware Headset Center and links to resources for configuration and troubleshooting. ...

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Symptoms

The Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 has many features and options, see each section for general information, how to install the Alienware Headset Center and links to resources for configuration and troubleshooting.

What is in the Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 box

Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 Box Contents
Figure 1: Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 Box Contents
Numbers reference image above:
 Number Caption 1   Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988
 Number Caption 2   USB wireless dongle
 Number Caption 3   USB cable for battery charging
 Number Caption 4   Documents
 Number Caption 5   Audio cable (3.5 mm)

 

About the headset

Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 Features
Figure 2: Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 Features
Numbers reference image above:
 Number Caption 1   Power button
 Number Caption 2   Alienware two zones lighting
 Number Caption 3   Microphone mute indicator
 Number Caption 4   Retractable boom microphone
 Number Caption 5   Audio preset button
 Number Caption 6   Micro-USB charging port
 Number Caption 7   3.5 mm audio port
 Number Caption 8   Battery status indicator
 Number Caption 9   USB wireless dongle storage slot
 Number Caption 10   Main volume control
 Number Caption 11   Microphone mute button
 Number Caption 12   Game/chat volume mixer control

 

To control the features and options, you need the Alienware Command Center (AWCC) and Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 Driver. You can get the latest versions directly from the Dell Support Site. For more information, see the steps below.

NOTE: It is recommended that you wait to insert the Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 dongle until noted in the instructions.
NOTE: AWCC requires Windows 10 version 16299 or later.
NOTE: It is recommended that you update Windows and the drivers for your computer before installing the Alienware Command Center. For more information see Microsoft Knowledge Base article Windows Update: FAQ and Dell Knowledge Base article Drivers and Downloads FAQs.
NOTE: When your computer is preinstalled with AWCC 5.0 or later, you must install the Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 Driver (see the steps below). After that you can configure your Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 through FX available in AWCC. For more information, see Dell Knowledge Base article Alienware Command Center Application Quick Guide.
NOTE: When your computer is not preinstalled with AWCC 5.0 or later, see Dell Knowledge Base article Alienware Command Center Application Quick Guide on how to install the latest AWCC. AWCC 5.0 or later can co-exist with older versions of AWCC on the same computer, so you can continue to use the older version to configure your computer.

There is a different Command Center version for every Alienware computer, and each version enables different features depending on your computer model.

To download the correct version for your computer, perform the following steps:

  1. Make sure the computer is connected to the Internet.
  2. Browse to Dell Drivers & Downloads.
  3. Identify your Dell product.
    • Click the model listed that is auto-detected by SupportAssist.
    • Or, enter the Service Tag, Express Service Code, or the Serial number of the Dell product and click Search.
    • Or, click Browse all products to manually select your Dell product from the catalog.
  4. Click Find Drivers.
  5. Select the Operating System.
  6. Under Category, select Audio.
  7. Locate the latest Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 Driver.
  8. Click Download and save the file to your computer.
  9. Open File Explorer (also known as Windows Explorer) and browse to the location where the downloaded file is saved.
  10. Double-click the Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 Driver setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
NOTES:
  • The Alienware Command Center may take a while to start, as it may be downloading additional software or starting the command center service and in the meantime you may get a message that there are no AlienFX devices detected until the service fully starts.
  • The controls to change the colors and settings of your Alienware Gaming Peripheral are located under the FX tab, located on the top of the program window.

Cause

Browse to the AW988 Online Driver Page for the latest software.

For the Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 Quick Start Guide, browse to the AW988 Online Manual Page, and then touch or click PDF to the right of Quick Start Guide.
The Quick Start Guide provides information about the hardware in the box and the controls on the headset.

For the Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 Configuration and Installation Guide, browse to the AW988 Online Manual Page, and then touch or click PDF under Configuration and Installation Guide.
The Configuration and Installation Guide provides information about the options on how to install the application for configuring the Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988.

For the Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988 User Guide, browse to the AW988 Online Manual Page, and then touch or click PDF under Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset - User Guide.
The User Guide provides information such as Setting up your headset on your computer, Charging the headset, Using the headset and Troubleshooting.

For the Alienware Headset Center - User Guide, browse to the AW988 Online Manual Page, and then touch or click PDF under Alienware Headset Center - User Guide.
The Alienware Headset Center - User Guide provides information such as how to install the Alienware Headset Center and using the Alienware Headset Center software.

Troubleshooting Guide for Microphone Problems on a Dell PC
Use the information within and the Audio Recording Troubleshooter to resolve microphone issues.

Resolution

Common Troubleshooting Guide for Sound (audio) Problems in Microsoft Windows
Having issues with audio or sound on your Dell PC? If you notice symptoms like no sound or no audio, stuttering, jarring, crackling, or choppy audio, intermittent audio, distorted audio, follow the troubleshooting steps.

 

How to Troubleshoot Audio or Sound Recording Issues
Provides generic troubleshooting steps for audio and recording issues.

Affected Products

Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset AW988
Article Properties
Article Number: 000127969
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 28 Oct 2024
Version:  7
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