DELL Update For Windows 10 - Is it needed?

wiganken · 19 Dec 2019

DELL Update For Windows 10 (DELL U4W10) installed on DELL Inspiron 15-3576 with Windows 10 v1909 build 18363.535.

18th Dec. 2019 the program updated itself from v3.0.1 (installed on 28/11/2018) to v3.1.0 so it is obviously an active app.

About two weeks ago I uninstalled three apps that were “DELL SupportAssist” or related to it. I left the “DELL Update For Windows 10” installed but is it necessary?
What does DELL U4W10 do? Is it bloatware or a useful app?
Although it appears in “Installed Programs” it is not shown in the Start programs (Apps) list so is this a background App that is not intended for running manually?

Thanks in advance.

dalchina · 19 Dec 2019

This appears to indicate it's a leftover from e.g. Win 8 assuming you upgraded to Win 10 at some point.

https://www.dell.com/community/Windo...y/td-p/4742301

Have a look at the supported drivers and utilities list for your PC and see if it is listed there.
There may be something more recent: example
https://www.dell.com/support/home/uk...05201398188499

As for manufacturer's utilities, well it's your choice as to whether to keep them.

My Lenovo has a Lenovo system updater program, and I really like it - it has delivered a couple of useful updates. But that's not everyone's experience with their particular manufacturer.

wiganken · 19 Dec 2019

Thanks for the reply. The DELL (new in November 2018) came with Windows 10 v1803 installed and I have since upgraded to v1809, then v1903 and it is now on v1909 so, if it is a leftover, then it's from an earlier version of Windows 10 (not 8.1). All upgrades went through smoothly with not a single problem.

dalchina · 19 Dec 2019

https://www.dell.com/support/home/uk...laptop/drivers
- your drivers, utilities etc- sorry, I was looking for your PC model in your specs so didn't see it in your post.

That should help you identify it:

DELL Update For Windows 10 - Is it needed?-1.png

Steve C · 20 Dec 2019

Not needed. I remove all such bloatware and just peruse the support site every few months for new updates.

wiganken · 20 Dec 2019

I uninstalled the app "DELL Update For Windows 10".

The only DELL app still installed is "DELL Power Manager service" and it sounds a useful DELL app to keep. Does anyone know any different?

Thanks.

f14tomcat · 20 Dec 2019

As dalchina said, it's really a matter of if the software has a value to you. Not all OEM apps are crap or bloatware. Lots are, to be sure, but some have a benefit if you choose to use it. For instance, my machine is an Alienware (Dell) gaming box that has specific software for running some of the options, like case lighting, OC the machine, etc. My Dell updater is called Alienware Update, basically the same concept..... same manufacturer, different line. My Updater tells me about these box-specific updates, and also alerts me to BIOS firmware updates, etc. Nothing is automatic, just alerts with option to DL and apply.

So, to me, there is some benefit, so I chose to keep it. Really a case-by-case situation.

mike s · 20 Dec 2019

wiganken said:

I uninstalled the app "DELL Update For Windows 10".

The only DELL app still installed is "DELL Power Manager service" and it sounds a useful DELL app to keep. Does anyone know any different?

Thanks.

It can be useful on laptops for support of the custom power profiles supported by recent BIOS versions (e.g. "mostly plugged in" allows you to stop charging at, say, 90% to prolong the life of the battery). Normally you would have to go into the BIOS to change these but the power manager allows adjustment from within Windows.

wiganken · 23 Dec 2019

OK! Thanks. I'll call this 'Solved' and close it.