DELL SupportAssist - Can I uninstall it?

wiganken · 09 Dec 2019

DELL laptop has ‘DELL SupportAssist’ installed but the service contract expired in November so I want to uninstall it. In “Programs and Features” list there are three programs installed that are SupportAssist related: -

a) ‘Dell SupportAssist’
b) ‘Dell SupportAssist Remediation’
c) ‘Dell Update - SupportAssist Update Plugin’

There is also a fourth program: -

d) ‘Dell Update for Windows 10’ - (Maybe I should leave this installed?)

I know Windows Updates will be unaffected if I uninstall a), b) and c) but does anyone know if it will stop any other DELL functions working?

Thanks in advance.

zbook · 09 Dec 2019

Dell support assist can be uninstalled and reinstalled.
Open the dell website > enter product or serial number > view drivers > confirm the listing

Use control panel for un-installation.

The Dell support assist is useful for drivers, updating BIOS, recalls, etc.

So update drivers and BIOS before uninstalling the software.

Bree · 09 Dec 2019

wiganken said:

I know Windows Updates will be unaffected if I uninstall a), b) and c) but does anyone know if it will stop any other DELL functions working?

I have a Dell laptop with a clean install of Windows 10. There are only two Dell utilities installed.

Dell Touchpad Options (installed automatically by windows update along with the touchpad driver)
Dell Command Power Manager (installed it myself, about the only Dell utility that I regard as being useful)

It runs perfect well without all the other Dell 'bloatware'.

d) ‘Dell Update for Windows 10’ - (Maybe I should leave this installed?)

Mine is a Dell Latitude for which that is not a supported app...

Dell said:

...the Dell Update Application ... is supported on Inspiron, Vostro, XPS and Alienware systems...

https://www.dell.com/support/home/uk...driverid=p0kkn

Dell Update can update drivers, your BIOS and your other installed Dell software.

Window Update will update drivers as required, that's how I got my Dell touchpad driver. You can check for and download BIOS update yourself at https://www.dell.com/support/home/uk/en/ukdhs1/ by entering your service tag. As for the Dell utilities, well if you're going to uninstall them you won't be needing their updates

Clintlgm · 09 Dec 2019

I'll add my 2 Cents worth. I have all Dell Assist programs uninstalled besides the Power management option. I learned though Dell Support Pro Plus about a tool they use " Dell Command Update" Version 3.0 is a user control update tool you select what updates are installed and when. If you install the Version 3.1 it only installs Dell Assist etc. Installing 3.0 will auto uninstalled Dell update and Dell update Assist.
This solved an issue I was experiencing and showed my an Intel IO driver that Dell update and Dell Assist could not find including 3 different support techs. the 4th showed my this tool and the Intel IO driver solved my issue. I do not like any automatic driver install tool and BIOS updates through these Automatic install tool are just plain dangerous. So I highly recommend Dell Command Update ver 3.0 tool. I'm not sure what 3.1 will do on a compatible notebook, mine was not on the list as compatible and for me installing 3.1 only uninstalled 3.0 and installed Dell support update, and Dell update assist. Dell Tech support is pushing the Dell support update and Dell update Assist. So Check it out do what you think is correct for you.

wiganken · 09 Dec 2019

I uninstalled a, b and c.
I left d installed.
There seems to be no 'fall-out' and d seems to still work fine.
DELL website shows the "Dell Command Update ver 3.0" as not being compatible with my DELL but thanks for the input.

So that's me sorted and thanks again. I'll call this "Solved" now.

Steve C · 10 Dec 2019

I removed all Dell bloatware like this and just peruse the support site every few months for new drivers and BIOS updates.