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February 6th, 2022 10:00
Feedback: Driver versioning confuses Dell Update software and users
As a long-time Dell user, I am providing feedback in the hopes that Dell can improve driver versioning in the future. There have been several times I have experienced issues with the Dell Update or Support Assist recommending driver or software updates when the same or more recent versions are already installed. One issue appears to be with releasing more recently dated files with version numbers that are lower than the older dated files.
Here is a specific example...
Currently installed: "Goodix-Fingerprint-Sensor-Driver_3VXR7_WIN64_3.0.38.700_A06". The Inspiron 5505 driver site says is latest released 06 May 2021.
Driver Detail (3.0.38.700, A06 Goodix Fingerprint Sensor Driver (3vxr7)
Dell Update is recommending the install of "Goodix-Fingerprint-Sensor-Driver_GR86V_WIN64_3.20.30.110_A00" from 07 Jan 2020.
Driver Detail (3.20.30.110, A00) Goodix Fingerprint Sensor Driver (GR86V)
Why does the more recent driver from 5/21 have a version of 3.0.x which is lower than the older driver from 1/20 version 3.20.x? No wonder the update app is confused.
Out of curiosity, I downloaded the older/recommended 3.20 version, and when I ran the installer it stopped and warned me that a newer version was already installed.
Example with same version not detected...
Dell Update is recommending to install "AMD-Graphics-Driver_8ND26_WIN64_30.0.13014.8_A05". I downloaded this from the Inspiron 5505 support driver page yesterday and installed it successfully and rebooted. There does not appear to be any problems indicating it needs to be reinstalled, so why is it still recommending it?
Here is an example with a BIOS versioning issue I posted about previously.
For now, I will uninstall and no longer run Dell Update or Support Assist as they are as confused as I am about these issues. I will have to rely on going to the product support pages and manually downloading and installing drivers, updates, and software.
Please take this as constructive feedback and use it to improve your processes.