How to Resolve Unexpected Error in Dell SupportAssist for Drivers and Downloads

If you are utilizing Dell SupportAssist, it’s quite possible you have encountered the message stating that an unexpected error occurred when you click on Run within the Get drivers and downloads option.

This unexpected error in Dell SupportAssist is generally triggered by several factors, including an outdated or corrupted BIOS, missing essential files, or conflicts instigated by firewall settings.

Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s advisable to restart your computer, ensure any pending updates for Dell SupportAssist are installed, temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software, and confirm your Internet connection is reliable. For many users, addressing these fundamental issues should resolve the error!

How to Resolve the Unexpected Error in Dell SupportAssist

1. Update Your BIOS

In nearly 60% of the instances, updating the BIOS has resolved the unexpected error associated with Get drivers and downloads in Dell SupportAssist. Therefore, visit the official site of the manufacturer to download the latest BIOS version available.

If no newer version is present, reinstalling the current BIOS version may also eliminate the issue. Given the inherent complexity and differences in procedures among manufacturers, it’s wise to consult the official support website for precise instructions.

2. Install Microsoft. NET Runtime

1. Head to Microsoft’s official site and download the appropriate. NET Desktop Runtime based on your Windows architecture.
   

   

2. Execute the setup and adhere to the on-screen prompts to finalize the installation.
3. After installation, restart your PC to implement the changes and check if the issue is resolved.

3. Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

1. Visit Microsoft’s page and download the latest Visual C++ Redistributable packages. If you are using 32-bit Windows, obtain the x86 version; for 64-bit, download both x64 and x86.
   

   

2. Launch the installer and follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
   

   

3. Once the installation is complete, restart your system to apply the updates and verify if the unexpected error in Dell SupportAssist remains.

4. Add Dell SupportAssist to Firewall Exceptions

1. Press Windows + S to open the Search function, type Windows Defender Firewall, and select the appropriate option.
2. Select Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall from the left pane.
   

   

3. Click on the Change settings button.
4. Click on Allow another app.
   

   

5. Select Browse.
   

   

6. Navigate to the installation directory of Dell SupportAssist, select the executable (.exe file), and click on Open.
7. Press Add.
8. Ensure you check the boxes next to both Private and Public for Dell SupportAssist.
   

   

9. Click OK to save your changes, then restart your computer and observe if the problem persists.

When Windows Defender Firewall prevents Dell SupportAssist from functioning properly, it may lead to the occurrence of the unexpected error when trying to access Get drivers and downloads. Whitelisting the application can help avert such conflicts!

5. Reinstall Dell SupportAssist

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type appwiz.cpl in the box, and hit Enter.
2. Locate Dell SupportAssist within the list of installed programs and click on Uninstall.
   

   

3. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the uninstallation process.
4. Also uninstall the Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery Plugin for Dell Update.
5. Then, press Windows + E to open File Explorer and navigate to the following path: C:\ProgramData\Dell
6. Remove any folders linked to Dell SupportAssist and restart your computer.
   

   

7. Finally, head to Dell’s official support page to download the latest version of SupportAssist.

Many users have reported that reinstalling Dell SupportAssist successfully rectified the unexpected error in the Get drivers and downloads section.

If a straightforward uninstallation doesn’t resolve the issue, it might be due to residual files interfering with the new installation. In that case, utilizing a high-quality software uninstaller for Windows can help eliminate any remnants of the previous setup!

6. Obtain the Latest Updates from Dell’s Official Website

If the previous methods do not yield results, directly downloading updates from Dell’s official site is a viable option. Simply input your service tag number or allow the automatic detection feature for your Dell PC, and you will find a list of available updates.

It’s important to note that every update provided through Dell SupportAssist is also accessible via the official website, which is a significant reason many people opt to forgo Dell SupportAssist entirely!

In my view, utilizing Dell SupportAssist may not be necessary, as Windows already provides many comparable features, such as malware protection through Windows Security and hardware diagnostics with tools like Windows Memory Diagnostic and Check Disk.

For any questions or to share additional solutions with fellow readers, feel free to leave a comment below.

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Author: Egor Kostenko

My goal is to make complex technical topics simple and accessible. On this site, I gather unique and useful content that not only solves users’ problems but also helps them better understand the capabilities of Windows.