SupportAssist not installing

Hi Herin:

Try downloading a fresh copy of the latest SupportAssistInstaller.exe installer from the direct download link at  https://downloads.dell.com/serviceability/catalog/SupportAssistInstaller.exe, save it to your desktop, and then right-click the .exe file and choose "Run as Administrator".

If that doesn't help let us know if your Dell service warranty has expired yet as well as your Dell computer model, the version and OS build of your Windows operating system [open a Run dialog box (Windows key + R) and enter winver], antivirus and/or other security software, and current BIOS version.  To find your current BIOS version open a Run dialog box, enter msinfo32 to open your System Information, and look for the field named "BIOS Version / Date" in the summary.

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Dell Inspiron 15 5584 * 64-bit Win 10 Pro v22H2 build 19045.6093 * Firefox v141.0.2 * Microsoft Defender v4.18.25060.7-1.1.25070.4 * Malwarebytes Premium v5.3.5.204-137.0.5331 * Macrium Reflect Free v8.0.7783 * My Dell v2.2.6.0 * Fusion Service 2.2.14.0

Hi,

I downloaded SupportAssistInstaller and run it as administrator. Form has just flash in front of my eyes and closed very fast, so could not even read error message (if any). Nothing in Event Viewer as well.

Dell Vostro 3681

winver: 24H2 (OS Build 26100.4946)

BiOS ver: BIOS Version/Date Dell Inc. 2.35.1, 12.06.2025

This is a fresh Windows 11 install from Microsoft website on brand new hard drive.

Any ideas? Maybe I'm missing some required framework/software to run this?

BR,
szyb

I downloaded SupportAssistInstaller and run it as administrator. Form has just flash in front of my eyes and closed very fast ... Maybe I'm missing some required framework/software to run this?

Hi szyb:

Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime v8.0.x is a pre-requisite for SupportAssist v4.8.x - see the minimum system requirements <here> in the SupportAssist for Home PCs v4 Release Notes.  The SupportAssistInstaller.exe installer should automatically install the required Desktop Runtime if it is missing from your system, but if your SupportAssistInstaller.exe will not run with Administrator rights (see the instructions in my 06-Aug-2025 post <above>) then download the MS .NET Desktop Runtime v8.0.x installer from https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet/8.0 and install it manually before attempting another SupportAssist install.  From my Inspiron 5584 :

IMPORTANT: After installing Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime 8.0.x the word ".NET" will not appear in the program name.

This is a fresh Windows 11 install from Microsoft website on brand new hard drive.

Dell SupportAssist v4.8.x is proprietary Dell software and I assume it will not install on your system if the installer does not recognize your computer was manufactured by Dell.  It's possible your hard drive replacement and/or the method you used to reinstall your Win 11 OS is part of the problem.  For example, I have not replaced the SSD on my Inspiron 5584 since it shipped from the factory and I have a file at C:\Windows\System32\oem\QFEs.txt - the second line of that OEM (original equipment manufacturer) QFEs.txt file shows the original Service Tag (i.e., computer serial number) of my laptop..

If pre-installing Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime 8.0.x doesn't solve your problem please let us know:

• If your Vostro 3681 is still under warranty.
• Why your Vostro 3681 required a hard drive replacement and Win 11 OS reinstall, and if this repair was performed by a Dell service tech.
• Do you have other Dell software listed at Settings | Apps (e.g., like Dell Update for Windows Universal v5.5.0), and if "yes" does this Dell software run correctly?
• If there are any installer logs created by your failed SupportAssist installation in the hidden C:\ProgramData\Dell\UpdatePackage\log folder and/or C:\ProgramData\Dell\SupportAssist\Agent\logs\installer\installer.txt file.  To view hidden folders and files in File Explorer see the How-To Geek article How to Show Hidden Files on Windows 11.
• If you enter wmic bios get serialnumber in a command prompt as instructed in the Dell support article Locate Your Desktop's Service Tag does your current Service Tag (which is also your computer serial number) match the Service Tag shown on the sticker on the outside of your computer case?

From my Inspiron 5584:

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Dell Inspiron 15 5584 * 64-bit Win 10 Pro v22H2 build 19045.6093 * Firefox v141.0.3 * Microsoft Defender v4.18.25070.5-1.1.25070.4 * Malwarebytes Premium v5.3.6.205-138.0.5346 * Macrium Reflect Free v8.0.7783 * My Dell v2.2.6.0 * Fusion Service 2.2.14.0

Hi @lmacri

Thank you for you response.

Well... .NET Desktop Runtime 8.0.19 was already installed. Repairing installation didn't help.

My Dell is out of warranty and I reinstalled windows 11 because old hard drive was about to fail. I've chosen option with fresh install from Microsoft, because using option from Dell would probably install Windows 10 as an original system preinstalled on this device.

I don't have any other Dell software installed so can't check whether they works. Service tag is valid in BIOS serial number.

But I found log in: C:\ProgramData\Dell\SupportAssist\Agent\logs\Installer\Installer.log (bellow). Seems to be the problem with installer it self, but that is only my guess. 

 

2025-08-1808:54:21,529 [4.8.2.38851] [22912 - 1] INFODell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.App - Starting SupportAssist Installer

2025-08-1808:54:21,691 [4.8.2.38851] [22912 - 1] INFODell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.ViewModel.AppViewModel - Installer launched with args - Tapp

2025-08-1808:54:21,693 [4.8.2.38851] [22912 - 1] INFODell.SupportAssist.Client.Utilities.RegistryUtilityExtn - SOFTWARE\Dell\SupportAssistAgent : Not exists

2025-08-1808:54:21,744 [4.8.2.38851] [22912 - 1] INFODell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.ViewModel.AppViewModel - Manufacturer Value : Dell Inc.

2025-08-1808:54:21,793 [4.8.2.38851] [22912 - 1] ERRORDell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.MainWindow - Exception occured at mainwindow: Provide value on 'System.Windows.Markup.StaticExtension' threw an exception.

2025-08-1808:54:21,804 [4.8.2.38851] [22912 - 1] ERRORDell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.MainWindow - Error occured at LoadMainWindow: Could not find any resources appropriate for the specified culture or the neutral culture.  Make sure "Dell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.Resource.en_GB.Resource.resources" was correctly embedded or linked into assembly "SupportAssistInstaller" at compile time, or that all the satellite assemblies required are loadable and fully signed.

2025-08-1808:54:21,807 [4.8.2.38851] [22912 - 1] ERRORDell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.App - Unhandled Exception Message Initialization of 'Dell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.MainWindow' threw an exception.. Exiting Application with return code: error

2025-08-1808:54:48,061 [4.8.2.38851] [12100 - 1] INFODell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.App - Starting SupportAssist Installer

2025-08-1808:54:48,228 [4.8.2.38851] [12100 - 1] INFODell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.ViewModel.AppViewModel - Installer launched with args - Tapp

2025-08-1808:54:48,231 [4.8.2.38851] [12100 - 1] INFODell.SupportAssist.Client.Utilities.RegistryUtilityExtn - SOFTWARE\Dell\SupportAssistAgent : Not exists

2025-08-1808:54:48,278 [4.8.2.38851] [12100 - 1] INFODell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.ViewModel.AppViewModel - Manufacturer Value : Dell Inc.

2025-08-1808:54:48,328 [4.8.2.38851] [12100 - 1] ERRORDell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.MainWindow - Exception occured at mainwindow: Provide value on 'System.Windows.Markup.StaticExtension' threw an exception.

2025-08-1808:54:48,339 [4.8.2.38851] [12100 - 1] ERRORDell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.MainWindow - Error occured at LoadMainWindow: Could not find any resources appropriate for the specified culture or the neutral culture.  Make sure "Dell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.Resource.en_GB.Resource.resources" was correctly embedded or linked into assembly "SupportAssistInstaller" at compile time, or that all the satellite assemblies required are loadable and fully signed.

2025-08-1808:54:48,342 [4.8.2.38851] [12100 - 1] ERRORDell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.App - Unhandled Exception Message Initialization of 'Dell.SupportAssist.Client.SupportAssistInstaller.MainWindow' threw an exception.. Exiting Application with return code: error

I don't have any other Dell software installed so can't check whether they works. Service tag is valid in BIOS serial number.

Hi szyb:

Browse to the Drivers & Downloads panel of your Vostro 3681 support page at https://www.dell.com/support/product-details/en-us/product/vostro-3681-desktop/drivers, choose Select Drivers, and click the "This Device" tab and enter your unique Service Tag. This should display a filtered list of Dell software and drivers that are compatible with your system components.

NOTE:  I assume any firmware the "This Device" tab lists for an SSD controller would be for the original make/model of SSD that shipped with your computer from the factory and is still registered for your Service Tag.

IMPORTANT: The "This Device" tab should present a list of Dell software and hardware drivers that match your system components, but that does not mean they are required. Some of those compatible Dell programs may be unnecessary bloat that you don’t need to install, and some matching hardware drivers might already be installed on your computer.  When you look for available updates on your support page it’s your responsibility to check your installed software at Settings | Apps and/or hardware driver versions at Device Manager to see what is already installed on your system.

If the Dell Update for Windows Universal v5.5.0 application is still listed on the "This Device" tab then download the full offline installer (Dell-Update-Windows-Universal-Application_M8VJW_WIN64_5.5.0_A00.EXE rel. 30-Jun-2025) and save it to your desktop, close your browser, and then right-click the .EXE installer and choose "Run as Administrator".

Then post back and let us know if Dell Update for Windows Universal v5.5.0 installed correctly and is able to scan for available updates for your system.  DO NOT proceed with the installation of any recommended software or drivers at this time - just see if this app installs and launches without throwing an error.

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FYI, I removed all SupportAssist-related programs from my Inspiron 5584 after my service warranty expired because they were too buggy and consumed too much RAM, CPU and other system resources.  I also found the "system optimization" scans in SupportAssist (Clean Files / Tune Performance / Optimize Network) were too aggressive and had the potential to do more harm than good.  See my 08-Feb-2025 post in ygil's BSOD Issues After Windows Updates for further details on the steps I took to replace the functionality of these buggy programs.

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Dell Inspiron 15 5584 * 64-bit Win 10 Pro v22H2 build 19045.6216 * Firefox v141.0.3 * Microsoft Defender v4.18.25070.5-1.1.25070.4 * Malwarebytes Premium v5.3.6.205-138.0.5346 * Macrium Reflect Free v8.0.7783 * My Dell v2.2.6.0 * Fusion Service 2.2.14.0

Hi @lmacri:

Dell Update is working fine. I installed it without errors and I can check updates. SupportAssist installer still does not work, but... is Dell Update all I need to perform checking software/drivers/bios and install them when needed?

is Dell Update all I need to perform checking software/drivers/bios and install them when needed?

Hi szyb:

In my opinion, yes.  Just note that Dell Update v5.x apps do not run in the background and silently install available updates like SupportAssist v4.x so you must launch Dell Update v5.x manually to run a check for updates. A user guide and release notes are available at https://www.dell.com/support/product-details/en-us/product/dell-update/resources/manuals.

If you haven't already done so I'd suggest you read my 08-Feb-2025 post in ygil's BSOD Issues After Windows Updates for information on the steps I took to replace the functionality of my all my SupportAssist-related programs. Once your Dell service warranty expires the only useful functions SupportAssist v4.x preforms are scans for available updates (which you can do with any Dell Update v5.x app) and hardware diagnostics [which you can run from your BIOS using the ePSA (enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment) on-board hardware diagnostics - see the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cfFECs5Qa0].

Dell completely redesigned the Dell Update v5.x apps back in April 2025 and the current v5.5.0 now requires .NET Desktop Runtime v8.0.x (which you already have on your system) and automatically loads additional components at Windows startup I wasn't happy about - see my 05-Apr-2025 Dell Update v5.5.0 (rel. 01-Apr-2025) Installs Unnecessary Bloat. Dell Update for Windows Universal v5.5.0 did run correctly on Inspiron 5584 and recommended I install the Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery Plugin for Dell Update v5.5.x, which I ignored since I uninstalled the buggy Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery v5.5.x emergency recovery software and don't need this plugin installed on my system.  However, I decided to go ahead and uninstall Dell Update for Windows Universal v5.5.0 since it no longer serves a useful purpose on my 6-year-old Insipron 5584 - Dell has essentially ended support for my computer model and hasn't posted a BIOS *** or hardware driver update on my Inspiron 5584 support page since 2022.
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*** WARNING: I would strongly advise that users do NOT allow Windows Update or a Dell utility like SupportAssist v4.x or Dell Update v5.x to update their BIOS, since any glitch during the update process could result in an unbootable system. If SupportAssist v4.x is installed there are instructions <here> in the SupportAssist v4 User Guide for disabling automatic updates to prevent an unexpected BIOS update - if you run update checks manually from the Home tab of SupportAssist this will allow you to review the list of available updates and decline any BIOS update before it starts to download.

When Dell releases a critical BIOS update that as been certified for my Inspiron 5584 I normally save the .exe installer recommended on the Drivers & Downloads tab of my Inspiron 5584 support page to my desktop, close all my open programs, and then right-click the .exe file and choose "Run as Administrator".  However, the safer method is to flash your BIOS from a removable USB stick.

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Dell Inspiron 15 5584 * 64-bit Win 10 Pro v22H2 build 19045.6216 * Firefox v141.0.3 * Microsoft Defender v4.18.25070.5-1.1.25070.4 * Malwarebytes Premium v5.3.6.205-138.0.5346 * Macrium Reflect Free v8.0.7783 * My Dell v2.2.6.0 * Fusion Service 2.2.14.0

I'm having the same issue. Dell SupportAssist installer just flashes and doesn't do anything. I have tried multiple versions without success. My main issue is that Dell Display and Peripheral manager does not load. I'm trying to use SupportAssist to help with this, but it also doesn't work.

Update:
I uninstalled everything, restarted the computer and reinstalled SupportAssist. This time it opened the installer and it finished successfully.