What is Dell Software Support and How to Purchase

Summary: This article describes the benefits of the Dell Software Support (DSS) service and provides guidance on how it can be purchased.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Instructions

Affected Products:

  • Dell Software Support

Table of Contents:

Dell Software Support is a service offering that provides comprehensive software support and remote software resolution for certain commonly available software titles and operating system problems.

The service is designed for older computers that can no longer purchase support from Premium or PremiumPlus support due to age. Customers can choose to extend software support up to year eight by purchasing DSS.

Note: Hardware issue resolution is not part of the DSS. This service does not cover parts replacement.

What kind of issues does DSS cover:

DSS includes commercially reasonable efforts to support a wide range of software and operating system queries and issues such as:

  • Remote software issue troubleshooting
  • Assistance for software installation and setup, performing any necessary software updates, uninstalling, or upgrading software, or re-instating factory settings
  • General usage queries, settings, set-up, and configuration of common devices (for example: Printers, keyboards, headsets)
  • Remote assistance with virus and malware removal
  • Performance Optimization: Remote and SupportAssist-powered help improving performance for slow-running computers
  • Help with connecting to your wired or wireless network and troubleshooting for common wired and wireless network issues
  • Step-by-step advice on common How-to queries:
    • How to perform data backup or how to transfer files to your new computer
    • How to install recommended patches and fixes
    • How to personalize your desktop
    • How to set up antivirus software
    • How to set up parental controls
Note: For more details on issues covered by DSS, reference the Dell Software Support Service description.

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What is not covered under DSS:

  • Hardware issues, hardware repair, or parts replacement
  • Support on operating systems not pre-installed by Dell
  • Support for older versions of Windows operating systems prior to Windows 11
  • Support for advanced wired or wireless networking or network optimization or help with corporate networks
  • Support for web development, database programming, or scripting assistance
Note: For more details on issues not covered by DSS, reference to the Dell Software Support Service Description.

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How do I purchase DSS?

If you are interested in Dell Software Support, contact your local Dell sales team or tech support team.

Note: DSS is only available in the following countries:
  • United States
  • Canada

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How do I check my current warranty status?

You can check your current warranty status online on the Dell Support website. Reference the Dell knowledge base article How to Find Warranty Status and Information for your Dell product for info on checking your computer warranty.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

  • I have multiple Dell computers at home. If I purchase DSS, can I get support on all of them?
    • DSS is sold and attached to a single consumer product. To get support on your other home computers, you must purchase the DSS service individually for each of them.
  • Is there any limit to the number of support incidents that I am entitled to?
    • There is no limit to the number of incidents that you can call in for during the duration of your DSS entitlement.
  • I have a non-Dell computer at home. Can I purchase a DSS for it?
    • No, DSS does not cover computers manufactured by other companies.
  • What benefits of SupportAssist do I get if I purchase DSS?
    • Upon purchasing DSS, you can use the PC Optimization and Virus Removal features within SupportAssist.
Note: SupportAssist is a smart technology available on your computer that keeps it running like new by removing viruses, detecting issues, optimizing settings, and telling you when you need to make updates.
  • I am traveling abroad. Can I use DSS internationally?
    • No, International Support is not available under DSS.
  • What if I need support on a hardware issue?
  • What level of support can I expect on software and operating system issues if I purchase DSS?
    • With DSS, you can expect the same expert software support as with our Premium Support and Premium Support Plus warranties.
  • Why can I not just renew my warranty to get Premium Support or Premium Support Plus then?
    • The DSS service is meant for computers past their service life. If your computer is within service life (for example, under 4 years old), you can renew the Premium Support or Premium Support Plus warranty on your computer.

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Article Properties
Article Number: 000221940
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 03 Nov 2025
Version:  2
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