How to Update AWCC to Version 6.0 on Alienware x16 R1, m16 R1, and m18 R1 Laptops

Summary: The following article provides several methods to update the Alienware Command Center (AWCC) Application to Version 6.0. Alienware x16 R1, m16 R1, and m18 R1 laptops that shipped with Version 5.0 need updated to access the latest packages. ...

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Instructions

Table of Contents:

  1. Introduction
  2. Affected Products
  3. Update Methods
  4. Updating AWCC 5.0 using Task Scheduler
  5. Updating AWCC 5.0 using Alienware Update Software
  6. Updating AWCC 5.0 using the Microsoft Store
  7. Updating AWCC 5.0 using Manual Installation steps
  8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Introduction

 

This article is for those using Alienware x16 R1, m16 R1, and m18 R1 laptops. The laptop may be received with an older revision (Version 5.0) of the AWCC application installed.

AWCC (Version 6.0) was not able to support those Alienware laptop products when they shipped. The application is now able to support every Alienware product and comes installed on all shipping Alienware computers.

Anyone who received a laptop with AWCC (Version 5.0) must update to Version 6.0 to receive the latest packages for your computer. (This includes things like the latest firmware packages released for the laptop.)

The following sections are a step-by-step guide through the most common methods of updating AWCC on an Alienware computer.

Download and Install Alienware Command Center:

Duration: 00:01:06 (hh:mm:ss)
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Affected Products

 

Products that ship with Alienware Command Center Version 5.0:

  • Alienware x16 R1 Laptop
  • Alienware m16 R1 Laptop
  • Alienware m18 R1 Laptop


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Update Methods

 

The standard methods available to update Alienware applications and utilities:


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Updating AWCC 5.0 using Task Scheduler

 

  1. Task Scheduler is a daily silent update that was set from Dell. It is mandatory and coming to all the applicable laptops. The task runs whenever the computer is next plugged-in and is turned on for the first time. (A notification does not appear, so there is no option to turn it on or off.)

  2. The AWCC application is forced off during the installation process. It may take a while to complete. (At least 10-17 minutes are required to download and install the application.)

  3. Wait for the installation to be completed. (The AWCC 6.0 Install Manager automatically removes AWCC 5.0 during installation.) There is no progress window or completion message visible during this.

  4. For the best experience, restart the computer after the installation is completed.

  5. The AWCC application can now be found listed under the start menu.

  6. Launch the AWCC application to run its first check for any required updates.


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Updating AWCC 5.0 using Alienware Update Software

 

  1. A notification from the Alienware Update software to update the AWCC application is received if the upgrade initiated by Task Scheduler does not run.

  2. Click install on the notification window.

  3. The installation process turns off the AWCC application if it is running.

  4. It may take at least 10-17 minutes to complete the download and install the new application. Wait for the installation to be completed.

  5. The AWCC (Version 6.0) Installation Manager automatically removes the old version. (AWCC 5.0) There is no requirement to manually remove the old version.

  6. For the best experience, restart the computer after the installation has been completed.

  7. The AWCC application can now be found listed under the start menu.

  8. Launch the AWCC application to run its first check for any required updates.


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Updating AWCC 5.0 using the Microsoft Store

 

  1. A Microsoft Store notification appears when AWCC (Version 5.0) is launched. (Where the upgrade initiated by Task Scheduler did not run, and automatic updates have been turned on under Microsoft Store settings.)

  2. Click Download on the notification window.

  3. The installation process turns off the AWCC application if it is running.

  4. It may take at least 10-17 minutes to complete the download and install the new application. Wait for the installation to be completed.

  5. The AWCC (Version 6.0) Installation Manager automatically removes the old version. (AWCC 5.0) There is no requirement to manually remove the old version.

  6. For the best experience, restart the computer after the installation has been completed.

  7. The AWCC application can now be found listed under the start menu.

  8. Launch the AWCC application to run its first check for any required updates.


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Updating AWCC 5.0 using Manual Installation steps

 

  1. If the previous three methods have not run, then go through a manual install of the latest AWCC application.

  2. Download the latest version of the Alienware Command Center application package from the Dell Support Site:

    Warning: Downloading and installing Dell-developed drivers or software from third-party or unknown sources can cause the computer or device not to work correctly. It can cause the computer to crash or not boot into the operating system. In some rare instances it can infect the computer with viruses, trojan, or other malicious software.
     
    Note: Drivers for third-party products must be downloaded from the device manufacturer's website. (Non-Dell products such as printers, docking stations, webcams, scanners, monitors, and so on.)
     

    1. Browse to: https://www.dell.com/support/drivers

    2. Identify the Dell computer.

      1. Click Download and Install SupportAssist to auto-detect the Dell computer. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Dell SupportAssist. For more information, see the Dell knowledge base article: Dell SupportAssist (formerly Dell System Detect): Overview and Common Questions

      2. Enter the Service Tag of the laptop and click Search.

      3. Or click Browse all products and select the Dell computer from the catalog.

    3. Select the Operating System that is installed on the Dell computer.

    4. Under Category, select Application.

    5. Locate Alienware Command Center Application - Full Installer Version 6.0 or newer.

    6. Click Download and save the file to your computer.

    7. Open File Explorer and browse to the download folder where the downloaded file is saved.

    8. Double-click the downloaded application setup file and follow the on-screen instructions.

  3. The installation process turns off the AWCC application if it is running.

  4. It may take at least 10-17 minutes to complete the download and install the new application. Wait for the installation to be completed.

  5. The AWCC (Version 6.0) Installation Manager automatically removes the old version. (AWCC 5.0) There is no requirement to manually remove the old version.

  6. For the best experience, restart the computer after the installation has been completed.

  7. The AWCC application can now be found listed under the start menu.

  8. Launch the AWCC application to run its first check for any required updates.


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Additional Information

 

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No, having both software simultaneously installed causes a conflict and results in a failure of proper device response and behavior.

No attempts to install 5.X after 6.0 has been installed triggers an automated stop.

Customers can go to Dell support to locate the latest files for installation.

These files are available as Web installer and Offline installer:

  • Web installer- requires a consistent Internet connection, smaller file size, detects, and downloads the necessary components required to complete installation.
  • Offline installer - does not require a consistent Internet connection, larger file size, can be transferred between different offline computers to run the installation.

No, any profiles created in AWCC 5.X do not migrate to 6.0. AWCC 6.0 has more features and options for themes, including additional lighting behaviors and settings.

AWCC 5.X is no longer supported through Microsoft Store. However, customers who have used 5.X can still see it within their library. Any attempts to try to launch 5.X while 6.0 is installed automatically launches 6.0 instead.

Check to see if the connected device is supported under AWCC 6.0. This info can be found in the Dell Support website or in our manuals.

The best software required to enjoy the full capabilities of your new Alienware computer and new Alienware peripherals is AWCC 6.0. Laptops that shipped with a previous version of AWCC receive a planned upgrade for an elevated experience. It takes full advantage of performance controls and monitoring. Including other features, such as AlienFX and improved gaming library capabilities.

The download link for a manual installation of AWCC 6.0 is found on the Dell Support website.

The Task Scheduler may have started the upgrade to AWCC 6.0, and AWCC cannot be accessed. Wait at least 10-15 minutes for the installation to complete and AWCC is available again. Do not restart your laptop during this process.

The Task Scheduler may have started the upgrade to AWCC6.0, and AWCC cannot be accessed. Wait at least 10-15 minutes for the installation to complete and AWCC is available again. Do not restart your laptop during this process.

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Affected Products

Alienware m16 R1, Alienware m18 R1, Alienware x16 R1
Article Properties
Article Number: 000211120
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 23 Oct 2025
Version:  7
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