Dell AW510H Alienware Gaming Headset Usage and Troubleshooting Guide

Summary: The Alienware Gaming Headset AW510H has many features and options, refer to each section to learn about the features of the Alienware Gaming Headset AW510H and how to use them.

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.
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Refer to each section to learn about the features of the Alienware Gaming Headset AW510H and how to use them.

Table of Contents

  1. What's in the Alienware Gaming Headset AW510H box
  2. About the headset
  3. About the audio cable
  4. About the USB DAC box
  5. Setting up your headset
  6. Using the headset
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. Troubleshooting
  9. Additional Information

 

 

What's in the Alienware Gaming Headset AW510H box

SLN317961_en_US__1I_Alienware_Gaming_Headset_AW510H_Box_Contents_BD_v1(1)

Figure 1: Alienware Gaming Headset AW510H Box Contents

Numbers reference image above:
 SLN317961_en_US__2iC_Number_Caption1_BD_v1   Alienware Gaming Headset - AW510H
 SLN317961_en_US__3iC_Number_Caption2_BD_v1   Audio cable (with microphone mute and volume control)
 SLN317961_en_US__4iC_Number_Caption3_BD_v1   Y-cable with audio and microphone connectors (0.15 m)
 SLN317961_en_US__5iC_Number_Caption4_BD_v1   USB DAC (Digital/Analog converter) box
 SLN317961_en_US__6iC_Number_Caption5_BD_v1   Documents

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About the headset

SLN317961_en_US__7I_Alienware_Gaming_Headset_AW510H_Features_BD_v1

Figure 2: Alienware Gaming Headset AW510H Features

Numbers reference image above:
 SLN317961_en_US__2iC_Number_Caption1_BD_v1   Earcups
 SLN317961_en_US__3iC_Number_Caption2_BD_v1   3.5 mm audio port
 SLN317961_en_US__4iC_Number_Caption3_BD_v1   Retractable boom microphone

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About the audio cable

SLN317961_en_US__11I_Alienware_Gaming_Headset_AW510H_Audio_Cable_BD_v1

Figure 3: Alienware Gaming Headset AW510H Audio Cable Features

Numbers reference image above:
 SLN317961_en_US__2iC_Number_Caption1_BD_v1   Microphone mute switch
 SLN317961_en_US__3iC_Number_Caption2_BD_v1   Volume control wheel

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About the USB DAC box

SLN317961_en_US__14I_Alienware_Gaming_Headset_AW510H_USB_DAC_Cable_BD_v1

Figure 4: Alienware Gaming Headset AW510H Audio Cable Features

Numbers reference image above:
 SLN317961_en_US__2iC_Number_Caption1_BD_v1   Microphone mute switch
 SLN317961_en_US__3iC_Number_Caption2_BD_v1   Volume control wheel

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Setting up your headset

  1. Connecting the headset to your computer using the audio cable and Y-cable
  2. Connecting the headset to your computer using the USB DAC box
  3. Connecting the headset to your mobile device
  4. Configuring the headset
  5. Installing the Alienware Command Center (AWCC) and Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver

Connecting the headset to your computer using the audio cable and Y-cable

To connect the headset to your computer using the audio cable, you have to attach it with a Y-cable. The Y-cable has two 3.5 mm plugs.

  1. Connect one end of the audio cable to the 3.5 mm audio port on your headset, and connect the other end to the female jack on the Y-cable (Figure 4).
  2. Connect the green end of the Y-cable to the headphone port on your computer (Figure 4).
  3. Connect the red end of the Y-cable to the microphone port on your computer (Figure 4).

SLN317961_en_US__17I_Alienware_Gaming_Headset_AW510H_Connectors_BD_v1
Figure 5: Wiring Connections

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Connecting the headset to your computer using the USB DAC box

Connect one end of the USB DAC box to the 3.5 mm audio port on your headset, and connect the other end to the USB port on your computer.

SLN317961_en_US__18I_Alienware_Gaming_Headset_AW510H_Connecting_USB_DAC_Cable_BD_v1
Figure 6: USB DAC Box Connections

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Connecting the headset to your mobile device

Connect one end of the audio cable to the 3.5 mm audio port on your headset, and connect the other end to the headset port on your mobile device.

SLN317961_en_US__19I_Alienware_Gaming_Headset_AW510H_Connecting_to_Moble_Device_BD_v1
Figure 7: Connecting the Headset and a Mobile Device

SLN317961_en_US__20icon Note: USB-C to 3.5mm converter not included.

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Configuring the headset

Connect the headset to your computer using the audio cable using the Y-cable or the USB DAC box. Once the headset is detected, it is ready to use.

To use your headset for gaming or to listen to music from your computer, it has to be selected as the default playback device and the default recording device in Windows Audio Settings.

  1. In Windows toolbar (located in the lower right-hand corner), right-click the speaker icon and select Sounds to access the Windows Audio Settings. The Sound dialog box appears.
  2. Click the Playback tab, set the Alienware 510H as the Default Device.
  3. Click the Recording tab, set the Alienware 510H as the Default Device.
  4. Click the Communications tab, select Do nothing, and then click Apply.

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Installing the Alienware Command Center (AWCC) and Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver

  1. Installing the Alienware Command Center Software From the Dell Support Site (recommended for Dell Branded computers)
  2. Installing the Alienware Command Center From the Microsoft Store (recommended for non Dell Branded computers)

Installing the Alienware Command Center Software From the Dell Support Site (recommended for Dell Branded computers)

To control the features and options you will need the Alienware Command Center (AWCC) and Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver. You can get the latest versions directly from the Dell Support Site. For more information, refer to the steps below.

SLN317961_en_US__20icon Notes:
  • To use the AWCC features, uninstall Alienware Headset Center (AWHC) if you have already installed AWHC on your computer.
  • AWCC requires Windows 10 version 16299 or later.
  • It is recommended that you update Windows and the drivers for your computer before installing the Alienware Command Center. For more information refer to Microsoft Knowledge Base article Windows Update: FAQ and Dell Knowledge Base article Drivers and Downloads FAQs.
  • When your computer is preinstalled with AWCC 5.2.42 or later, you will need to install the Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver, Alienware Sound Center, and possibly the Alienware Control Center as well (perform the following steps), after that you can configure your Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset. For more information refer to Dell Knowledge Base article Alienware Command Center Quick Guide.
  • When your computer is not preinstalled with AWCC 5.2.42 or later, perform the following steps to install the latest AWCC. AWCC 5.2.42 or later can co-exist with older versions of AWCC on the same computer, so you can continue to use the older version to configure your computer.
  1. Connect the headset using the USB Cable with DAC to your computer through a USB port.
  2. Make sure the computer is connected to the internet.
  3. Browse to the 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Online Driver Page.
  4. Select the Operating System installed on your computer using the drop down menu under Operating system:.
    SLN317961_en_US__20icon Note: When your computer is preinstalled with AWCC 5.2.42 or later, you can skip to Step 9.
  5. Touch or click Download to the right of Alienware Command Center (do not close the browser window).
  6. Depending on your browser, you will get different options. The following steps are based on using the Chrome browser.
  7. Once the Alienware Command Center is downloaded, touch or click the file listed at the bottom of the screen to start the installation process, and follow the prompts.
  8. Wait for the Dell Update Package window to appear for the second time, and then touch or click Close.
  9. Touch or click Download to the right of Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver.
  10. Once the Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver is downloaded, touch or click the file listed at the bottom of the screen to start the installation process, and follow the prompts.
  11. Reboot the computer.
  12. Launch the Alienware Command Center.
    SLN317961_en_US__20icon Notes:
    • You may get a message that there are no AlienFX devices detected, touch or click OK.
    • The Alienware Command Center may take a while to start, as it may be downloading additional software or starting the command center service.

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Installing the Alienware Command Center Software From the Microsoft Store (recommended for non Dell Branded computers)

To control the features and options you will need the Alienware Command Center (AWCC) and Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver. For more information, refer to the steps below.

SLN317961_en_US__20icon Notes:
  • To use the AWCC features, uninstall Alienware Headset Center (AWHC) if you have already installed AWHC on your computer.
  • AWCC requires Windows 10 version 16299 or later.
  • It is recommended that you update Windows and the drivers for your computer before installing the Alienware Command Center. For more information refer to Microsoft Knowledge Base article Windows Update: FAQ and Dell Knowledge Base article Drivers and Downloads FAQs.
  • When your computer is preinstalled with AWCC 5.2.42 or later, you will need to install the Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver, Alienware Sound Center, and possibly the Alienware Control Center as well (perform the following steps), after that you can configure your Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset. For more information refer to Dell Knowledge Base article Alienware Command Center Quick Guide.
  • When your computer is not preinstalled with AWCC 5.2.42 or later, perform the following steps to install the latest AWCC. AWCC 5.2.42 or later can co-exist with older versions of AWCC on the same computer, so you can continue to use the older version to configure your computer.
  1. Connect the headset using the USB Cable with DAC to your computer through a USB port.
  2. Make sure the computer is connected to the internet.
  3. Browse to the 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Online Driver Page.
  4. Select the Operating System installed on your computer using the drop down menu under Operating system:.
  5. Touch or click Download to the right of Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver.
  6. Depending on your browser, you will get different options. The following steps are based on using the Chrome browser.
  7. Once the Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver is downloaded, touch or click the file listed at the bottom of the screen to start the installation process, and follow the prompts.
    SLN317961_en_US__20icon Note: When your computer is preinstalled with AWCC 5.2.42 or later, you can skip to Step 15, otherwise proceed to the next step.
  8. Press and hold the Windows (SLN317961_en_US__23iC_Windows_Key_BD_v4) key, and then press the q key.
  9. In the Search box type Microsoft store.
  10. In the search results list, touch or click Microsoft Store (Trusted Microsoft Store app).
  11. Touch or click Search in the upper right-hand corner of the Microsoft Store page.
  12. In the Search box type Alienware Command Center.
  13. In the search results list, touch or click Alienware Command Center (App).
  14. Touch or click Get it now or Install and follow the prompts.
  15. Reboot the computer.
  16. Launch the Alienware Command Center.
    SLN317961_en_US__20icon Notes:
    • The Alienware Command Center may take a while to start, as it may be downloading additional software or starting the command center service.
    • You may get a message that there are no AlienFX devices detected, touch or click OK.
    • The Additional Components Required window may appear, if so, touch or click Download and follow the prompts.

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Using the headset

  1. Adjusting the Headset
  2. Adjusting the Volume
  3. Muting/Un-muting the Microphone

Adjusting the Headset

Adjust the headband to find an optimal fit for your head. When using the retractable microphone, position it approximately two centimeters away from your mouth.

SLN317961_en_US__29I_Alienware_Gaming_Headset_AW510H_Adjust_the_Headband_BD_v1(1)
Figure 8: Adjusting the Headband

The earcups can be rotated to wear the headset around the neck comfortably, or for easier storage.

SLN317961_en_US__30I_Alienware_Gaming_Headset_AW510H_Adjust_the_Earcups_BD_v1
Figure 9: Adjusting the Earcups

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Adjusting the Volume

  • Use the volume control wheel on the audio cable or the volume (+/-) buttons on the USB DAC box to adjust the speaker volume.
  • Scroll the volume control wheel up to increase the volume, or down to decrease the volume.
  • Press the volume (+) button to increase the volume, or the volume (-) button to decrease the volume.
SLN317961_en_US__31I_Alienware_Gaming_Headset_AW510H_Adjust_the_Volume_BD_v2

Figure 10: Adjusting the Volume

Numbers reference image above:
 SLN317961_en_US__2iC_Number_Caption1_BD_v1

  Audio Cable
 SLN317961_en_US__3iC_Number_Caption2_BD_v1

  USB DAC Box

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Muting/Un-muting the Microphone

Slide the microphone mute switch on the audio cable or the USB DAC box down to mute the microphone. To un-mute the microphone, slide the microphone mute switch up.

SLN317961_en_US__20icon NOTE: When using the USB DAC box, you can hear an audio prompt ("Mute") when you slide the microphone mute switch down, indicating that the microphone is in mute

 

SLN317961_en_US__35I_Alienware_Gaming_Headset_AW510H_Muting_Unmuting_BD_v1

Figure 11: Muting and Un-muting

Numbers reference image above:
 SLN317961_en_US__2iC_Number_Caption1_BD_v1

  Audio Cable
 SLN317961_en_US__3iC_Number_Caption2_BD_v1

  USB DAC Box

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Frequently Asked Questions

Question Answer
What are the different operating modes?
  • USB mode: Unlock all of the headset's features by installing Alienware Command Center.
  • 3.5mm Mode: The AW510H gaming headset will play audio from any device connected through the 3.5mm input on the headset. Be sure to connect to a compatible 4-Pole input port if you intend to use the microphone on the headset.
Will this headset work with Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch? This headset will work on all consoles (including the PlayStation 4, Xbox One™ and Nintendo Switch) that allow for connectivity via the 3.5mm audio cable through the controller, or directly into the console in the case of the Nintendo Switch (not compatible with Nintendo Switch Lite).
SLN317961_en_US__20icon Note: Xbox One may require Xbox One headset adapter (sold separately).

Xbox One™
  1. Connect the headset to your Xbox One™ Controller using the 3.5 mm analog cable.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Select "Display & Sound".
  4. Select " Audio output".
  5. Select "HDMI audio".
  6. Select "Stereo uncompressed".

Setup on PlayStation 4
  1. Connect headset to your DualShocks via 3.5mm analog cable.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Select "Devices".
  4. Select "Audio Output Settings".
  5. Set "Output to Headphones" to "All Audio".

Setup on Nintendo Switch in handheld mode only (3.5mm)
  1. Connect headset to your Nintendo Switch via 3.5mm analog cable.
  2. Audio output will change to your headset automatically.
Will this headset work with my mobile device? The AW510H will work with most mobile devices using the 3.5 mm headset jack. USB-C or Lightning to 3.5mm adapters sold separately
How do I clean my Headset? The headset requires minimum maintenance to keep it in optimum condition. We recommend that you disconnect the device from the computer once a month and clean it using a soft cloth or cotton swab with a bit of warm water to prevent dirt buildup. Do not use soap or hard cleaning agents.
Do not use any liquid to clean the earpads and speakers as the liquids may damage your headset.
Why is my microphone not working? When the microphone on your headset is not working, perform one or more of the following steps:
  • Ensure that the microphone is not on mute in the in-line control.
  • Ensure that the 3.5 mm jack is fully inserted into your headset.
  • If your headset is connected to the computer, ensure that you have properly configured your computer's microphone input settings.
  • Test your microphone with a different application on your computer.
How do I change the Equalizer (EQ)?
  1. Download and install Alienware Command Center (AWCC) and driver, by performing the following steps.
    1. Browse to the Alienware 7.1 Gaming Headset | AW510H page.
      SLN317961_en_US__20icon Note: Do not close the page as two downloads are needed.
    2. Select the Operating System installed on your computer using the drop down menu under Operating system:
    3. Touch or click Download to the right of Alienware Command Center Application.
    4. Depending on your browser, you will get different options. The following steps are based on using the Chrome browser.
    5. Select which folder to download the file.
    6. Once the Alienware Command Center is downloaded, touch or click the file listed at the bottom of the screen to start the installation process, and follow the prompts.
    7. Once the Alienware Command Center is installed, touch or click Download to the right of Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver.
    8. Select which folder to download the file.
    9. Once the Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver is downloaded, touch or click the file listed at the bottom of the screen to start the installation process, and follow the prompts.
    10. You may be prompted to restart your computer, if so, restart the computer.
  2. Change your headset's EQ in Alienware Command Center (AWCC), by performing the following steps.
    1. Open the AWCC.
      SLN317961_en_US__20icon Note: The Alienware Sound Center installation window may appear, if so, following the prompts to download and install The Alienware Sound Center.
    2. Touch or click Fusion.
    3. Click the Audio icon.
      SLN317961_en_US__20icon Note: When the Audio icon does not show, restart the computer.
    4. Make sure Playback is selected.
    5. Touch or click the Equalizer tab, and make changes as desired.
Can I save the Equalizer (EQ) to my Headset? You must have Alienware Command Center (AWCC) running in order to use your configured EQ.
Why am I not able to hear audio when I use the USB? When you are unable to hear the audio when using the USB cable with DAC, perform the following steps:
  1. Ensure that you have completely inserted the 3.5mm jack into your headset.
  2. Ensure that you have configured your computer's audio output settings correctly.
Why do I hear echo/feedback on my headset?
  1. Ensure that "Listen to this device" is not selected in the Control Panel, by performing the following steps:
    1. Right-click the Sound icon located in the lower right-hand corner.
    2. Select the Recording tab.
    3. Select the Alienware Headset form the list.
    4. Touch or click Properties.
    5. Select the Listen tab.
    6. Make sure the check box to the left of Listen to this device is unchecked.
    7. Touch or click OK.
    8. Touch or click OK again.
  2. Ensure that only one voice chat application is in use while playing a game.
Why is my microphone volume level too low?
  1. Ensure that the microphone is fully extended when in use. If the microphone is in the stored position, it picks up the sounds from the earcup.
  2. Check the microphone levels in the Control Panel, by performing the following steps:
    1. Right-click the Sound icon located in the lower right-hand corner.
    2. Select the Recording tab.
    3. Select the Alienware Headset form the list.
    4. Touch or click Properties.
    5. Select the Levels tab.
    6. Adjust to the desired level.
    7. Touch or click OK.
    8. Touch or click OK again.
  3. You can also increase the microphone's pick up sensitivity by going to Alienware Command Center (AWCC), by performing the following steps:
    1. Open the AWCC.
      SLN317961_en_US__20icon Note: The Alienware Sound Center installation window may appear, if so, following the prompts to download and install The Alienware Sound Center.
    2. Touch or click Fusion.
    3. Click the Audio icon.
    4. Under the Headphones section, select the Microphone tab.
    5. Change as desired.
Why can I not see my headset in AWCC? When you cannot see your AW510H in Alienware Command Center (AWCC), perform one or more of the following steps:
  • Restart your computer and make sure the headset is connected directly into the computer (not through a hub).
  • Connect the headset to a different USB port in your computer.
  • Download and install the the headset drivers, by performing the following steps:
    1. Browse to the Alienware 7.1 Gaming Headset | AW510H page.
    2. Select the Operating System installed on your computer using the drop down menu under Operating system:
    3. Touch or click Download to the right of Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver.
    4. The following steps are based on using the Chrome browser.
    5. Select which folder to download the file.
    6. Once the Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver is downloaded, touch or click the file listed at the bottom of the screen to start the installation process, and follow the prompts.
    7. You may be prompted to restart your computer, if so, restart the computer.
      SLN317961_en_US__20icon Note: Once you restart the computer and open the AWCC, the Alienware Sound Center installation window may appear, if so, following the prompts to download and install The Alienware Sound Center.
  • Uninstall and then re-install the Alienware Command Center (AWCC), 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver and Alienware Sound Center, by performing the following steps:
    1. Uninstall the Alienware Command Center (AWCC). For information on uninstalling a program refer to Dell Knowledge Base article How To Remove Applications, Programs, and Updates in Windows 11, and Windows 10.
    2. Browse to the Alienware 7.1 Gaming Headset | AW510H page.
    3. Select the Operating System installed on your computer using the drop down menu under Operating system:
    4. Touch or click Download to the right of Alienware Command Center Application.
    5. Depending on your browser, you will get different options. The following steps are based on using the Chrome browser.
    6. Select which folder to download the file.
    7. Once the Alienware Command Center is downloaded, touch or click the file listed at the bottom of the screen to start the installation process, and follow the prompts.
    8. Once the Alienware Command Center is installed, touch or click Download to the right of Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver.
    9. Select which folder to download the file.
    10. Once the Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Driver is downloaded, touch or click the file listed at the bottom of the screen to start the installation process, and follow the prompts.
    11. You may be prompted to restart your computer, if so, restart the computer.
    12. Open the AWCC.
      SLN317961_en_US__20icon Note: The Alienware Sound Center installation window may appear, if so, following the prompts to download and install The Alienware Sound Center.

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Troubleshooting

Problems Possible solutions
Headset has no sound. Ensure that the headset is connected to the computer using an audio cable with the Y-cable, or the smartphone or tablet using an audio cable.
Try using the headset on another computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Ensure that the audio player is playing music, and that the computer volume and media player volume are on, and not muted.
- Click the speaker icon on the system tray in your computer.
- Adjust the volume level on the volume bar.
Sound is not configured to use this connection on the computer as the Audio Output/Input.
The person on the other end cannot hear me. Ensure that the microphone is positioned close to the mouth.
Ensure that the microphone is not muted.
When using the Y-cable, make sure it is connected to the correct ports.
When using the native Audio cable, make sure it is connected to the correct port.
Make sure the 3.5mm port fully is inserted into the headset.
Abnormal sound is coming out of the headset. Adjust the volume level up and down, and check if the abnormal sound changes.
Ensure the 3.5mm jack is inserted fully into the headset port and the USB port on your computer.
Ensure that the audio cable is fully inserted into the audio port of the mobile device (if connected through the audio cable).
Unbalanced sound in the headset. Check that the computer Volume Balance is set correctly.
  1. Right-click the speaker icon on the system tray in your computer.
  2. Select Sounds and select the Playback, tab.
  3. Double-click on speakers, and select the Levels tab.
  4. Click Balance, and ensure that the 1 and 2 values are the same.
Microphone picks up too much background noise. Ensure that the microphone is positioned close to the mouth.
Remove any direct air flow (such as fan or air conditioner) to the microphone.
Microphone mute is not working when connected with audio cable. Ensure that the microphone Mic mute switch on the audio cable is set to MUTE OFF.
Microphone works intermittently or cannot be heard by the other party. Increase the microphone volume.
Set the microphone noise reduction level in chat application to a lower level.

Troubleshooting Guide for Microphone Problems on a Dell PC
Use the information within and the Audio Recording Troubleshooter to resolve microphone issues.

Common Troubleshooting Guide for Sound (audio) Problems in Microsoft Windows
Having issues with audio or sound on your Dell PC? If you notice symptoms like no sound or no audio, stuttering, jarring, crackling or choppy audio, intermittent audio, distorted audio, follow the troubleshooting steps.

Additional Information

Browse to the 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Online Driver Page. for the latest software.

For the Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Quick Start Guide, browse to the 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Online Manual Page, and then touch or click View PDF to the right of Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Quick Start Guide.
The Quick Start Guide provides information on the hardware in the box and the controls on the headset.

For the Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Configuration and Installation Guide, browse to the 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Online Manual Page, and then touch or click View PDF to the right of Configuration and Installation Guide.
The Configuration and Installation Guide provides information on the options on how to install the application for configuring the Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset.

For the Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset User Guide, browse to the 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset Online Manual Page, and then touch or click View PDF to the right of Alienware 510H 7.1 Gaming Headset User's Guide.
The User Guide provides information such as Setting up your headset on your computer and troubleshooting.

Cause

Not required

Resolution

See above

Affected Products

Alienware 7.1 Gaming Headset AW510H
Article Properties
Article Number: 000176863
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 21 Oct 2025
Version:  8
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