XPS 15 (9560) Drivers

Last Updated Aug 15, 2018
Below is a compilation of the latest drivers/firmware/software for the XPS 15 9560 that I always install first during setup, this will be mostly for my own reference and you will not need all the software mentioned in here.

I will try and keep this thread up to date as new drivers come out.

Since Dell often provides outdated drivers which ignore important fixes, I will use the original drivers whenever possible:
I recommend setting up with no internet access, to prevent Windows Update from auto-installing drivers
==Required==

• BIOS [1.10.1, Jul 13], fixes keyboard ghosting, Intel Meltdown/Spectre
• Windows 10 Media Creation Tool (For clean install)
• BEFORE clean installing Windows 10 switch SSD from the default of RAID into ACHI mode in the BIOS
  
• HID Event Filter Driver [A07, Apr 17], for hotkey support
• Intel Chipset Device Software Driver [A00, Apr 04]
  
• Intel Serial IO Driver [A04, Jan 03], for I2C precision touchpad support?
• Intel Thunderbolt Driver [A06, Apr 04]
• Intel Thunderbolt Firmware Update [A03, Apr 05]
• Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework [A01, Jul 05]
  
• Management Engine Components Installer [1818.12.0.1130, Jul 26], mandatory or Windows Update will install it for you
  
• Intel Graphics HD 630 [24.20.100.6229, Aug 09] fixes screen flickering. Also manually go into Video settings, and disable all enhancements and use application settings everywhere to disable banding in MPC-HC & MPV
• Realtek Audio w/ MaxxAudioPro [A11, installs Realtek 6.0.1.8475, Jul 26]
• Killer 1535 wifi Driver [LATEST], do a custom install, and deselect EVERYTHING except the 11ac drivers, fixes high traffic dropout issue
• Killer 1535 bluetooth Driver [LATEST]

==Depending on HW config==
IF YOU HAVE A NVIDIA 1050:

• Nvidia GeForce [398.98, Aug 10] May want to unselect GeForce Experience during install. May also want to disable Nvidia telemetry
• Nvidia CUDA Runtime [9.2.148, Aug 01] ONLY IF YOU NEED CUDA runtime for machine learning or other stuff, breaks Nvidia control panel and GUI, do not install unless you need it. Deselect Driver component (outdated), Physx Component (outdated), and Visual Studio Integration for small installation.
• cuDNN components [CUDA 9.2 cuDNN 7.2.1] ONLY IF YOU NEED to use 1050 for machine learning, login first

IF YOU HAVE A SSD (firmware list) NOT UP TO DATE:

• Samsung PM961 (oem 960 EVO) [NVMe driver 2.3, faster than default Windows driver]
• Toshiba XG4 (oem OCZ RD400) [1.2.126.843, July 11, 2016] install from device manager to force override, see here for guide
• LITEON CX2 (oem Plextor M8PeGN), consumer firmware does not install, dell provided is outdated and misses out on idle GC improvements
• Sandisk (to be filled in, not sure about what Dell is shipping)
• SK Hynix PC300, OEM firmware

IF YOU HAVE A Harddrive:

• Freefall data protection [A02, Apr 20]

==================================================================================
POST INSTALL (and letting Windows Update do its thing):
From powershell w/ Admin (Remove all apps except store):

• Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | where-object {$_.name –notlike "*store*"} | Remove-AppxPackage
• Get-AppxProvisionedPackage –online | where-object {$_.packagename –notlike "*store*"} | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage –online

From CMD w/ Admin (disable windows tracking):

• sc delete DiagTrack
  
• sc delete dmwappushservice
  
• echo "" > C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Diagnosis\ETLLogs\AutoLogger\AutoLogger-Diagtrack-Listener.etl

==================================================================================

Software (install after drivers and allowing windows to update) NOT UP TO DATE:

==General==

• 7-zip 64 bit[17.01 "beta", Oct 28],
• MPC-HC 64 bit [1.7.13, Jul 16]
• qBittorrent 64 bit [Latest]
• Chrome Latest
  • ublock Origin
  • HTTPS Everywhere

==Development==

• Git 64 bit [2.13.3, Jul 12], for version management
• Intel Distribution for Python [(Python 3.5.3) 2017 Version 3, May 15], based off of Anaconda, use this instead of the generic version for Intel specific speed ups
  
• Anaconda Python 3.x [4.4.0, Mar 31], switch to Python 3.5.3 version by running from cmd "conda install python=3.5.3"
• Tensorflow with GPU acceleration, run from cmd "pip install tensorflow-gpu"
• Pycharm Community Version [2017.1.5 Jul 11]
• Java SDK [8u131, Apr 17]
  
• IntelliJ Community Version [2017.2, Jul 17]
• Matlab paid [2017a]
• Atom
• Rust Lang Latest

==Image viewing/processing==

• Fiji (ImageJ)
• nomacs general open source image viewer
• Adobe Photoshop paid

==Video==

• DaVinci Resolve 12.5
• NUKE non-commercial
• handbrake [1.0.7, Apr 9]

==Modeling==

• Blender [2.78c Feb 28], use 64bit version
• Luxrender [1.6 May 14, 2016]
• Renderman non-commercial

 

Reserved
TODO:

1. Get Dell to release new Realtek audio drivers that are up to date and the same version as available on Wndows Update, since they are tested to work
2. Get Dell to release LITEON CX2 firmware that is the same version as available for the Plextor M8PeGN
3. Get Dell to release NVM25 thunderbolt firmware, currently we are at N21

Change Log:

• May 22, 2017: Updated Nvidia driver link from 382.05 to 382.33
• May 23, 2017: Updated newest Realtek Audio Driver available from 8117 to 8152
• June 5, 2017: Fixed broken link for Toshiba SSD guide, update Intel graphics from 4664 to 4678, added Intel distribution for Python-based off of Anaconda for Python 3.5.3, update qBittorrent from 3.3.12 to 3.3.13, updated Thermal driver from 2996 (A04 for 9560) to 3588 (A06 for Precision & Latitude, tested to be compatible)
• June 6, 2017: Updated Killer wifi driver link - still same version but new "control center" which can be deselected during install, also updated killer bluetooth from 10.0.0.303 to 10.0.0.309, updated Realtek audio driver (Win update version) from 8152 to 8166
• June 9, 2017: Updated Nvidia driver link from 382.33 to 382.53
• June 18, 2017: Updated Killer Networking from 1302 to 1320, updated Realtek audio driver (Win update version) from 8166 to 8176, updated Jetbrains Pycharm from 2017.1.3 to 2017.1.4, updated git from 2.13.0 to 2.13.1
• June 29, 2017: Updated Realtek audio driver (dell version) from 8105 (A06 for 9560) to 8166 (A08 for 9365), updated Realtek audio driver (Win update version) from 8176 to 8192
• July 1, 2017: Updated Thunderbolt driver from 16.2.55.275 (A01 for 9560) to 16.3.59.250 (A02 for 5510), Realtek audio driver (Win update version) from 8192 to 8199
• July 4, 2017: Updated Dell BIOS from 1.3.3 to 1.3.4
• July 23, 2017: Update Intel graphics from 4678 to 4729, update Killer wifi from 1.2.1320 to 1.3.1350, update Realtek audio driver (Win update version) from 8199 to 8216, update MPC-HC to from 1.7.11 to 1.7.13, update qBitorrent to from 3.3.13 to 3.3.14, update Git 2.13.1 to 2.13.3, update Pycharm from 2017.1.4 to 2017.1.5, update Intellij from 2017.1.4 to 2017.2, update Anaconda from 4.3.1 to 4.4.0
• July 24, 2017: Updated Nvidia driver link from 382.53 to 384.94
• Aug 7, 2017: Update thunderbolt driver from 16.3.59.250 (A02 for 5510) to 16.3.61.275 (A03 for 9560), add new thunderbolt firmware update (NVM21 A01)
• Sept 3, 2017: Update BIOS from 1.3.4 to 1.4.0, update Realtek audio driver (dell version) from 8166 (A08) to 8216 (A09), update Killer wifi from 1.3.1350 to 1.4.1474, update intel graphics from 4729 to 4771, update Nvidia graphics from 384.94 to 385.41
• Sept 16, 2017: Update BIOS from 1.4.0 to 1.5.0, update Killer wifi from 1.4.1474 to 1.4.1492, update Killer bluetooth from 10.0.0.309 to 10.0.0.325
• Sept 21, 2017: Update Nvidia graphics from 385.41 to 385.69
• Oct 13, 2017: Update Realtek audio driver (dell version) from 8216 (A09) to 8245 (A12), updated Intel Thermal driver from 3588 (A06 for Precision) to 4295 (A07 for 9360, tested to be compatible), updated Intel Management Engine Components from 11.6.0.1047 to 11.7.0.1035, update Intel Chipset Device Software Driver from 10.1.1.38, A05 to 10.1.1.44, (A07 for 9360), update Intel Serial IO Driver from 30.100.1633.3 (A02) to 30.100.1713.2 (A03 for 9360), update Intel graphics from 4771 to 4815, update Nvidia graphics from 385.69 to 387.92
• Nov 6, 2017: Update Samsung SSD drivers from 2.2 to 2.3
• Nov 8, 2017: Update Intel graphics from 4815 to 4849
• Nov 18, 2017: Update Nvidia graphics from 387.92 to 388.13, update killer wifi from 1.4.1492 to 1.5.1608
• Dec 13, 2017: Update Intel graphics from 4849 to 4877, update BIOS from 1.5.0 to 1.6.2, update Thunderbolt firmware from A01 to A02, update Nvidia graphics from 388.31 to 388.59
• Jan 08, 2018: Update BIOS from 1.6.2 to 1.7.0, update Intel graphics from 4877 to 4901, update Nvidia graphics from 388.59 to 388.71, update Intel Serial IO Driver from 30.100.1713.2 (A03 for 9360) to 30.100.1725.1 (A04 for 9370), update thunderbolt driver from 16.3.61.275 (A03 for 9560) to 17.1.64.250 (A04 for 9370), updated Intel Thermal driver from 4295 (A07 for 9360) to 5567 (A09 for 9370), updated Intel Management Engine Components from 11.7.0.1035 to 11.7.0.1054, updated Realtek audio driver from 8245 to 8318
• Feb 19, 2018: Update BIOS from 1.7.0 to 1.7.1, update Nvidia Graphics from 388.71 to 390.77, update CUDA from 8.0.61.2 to 9.0.176.1, update cudnn from 6.0 to 7.0.5, update Intel Graphics from 4901 to 4944
• Mar 30, 2018: Update HID Event Filter from 1.1.1.318, A02 to 2.2.1.364, A06, update Intel Chipset Device Software Driver from 10.1.1.44, A07 to 10.1.1.45, A08, update thunderbolt driver from 17.1.64.250 (A04 for 9370) to 17.2.71.250 (A05 for the 9575), update Thermal driver from 10207.5567 (A09 for 9370) to 10500.5526 (A00 for 9575), update Intel graphics from 4944 to 4982, update Realtek audio driver from 8318 to 8372, update Nvidia Graphics from 390.77 to 391.35
• June 10, 2018: Update BIOS from 1.7.1 to 1.9.4, update HID Event Filter from 2.2.1.364, A06 to 2.2.1.369 (A07 for 9570), update Intel Chipset Device Software Driver from 10.1.1.45, A08 to 10.1.17541.8066 (A00 for 9570), update thunderbolt driver from 17.2.71.250 (A05 for the 9575) to 17.3.73.350 (A06 for 9570), updated Intel Management Engine Components from 11.7.0.1054 to 1813.12.0.1121, update Intel graphics from 4982 to 6136, update Realtek audio driver from 8372 to 8425, update Nvidia Graphics from 391.35 to 398.18, update CUDA from 9.0.176.1 to 9.2.88.1, update cudnn from 7.0.5 to 7.1.4, update Thunderbolt firmware from A02 to A03
• June 25, 2018: Update Realtek audio driver from 8425 to 8432
• Update BIOS from 1.9.4 to 1.10.1, update Thermal driver from 10500.5526 (A00 for 9575) to 10501.6067 (A01 for 9570), update Intel Management Engine Components from 1813.12.0.1121 to 1818.12.0.1130, update Intel graphics from 6136 to 6229, update Realtek audio driver from 8432 to 8475, update Nvidia Graphics from 398.18 to 398.98, update CUDA from 9.2.88.1 to 9.2.148, update cuDNN from 7.1.4 to 7.2.1

 

mine couldn't adjust brightness, any clue for me?
Generic PnP devices updated 2006.
Intel display xxx.4664
geforce 382.05
HID driver latest from dell.

thanks

 

You need to be more specific, can you adjust brightness using the fn keys? Can you adjust brightness from power settings?
If you can do the latter but not the former, try pressing fn + f12 or fn + f11. If it works now, then you need to change fn lock options from bios.
If neither work, I would probably try installing the intel chipset drivers one by one. And doing a clean Windows 10 install as a final option once all others have been attempted.

 

lists below i have tried (brightness bar shown on display).

1. out of the box adjust without Fn key. the brightness level bar is working. but no dim light changes. even in power Setting.
2. changed Fn Bios setting in bios. now need to press & hold Fn+(F11/F12).
3. Clean install Windows 10 Home Edition from DELL Service tag boot UEFI still the same(brightness wont change).
4. Drivers have been installed every single of them include bios 1.3.3 Dell latest driver 9560.
5. Streaming video while changing the brightness cause of sound and display freezes. brightness bar showing but still display brightness stuck.
6. brightness bar ( horizontal slider) in bios still no luck.

Intel driver i have tried:
xxx.4590
xxx.4614
xxx.4627

Nvidia:
382.05
373.06

thanks

 

you can ditch the 8059 driver, cloud023.

Dell has released a v6.0.1.8105 driver w/ MaxxAudio for the XPS 9560.
And the latest realtek audio driver from MS Update Catalog is v6.0.1.8152.

 

Good catch. I was using "HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC" as a search term in windows update, which should've caught the 8152 version, but for some reason did not.

 

very useful thread. just did a fresh win 10 install on my 9560 and used the drivers listed here. thanks!

 

The link for the toshiba ssd guide is wrong, takes you to the freefall driver

 

Arrgh, DOH! Dell has a v6.0.1.8117 driver here (didn't realize that until recently).

Even though that 8117 package dell has is for Inspiron 5378/5578/7378/7579/7779 laptops, it should also work on the XPS 9560. Use 7zip or any file archiving utility to view the 8117 (247CF) driver package and extract all files & folders inside onto a temporary folder and run setup.exe from the RealtekHDAudio folder (do NOT run the DELLMUP.exe file).

Check the realtek audio hardware ID in the Device Manager app on the XPS 9560 and see if the Realtek hardware device ID is listed in the HDXMA7.INF file, and if so, install the 8117 drivers & the maxxaudio software and reboot.

Microsoft has recently posted v6.0.1.8166. Install v8117 first before updating to v8166.

 

I've fixed it, thanks!
@epguy3 The download link from Dell is failing for me for some reason.

 

I can't install the latest Intel drivers, the reason being is that it's blocked by the manufacturer.

Do any of you know a way to bypass this, or should I skip this installation knowing that I do not have any issues.

 

Could you clarify the error message?
If you are on 4664 then an update may not be necessary, since that is the version that fixes the 9560 flickering. If you are on an older version, I would use DDU which can be downloaded from here to remove the intel drivers and attempt to install again after a reboot.
Also to note, I am running the latest intel drivers without issue

 

The error message says that my system is not supported, and that I have computer manufacturer graphics driver detected.
I'am on 4664, and everything runs fine. Is there any noticeable changes to the latest intel drivers?

 

That's a pretty weird error. You can always use DDU to completely remove the intel driver to do a clean install, I linked to it in my previous reply.
On the other hand, the release notes are here: https://downloadmirror.intel.com/26836/eng/releasenotes_gfx_154519.4678.pdf
And you can decide if the improvements are worth it.

 

It seems that Dell is providing new Realtek audio drivers for recent Inspiron laptops like the 7779.

Version 6.0.1.8158 released 5/31/2017 - includes MaxxAudio software ( TYJHG)
try this driver on the XPS 9560 to see if it works.

remember: do NOT run the Realtek-High-Definition-Audio-Driver_TYJHG_WIN_6.0.1.8158_A08.EXE file directly! Open that EXE file in 7zip or Winzip and extract all the files inside onto a temp folder. And after extracting all the files inside, do NOT run DELLMUP.exe either. Just go into the RealtekHDAudio folder and double-click on the setup.exe file to start audio driver setup.

And the newest drivers from MS Update Catalog are now v6.0.1.8176.

So install Dell's 8158 drivers, reboot and then install 8176 on top of 8158.

 

I have been reluctant to update the Dell provided drivers to this link since I knew Dell used to ship different versions of their MaxxAudioPro software with different GUIs. But I have updated the Windows update link to 8176. Thanks!

 

Today I replaced the Killer WiFi with the Intel 8265, since with the Killer one I never had bluetooth. With the Intel 8265 the problem remains and no bluetooth at all. I've installed the drivers from the Dell site and the device never appears in Device Manager. I also tried to "Add legacy hardware", but there is no bluetooth driver to install. Anyone of you had success at installing the drivers for this?

 

The new intel iGPU drivers will not stick and get overridden by 4574 no matter what I do. Including using DDU.

Any advice?

 

Did you follow the steps to configure windows not to update the driver? @GoNz0 posted the steps on this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/xps-15-9560-owners-thread.800611/page-188#post-10506878 .

After you run DDU and install the new driver, you must configure Windows so that specific driver is not automatically updated. The process to do that is at the bottom of his post.

 

Link to the 8265 bluetooth driver

This is an issue that I have encountered as well. What I did was I ended up doing was using the "Roll back driver" option for device manager, using DDU to uninstall. Installing the new driver without internet, activating internet and using the official hide update tool linked here to hide all intel updates. Occasionally once a month it still gets overridden, but it is rare.

 

Already did that, but it does not do anything. Can you check this? http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/xps-15-9560-owners-thread.800611/page-256#post-10551821

 

unbelivable! Dell has a v6.0.1.8166 driver but listed only for XPS 9365 [ C5K42]. it might also work for the XPS 9560. Dell says that this version improves or "enhances" compatibility with the Windows 10 Creators Update.

and v6.0.1.8192 has just came out today (previous build was 8189).

 

Thanks! IMO the 9365 and the 9560 are similar enough (same series, same generation of products) to warrant an upgrade. I'll update the link later today since I am busy now. But this is really irresponsible of Dell to update one product and leave the others lagging.

 

I have updated the page with the new realtek drivers.
New Nvidia 384.76 drivers have been released, but they seemed buggy from the reports on the /r/nvidia subreddit. Won't be posting them now until more reports come in.

 

Dell has a v6.0.1.8184 realtek audio driver available [ PDG1K], posted July 10. Though it's listed for Inspiron 3468 & 3568 models, this version may also work for the XPS 9365 & 9560 models.

Newest Realtek audio driver from Microsoft is v6.0.1.8210 but does not have maxxaudio integration, same with the 8205 build from MS.

 

By maxxaudio integration, do you mean that it is impossible to install the dell drivers then install 8210/8205 while preserving maxxaudio functionality?

Edit: Installed realtek 8216 64 bit creators version on top of the dell driver and it works fine. Maxxaudio is fully functional

 

I thought I would mention an issue I had with the integrated microphone not working (only left side working) with the latest two releases of Dell's Realtek drivers (January and March 2017). Only after installing the latest Realtek HD Audio driver from Realtek's site did the microphones begin working properly (stereo sound from left and right mic). Also it appears the default Realtek driver installed with a clean install of Windows 10 also works.

 

Hi , I read this :

July 1, 2017: Updated Thunderbolt driver from 16.2.55.275 (A01 for 9560) to 16.3.59.250 (A02 for 5510), Realtek audio driver (Win update version) from 8192 to 8199

Is it safe install the 16.3.59.250 (A02 for 5510) thunderbolt 3 driver in the dell xps 9560 ? . I saw that this driver is por precision 5510

Thank you and a greeting

 

My 9560 came with a SK Hynix PC300 PCIe NVMe SSD. Latest firmware here: SK Hynix PC300 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive Firmware Update

 

Should be, I have it installed fine and have not noticed any issues. The 5510 is identical to the 9550, and they both use the Sunrise point chipset, and the 9560 as well.

Thanks!

 

I installed the nVidia GeForce drivers before the Intel 630 drivers but haven't noticed any problems yet (did a few CPU & GPU benchmarks). Is there a particular issue I should look out for because I installed them in the wrong order?

 

Sorry, forgot to note that was with a specific 382 series driver and installing CUDA would result in the card being not detected by the control panel. You should be fine. I have also removed that line to avoid confusion.

 

I recently bought an XPS 15 9560 and haven't had any problems so far. (knock wood)

I am used to doing clean installs of Windows and have been doing it since Windows 3.1, but that was always on my PCs and only up until Windows 7. I've been using an iMac for a few years, so I'm a little out of practice with Windows installs. Also I haven't done one on a laptop yet.

I'm still getting used to Windows 10, but I want to do a clean install on my XPS, but after reading the various threads on here and some on Reddit, it seems more of a pain in the butt and confusing than it should be on this laptop.

So for the OP, thanks for all the drivers you listed, but I have a few questions.

Out of the drivers you mentioned, wouldn't Windows Update just install the latest WHQL drivers available after you first boot? I understand manually installing the Intel and Nvidia drivers, but I would think most of the rest of those would auto install without the need to manually do it.

Also after reading GoNz0's long thread about clean installing, I gather we still need to add the Raid/AHCI storage drivers on the Windows boot USB so it can find the drive?

Im just trying to get a handle on this before I do it. It seems his thread is mainly designed around using his ISO images, but I would rather make a boot image with the latest unaltered build so as to minimize how much windows updates it has to do initially.

 

At least for the Intel drivers, Windows update currently has a 3 month old broken version (flicker), since they override the newest version on my machine every 2 weeks with 4574, requiring a reinstall.

I believe Windows update also does not install the latest audio driver either from realtek.

The Intel ME driver on win update is outdated as well, which is concerning since it is a mandatory install (security issues?)

Overall I would not trust Windows update to install drivers on a device that I plan on using for work.

For the storage mode, if you have a SSD only you should set it to AHCI and delete all partitions/setup new partitions during install. Intel rst was only beneficial for ssds because it exposed more power saving modes to windows. Currently it would be better for you to identify your drive and install the correct NVMe driver if they are available. RAID should only be used if you have a SSD hdd combo and you plan on using Intel rst.

 

Thanks for the info. But a few more questions.

So you recommend after Windows is done installing to stay offline and install these drivers first, and then connect to the internet?

Also, do I need to put the SSD drivers from your list, depending on what brand I have on the Windows USB install drive to have when installing windows so is recognizes my drive?

I was also checking the drivers you listed in the OP, and Dell has a newer Killer Wireless driver than what you have listed, I thought you might want to update your list. It's now Version: 1.1.71.1354 ,A05 and came out July 19th.

 

Yes, I think installing drivers first and then letting Windows update do its thing is the best way to go. Keep in mind Windows will likely override the intel graphics driver with an older version, so you will need to reinstall that.

If you switch to "AHCI mode", Windows also provides a default NVMe driver, but the performance is usually inferior to the manufacturer provided drivers. See here.

For the wifi driver, I will wait and see if Killer releases it on their official website.

 

@cloud023

Well I finished my clean install and I wanted to say thanks for your list in the OP. It was very helpful. Everything is running great!

I am surprised how much better Windows actually does run with a clean install on this thing. I keep wondering WTF Dell puts on their machines to slow them down like that.

Although I know you probably don't have time to always keep the list up to date, but I noticed a few updates. Both the Killer WiFi and Killer Bluetooth drivers are newer on the Killer website. Also there was one or two updates to some of the Dell drivers, although I don't remember which. One thing I did notice, is that the links you use on Dells website are not the same as when I went in to check for drivers for the XPS 15 9560 directly, whereas I saw a few newer versions on that page as opposed to the one you link from.

Oh also, one thing that surprised me. After installing Windows 10 Pro, it actually recognized the Killer WiFi card by default without me installing the drivers first. But I did what you said and didn't connect to the internet until I was done installing all of the drivers.

And lastly, I prevented Windows update from reinstalling the older Intel and Nvidia drivers over top of the newer ones by doing what they said on this page:

https://www.howtogeek.com/263851/ho...from-automatically-updating-specific-drivers/

 

So I've installed the Dell Maxx Audio Drivers and replaced the driver with the .cab version but both drivers do not utilize the right microphone below the touchpad.

However when I install the latest Realtek drivers from Realtek's site (R2.82), I do get full stereo sound from the microphones. The Realtek site drivers won't have the Maxx software with it, but f you install the Dell MAXX drivers first, and then do a manual install with the Realtek drivers (using the same method used for the .cab install) you can still use the MAXX software and having a working stereo microphone array. If you've already installed the .cab drivers though, this method won't work because the Realtek site driver is actually older (6.0.1.8186) then the .cab driver ( 6.0.1.8216). If you did this, you can try choosing the specific driver file (HDXDELL.inf) from the extracted Realtek archive and it should still work.

I will note however that certain features of MAXX will not work with the latest Realtek driver:
1. Headset detection prompt no longer appears so there is no way to specify your headphone/headset type after plugging it in
2. The headphone tab on MAXX no longer works as it assumes you are using speakers when headphones are plugged in
3. The directional voice tab (3rd tab) no longer works either

To me, the stereo microphone is more valuable then these features so I'm OK with it, but I'm hoping Realtek driver updates will resolve this so a compromise doesn't have to be made.

If anyone else's microphone is responding similarly, please let me know.

 

Great to hear!
The realtek audio issue is unfortunate, guess I never noticed this since the microphone is not a feature I usually use.

I took a closer look and I believe the only outdated drivers were for thunderbolt and its firmware, and I've updated those.

The Killer driver version in the newest update is still the same, however they have changed their "control center", which should not be installed if you do only select 11AC and nothing else. I believe the bluetooth version in the post is up to date.

Also it seems like Dell often updates the date on their drivers, without actually updating the drivers themselves. I have confirmed this by comparing the hash of these supposedly new drivers.

 

I guess I was looking more at the date of the Killer drivers on their website and not the version number which threw me off thinking it was newer. Although Dell's website has version 1354 of the Killer WiFi drives. I wonder what is different being as the latest on Killer's website is still 1350.

As far as Dell's drivers, I noticed that as well. It doesn't make sense why they would do that.

 

quite common for OEM's to request a patch, the devs will then create a fork from the current build and never release it as it only contains a Dell specific fix for a certain hardware. It will often be left in for the next official release but releasing it for the sake of it will end up creating hundreds if not thousands of support tickets that they can do without

 

So now I am having an issue with the Realtek drivers.

Tonight was the first time I plugged in headphones, and they didn't work. I am using the drivers in the OP and in the same order they were supposed to be installed.

It seems with all the rigging we are doing with these drivers, something is not quite right. I saw that someone here had problems with the microphone.

So does anyone know the right Realtek drivers we should be installing so we can have everything working correctly? I guess it really shouldn't matter if the Realtek drivers are the latest up to the minute version, just as long as they work.

 

This may be something misconfigured on your side, as there have not been other reports.

Try removing the realtek software from the uninstall programs menu, reboot, then try the new drivers from the first post. Since Dell has updated their version to 8216, I have removed the Windows update package.

 

Dell released new audio drivers last week so it may be worth trying those, never have a problem with the maxxaudio, turning off anything I don't want works fine for me

 

yeah it took Dell long enough to finally post updated 8216 realtek audio drivers for the Dell XPS 9560, but they no longer list the updated 81xx drivers for the XPS 9365 2-in-1 laptop (except for v8108).

 

I bought a 9560 today. thanks so much for all of the links, really helpful.

I cannot install this driver though. It says it is not compatible with my computer. I tried downloading the zip and selected the driver in the graphics card. It started installing and then the screen went black for 10 minutes. I rebooted and was still on the old April version.

Any advise?

 

use DDU to uninstall the drivers then install from the zip.

 

I think using DDU to nuke intel drivers & reboot would be the best solution. Not sure if it is possible that dell has blocked the use of generic drivers, if that is the case you might want to do a clean installation of Windows. Might also want to install chipset drivers and management engine drivers first.

Edit: Also want to note that Windows 10 has been insistent on installing the old 4574 drivers, only way I have found to temporarily disable it, is to use DDU to remove 4574, install 4771, and hide the update using "Show or hide updates" troubleshooter package.

 

Can you edit that out before someone mistakenly reinstalls windows on your advice?

After using DDU you can install any 630 drivers from Intel. The Dell driver tells it to use only Dell drivers, that is all.

My preferred methods to prevent driver updates on that hardware is using group policy, those win windows home can install group policy from various websites and get the same result.