New Alienware Command Center 6.x FAQ

Got questions about the new Alienware Command Center (AWCC)? Check out the FAQ below to answer all your questions!

What systems are currently compatible with Alienware Command Center 6.x?

• Alienware x14 R2
• Alienware x16
• Alienware x16 R2 (new)
• Alienware m18
• Alienware m18 R2 (new)
• Alienware m16
• Alienware m16 R2 (new)
• Alienware Aurora R16
• Dell G15 5530
• Dell G15 5535
• Dell G16 7630
• Alienware x14 R1 (new)
• Alienware x15 R2 (new)
• Alienware x17 R2 (new)
• Alienware m15 R7 (new)
• Alienware m17 R5 (new)
• Alienware m17 R5 Ryzen Edition (new)
• Alienware Aurora R15 (new)
• Alienware Aurora R15 Ryzen Edition (new) (Coming in Q2 2024)

Which peripherals are supported by Alienware Command Center 6.x?

Note: Peripherals below are only supported with AWCC 6.x when paired with the systems above or with all third-party systems. If you are using another Alienware or Dell G Series system with one of the peripherals below you can still access AWCC 5.x.

What’s the latest version of AWCC 6.X?

The current version of AWCC is 6.2.7.0, A00 as of March 20, 2024

Please reference AWCC 6.2 FAQ for specific Q&A related to this release

Fixes & Enhancements:

• AWCC 6 support for 2022 Alienware systems (see Q1 for list of supported systems)
• Fixed an issue where Alienware x16R2 configurations that don’t support touchpad lighting showed the option to configure lighting within AWCC 6.x
• Ability to configure Sleep Mode settings for the Alienware Pro Mouse and Keyboard
• Onboard memory for the Alienware Pro Keyboard
• User notification to upgrade supported Alienware Headset firmware with Dongle firmware
• User notification when polling rate changes between wired and wireless connections
• User notification when a non-AWCC 6 supported Alienware display or peripheral is connected to your system.
• Ability to enable and disable Stealth Mode within the AWCC 6 UI 

What are the improvements between AWCC 5.5.x and 6.0?

AWCC 6.x includes

1. Improved User Interface and User Experience - The improved UI/UX helps users find what they need and make changes intuitively and easily, including performance pre-sets, AlienFX lighting, AlienFX settings on peripherals, and gaming library.
2. Brand new architecture - The new architecture provides more stability in the app, for a simplified experience and easy updating.

Will AWCC 6.X be available on my legacy Alienware or G Series system?

At this time, Alienware Command Center is available on the Alienware and G Series laptops referenced in this document, in addition to 3rd party systems. We are currently exploring backwards compatibility and timing to offer AWCC 6.x on additional legacy Alienware & Dell G Series systems.

Can I install an older version of Alienware Command Center on my Alienware or G Series laptop after AWCC 6.x is installed?

No, attempts to install Alienware Command Center 5.5.x while Alienware Command Center 6.x is installed, will trigger an automated abort.

I have AWCC 6.x installed, why are there no devices detected?

Please check to see if the device you have connected is supported under AWCC 6.x. This info can be found under Dell Support website or our user guide.

I have AWCC 6.x installed however I’m having issues with my attached peripherals:

Please check to ensure the latest version of AWCC 6.x is installed on your system. To check which version you have installed open AWCC 6.x and navigate to the Settings icon on the bottom left of the screen.

If your system has not automatically upgraded to the latest version, you can manually download the latest version by going to Dell.com/support >> Drivers & Downloads.

How can I collapse or disable the performance overlay in AWCC 6.x?

To temporarily collapse the performance overlay click the Close "X" button or use the default hotkey (Ctrl+Shift+O for systems with Intel CPUs and Ctrl+Shift+Y for systems with AMD CPUs) to collapse or expand it.

Note: A colored bar will remain on the screen when the overlay is collapsed, clicking on the colored bar will re-expand the overlay.

If you prefer to disable the performance overlay altogether you can navigate to Settings >> Overlay and unselect the "Automatic launch overlay in game mode" checkbox. 

What are the automated features within AWCC 6.x?

Alienware Command Center 6.x has features that are designed to automatically adjust your lighting and performance presets based on the games you are playing and automatically detect compatible games within the Game Library.

Automated Performance Presets: When a user starts playing a game recognized by AWCC 6, the preset will automatically switch from the selected system mode preset to the game mode preset. As a default, your game mode preset will be set to Performance.

Automated AlienFX: When a user starts playing a game recognized by AWCC 6, all the system lighting zones will automatically switch to the dominant color in the game cover art.

Can I disable the automated features?

Yes! For those users who want to disable automated performance present and/or AlienFX switching, you can navigate to Global Settings >> Automated Experiences.

What is Stealth Mode?

Enabling Stealth Mode turns off all AlienFX lighting to quickly transition to quiet and discreet gameplay and PC use and decreases fan noise by switching your system to the Quiet performance preset.

Stealth Mode can be enabled and disabled using the Fn +F2 hotkey.

 It’s an appealing feature for those who want a gaming laptop they can take anywhere with the ability to effortlessly cloak its gamer aesthetic, as needed.

Is Stealth Mode available on all Alienware platforms?

Stealth Mode is only available on the following systems:

• Alienware m16 R2
• Alienware m18 R2
• Alienware x16 R2

If you are on "stealth mode" and decide to open a game, will AWCC automatically disable it and go back to performance with lights, or will the user needs to open AWCC and enable performance mode?

It will stay in Stealth Mode. If someone wants to game, we advise them to turn off Stealth Mode.

I have an Alienware Pro [Mouse/Keyboard], why am I not able to access AWCC 6.x on my Alienware system?

At this time, the new features for the AW Pro Mouse and Keyboard offered by AWCC 6.x are available on the Alienware & Dell G Series Systems listed in Q1 and all third-party systems.

For 2021 Alienware systems and prior, we are still exploring backwards compatibility and timing.

What are the new features for Alienware Pro Mouse and Keyboard within AWCC 6.x?

• CP Pro Advanced features:
  • Battery Saving Mode
  • Disable Key Combos
  • Grouped DPI & Polling rates
  • Firmware update - with combined upgrade process for Device and Dongle

Which game stores are supported by AWCC 6.x?

• Xbox Game Pass
• EA Play
• Epic Games
• Battle.net
• Steam
• Uplay

How does the MUX Switch in AWCC 6.x work?

A MUX switch (or Multiplexer) is a physical switch in the motherboard that lets you disable the integrated graphics (iGPU) in your gaming laptop so your system can take full advantage of the more powerful discrete graphics (dGPU).This will give you a performance boost while gaming, however, will come at the expense of shorter battery life. For the best gaming experience, we recommend enabling this feature while your system is connected to the AC adapter.

To disable the iGPU and take full advantage of the dGPU within AWCC 6 turn the MUX Switch ON.

 Note: A system restart is required after switching this feature on/off.

How can I install AWCC 6.x on my non Alienware/Dell G Series systems to customize my supported Alienware peripherals?

1. On Dell.com, navigate to Support >> Drivers & Downloads
2. Find your Alienware peripheral under “Identify your product” then scroll down and select the latest version of the Alienware Command Center 6.x (3rd Party) application.