I saw your completely unexpected headline just after spending 90 minutes installing - and repairing - 8 updates from Dell.
I’m not sure if Dell updates are mandatory or not.
They started a couple years ago, which was a shock, since I’ve used Dell for 25 years and never received an update before.
Mostly, they are Dell hardware security patches, but today they included driver updates for at least three Dell vendors.
Anyway, the Dell updates crashed my Microsoft Outlook email program. I was just about to call MSFT Support when I finally realized that somehow my Outlook had been reset into “Safe Mode,” which I fixed quickly.
I will still install all the MSFT updates - optional or not.
I have used Dell and Microsoft since my first computer and have never had a serious issue.
I've found Dell hardware to be excellent over the years. Tended many Dell servers, and have had a few of their laptops. D@mn near bulletproof.
Glad to hear you've had good experience with them and with Microsoft. I've worked with (and often on) Microsoft software since 8K BASIC in the late 1970's, every version of MSDOS, and every version of Windows except 1.0. It's been quite an... adventure. :-)