Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIf Windows says pcdsrvc_x64.pkms is blocked from loading, it is preventing a driver from running under a security rule; the warning alone does not mean your PC is infected. The filename is associated with Dell SupportAssist in Microsoft Q&A and Dell Community reports, but Dell has not established a universal affected version or a single fix for every PC. Check for a compatible update through Windows Update or Dell, then consider removing SupportAssist if you do not need it and no update is available. Keep Windows security protections enabled while troubleshooting.
Why Windows blocks pcdsrvc_x64.pkms
Drivers can have sensitive access to Windows. Windows 11’s vulnerable driver blocklist covers drivers with known security vulnerabilities, certificates used to sign malware, or behavior that circumvents the Windows Security Model. Memory Integrity, Smart App Control, or Windows S mode also enables the blocklist. A block warning means Windows is preventing a driver from loading; on its own, it is not evidence of infection. Microsoft explains the blocklist and Device Security settings here.
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Reports in Microsoft Q&A and a Dell Community discussion associate pcdsrvc_x64.pkms with Dell SupportAssist. These are community-level identifications, not a Dell security bulletin confirming that every copy of the file or every SupportAssist release is affected. The available information does not establish a universal fixed version.
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Identify the policy behind the warning
The vulnerable driver blocklist and Windows Driver Policy are related but distinct security controls. Do not assume that every vulnerable-driver warning corresponds to a Windows Driver Policy event. If you need to confirm which file and policy Windows recorded, inspect the Code Integrity Operational log and read the event details. Microsoft documents Windows Driver Policy Code Integrity events.
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- Immersive visuals: The FHD IPS display features 99% sRGB and 50% higher contrast* within a narrow border so you can enjoy vivid, true-to-life colours as you work, learn or stream.
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- Keep your area clutter-free with an innovative stand that provides the perfect space to house your keyboard underneath the display.
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- Event 3076 indicates a driver that was audited and would have been blocked if enforcement were active.
- Event 3077 indicates a driver blocked under the enforcement policy.
These event meanings apply to Windows Driver Policy audit and enforcement activity. They do not, by themselves, explain every warning generated by the vulnerable driver blocklist.
Update SupportAssist or its driver first
Microsoft recommends checking Windows Update or Device Manager for a compatible driver, then contacting the hardware manufacturer if no update is available. For a Dell PC, check Windows Update, including optional driver updates, and Dell’s official support channel for your exact model and installed SupportAssist release. The available sources do not identify one SupportAssist version that fixes this warning on all systems.
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- Model: Dell OptiPlex 7050 Small Form Factor (SFF)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 3.60 GHz
- Memory: 32GB DDR4 Ram
- Storage: 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD) Fast Boot + Storage
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
- Note the exact warning and filename so you can compare it with any update information.
- Open Windows Update and check for updates, including optional driver updates.
- Check Dell’s support channel for your PC’s model and any compatible SupportAssist update.
- Install only a compatible update, restart Windows, and see whether the warning or a SupportAssist feature still has a problem.
If Windows reports that no update is available, Microsoft advises contacting the hardware manufacturer for an updated driver. See Microsoft’s Device Security guidance.
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When to uninstall SupportAssist
If the file is associated with SupportAssist on your PC, no compatible update is available, and you do not rely on SupportAssist’s features, uninstalling the application is a reasonable troubleshooting option. An independent-advisor response on Microsoft Q&A recommends updating SupportAssist and removing it if no update is available. Removing the application may also remove functions that depend on it; it is a software troubleshooting step, not a hardware repair.
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- [LATEST WIRELESS TECH] - This Dell Desktop Computer easily connects to the internet through the Built In WiFi / Bluetooth
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After removal, restart the PC and check whether the warning returns. If you depend on SupportAssist, contact Dell about an update for your particular model and release before removing it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not turn off Windows protections as a routine fix
Turning off Memory Integrity or another driver security policy can reduce protection against unsafe drivers. Microsoft recommends pursuing a compatible, appropriately signed driver through Windows Update or the hardware manufacturer rather than disabling Windows Driver Policy as the default response. Microsoft’s recommended driver block rules guidance also describes compatibility considerations. If you administer a managed PC and are considering a policy change, follow Microsoft’s guidance and your organization’s security requirements.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Immersive visuals: The FHD IPS display features 99% sRGB and 50% higher contrast* within a narrow border so you can enjoy vivid, true-to-life colours as you work, learn or stream.
- Eye comfort: Keep your eyes comfortable during long screen sessions with Dell ComfortView Plus, designed to reduce harmful blue light emissions. Enjoy a smoother viewing experience, thanks to a refresh rate that's 66% higher than the previous generation*.
- Keep your area clutter-free with an innovative stand that provides the perfect space to house your keyboard underneath the display.
- Picture perfect: Look your best, even in challenging lighting conditions, thanks to HDR technology on the 5MP+IR camera. Adjust the tilt from 0 to 20 degrees for the perfect angle. For privacy, simply push the pop-up camera down to hide it.
- Wireless, high-definition audio: Immerse yourself in loud, clear audio with dual Bluetooth speakers and Dolby Atmos spatial sound while you’re listening to music, video chatting, or watching a movie.
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