diff --git a/Readme.md b/Readme.md
index 14dba192a..c3241a476 100644
--- a/Readme.md
+++ b/Readme.md
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ Read this in other languages: English | [简体中文](./Readme_zh-CN.md)
     - [.usage](#usage)
     - [.description and .summary](#description-and-summary)
     - [.helpOption(flags, description)](#helpoptionflags-description)
-    - [.addHelpCommand()](#addhelpcommand)
+    - [.helpCommand()](#helpcommand)
     - [More configuration](#more-configuration-2)
   - [Custom event listeners](#custom-event-listeners)
   - [Bits and pieces](#bits-and-pieces)
@@ -904,16 +904,18 @@ program
   .helpOption('-e, --HELP', 'read more information');
 ```
 
-### .addHelpCommand()
+### .helpCommand()
 
-A help command is added by default if your command has subcommands. You can explicitly turn on or off the implicit help command with `.addHelpCommand()` and `.addHelpCommand(false)`.
+A help command is added by default if your command has subcommands. You can explicitly turn on or off the implicit help command with `.helpCommand(true)` and `.helpCommand(false)`.
 
 You can both turn on and customise the help command by supplying the name and description:
 
 ```js
-program.addHelpCommand('assist [command]', 'show assistance');
+program.helpCommand('assist [command]', 'show assistance');
 ```
 
+(Or use `.addHelpCommand()` to add a command you construct yourself.)
+
 ### More configuration
 
 The built-in help is formatted using the Help class.
diff --git a/docs/deprecated.md b/docs/deprecated.md
index 74ffb16d6..7dc5bad23 100644
--- a/docs/deprecated.md
+++ b/docs/deprecated.md
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ They are currently still available for backwards compatibility, but should not b
     - [Short option flag longer than a single character](#short-option-flag-longer-than-a-single-character)
     - [Import from `commander/esm.mjs`](#import-from-commanderesmmjs)
     - [cmd.\_args](#cmd_args)
+    - [.addHelpCommand(string|boolean|undefined)](#addhelpcommandstringbooleanundefined)
   - [Removed](#removed)
     - [Default import of global Command object](#default-import-of-global-command-object)
 
@@ -205,6 +206,27 @@ const registeredArguments = program.registeredArguments;
 
 Deprecated from Commander v11.
 
+### .addHelpCommand(string|boolean|undefined)
+
+This was originally used with a variety of parameters, but not by passing a Command object despite the "add" name.
+
+```js
+program.addHelpCommand('assist  [command]');
+program.addHelpCommand('assist', 'show assistance');
+program.addHelpCommand(false);
+
+```
+
+In new code you configure the help command with `.helpCommand()`. Or use `.addHelpCommand()` which now takes a Command object, like `.addCommand()`.
+
+```js
+program.helpCommand('assist [command]');
+program.helpCommand('assist', 'show assistance');
+program.helpCommand(false);
+
+program.addHelpCommand(new Command('assist').argument('[command]').description('show assistance'));
+
+```
 ## Removed
 
 ### Default import of global Command object
diff --git a/lib/command.js b/lib/command.js
index 8f2d30071..7e568df38 100644
--- a/lib/command.js
+++ b/lib/command.js
@@ -71,10 +71,9 @@ class Command extends EventEmitter {
     this._helpDescription = 'display help for command';
     this._helpShortFlag = '-h';
     this._helpLongFlag = '--help';
-    this._addImplicitHelpCommand = undefined; // Deliberately undefined, not decided whether true or false
-    this._helpCommandName = 'help';
-    this._helpCommandnameAndArgs = 'help [command]';
-    this._helpCommandDescription = 'display help for command';
+    this._addImplicitHelpCommand = undefined; // undecided whether true or false yet, not inherited
+    /** @type {Command} */
+    this._helpCommand = undefined; // lazy initialised, inherited
     this._helpConfiguration = {};
   }
 
@@ -93,9 +92,7 @@ class Command extends EventEmitter {
     this._helpDescription = sourceCommand._helpDescription;
     this._helpShortFlag = sourceCommand._helpShortFlag;
     this._helpLongFlag = sourceCommand._helpLongFlag;
-    this._helpCommandName = sourceCommand._helpCommandName;
-    this._helpCommandnameAndArgs = sourceCommand._helpCommandnameAndArgs;
-    this._helpCommandDescription = sourceCommand._helpCommandDescription;
+    this._helpCommand = sourceCommand._helpCommand;
     this._helpConfiguration = sourceCommand._helpConfiguration;
     this._exitCallback = sourceCommand._exitCallback;
     this._storeOptionsAsProperties = sourceCommand._storeOptionsAsProperties;
@@ -369,39 +366,76 @@ class Command extends EventEmitter {
   }
 
   /**
-   * Override default decision whether to add implicit help command.
+   * Customise or override default help command. By default a help command is automatically added if your command has subcommands.
    *
-   *    addHelpCommand() // force on
-   *    addHelpCommand(false); // force off
-   *    addHelpCommand('help [cmd]', 'display help for [cmd]'); // force on with custom details
+   *    program.helpCommand('help [cmd]');
+   *    program.helpCommand('help [cmd]', 'show help');
+   *    program.helpCommand(false); // suppress default help command
+   *    program.helpCommand(true); // add help command even if no subcommands
    *
+   * @param {string|boolean} enableOrNameAndArgs - enable with custom name and/or arguments, or boolean to override whether added
+   * @param {string} [description] - custom description
    * @return {Command} `this` command for chaining
    */
 
-  addHelpCommand(enableOrNameAndArgs, description) {
-    if (enableOrNameAndArgs === false) {
-      this._addImplicitHelpCommand = false;
-    } else {
-      this._addImplicitHelpCommand = true;
-      if (typeof enableOrNameAndArgs === 'string') {
-        this._helpCommandName = enableOrNameAndArgs.split(' ')[0];
-        this._helpCommandnameAndArgs = enableOrNameAndArgs;
-      }
-      this._helpCommandDescription = description || this._helpCommandDescription;
+  helpCommand(enableOrNameAndArgs, description) {
+    if (typeof enableOrNameAndArgs === 'boolean') {
+      this._addImplicitHelpCommand = enableOrNameAndArgs;
+      return this;
     }
+
+    enableOrNameAndArgs = enableOrNameAndArgs ?? 'help [command]';
+    const [, helpName, helpArgs] = enableOrNameAndArgs.match(/([^ ]+) *(.*)/);
+    const helpDescription = description ?? 'display help for command';
+
+    const helpCommand = this.createCommand(helpName);
+    helpCommand.helpOption(false);
+    if (helpArgs) helpCommand.arguments(helpArgs);
+    if (helpDescription) helpCommand.description(helpDescription);
+
+    this._addImplicitHelpCommand = true;
+    this._helpCommand = helpCommand;
+
     return this;
   }
 
   /**
-   * @return {boolean}
-   * @package internal use only
+   * Add prepared custom help command.
+   *
+   * @param {(Command|string|boolean)} helpCommand - custom help command, or deprecated enableOrNameAndArgs as for `.helpCommand()`
+   * @param {string} [deprecatedDescription] - deprecated custom description used with custom name only
+   * @return {Command} `this` command for chaining
    */
+  addHelpCommand(helpCommand, deprecatedDescription) {
+    // If not passed an object, call through to helpCommand for backwards compatibility,
+    // as addHelpCommand was originally used like helpCommand is now.
+    if (typeof helpCommand !== 'object') {
+      this.helpCommand(helpCommand, deprecatedDescription);
+      return this;
+    }
+
+    this._addImplicitHelpCommand = true;
+    this._helpCommand = helpCommand;
+    return this;
+  }
 
-  _hasImplicitHelpCommand() {
-    if (this._addImplicitHelpCommand === undefined) {
-      return this.commands.length && !this._actionHandler && !this._findCommand('help');
+  /**
+   * Lazy create help command.
+   *
+   * @return {(Command|null)}
+   * @package
+   */
+  _getHelpCommand() {
+    const hasImplicitHelpCommand = this._addImplicitHelpCommand ??
+      (this.commands.length && !this._actionHandler && !this._findCommand('help'));
+
+    if (hasImplicitHelpCommand) {
+      if (this._helpCommand === undefined) {
+        this.helpCommand(undefined, undefined); // use default name and description
+      }
+      return this._helpCommand;
     }
-    return this._addImplicitHelpCommand;
+    return null;
   }
 
   /**
@@ -1315,7 +1349,7 @@ Expecting one of '${allowedValues.join("', '")}'`);
     if (operands && this._findCommand(operands[0])) {
       return this._dispatchSubcommand(operands[0], operands.slice(1), unknown);
     }
-    if (this._hasImplicitHelpCommand() && operands[0] === this._helpCommandName) {
+    if (this._getHelpCommand() && operands[0] === this._getHelpCommand().name()) {
       return this._dispatchHelpCommand(operands[1]);
     }
     if (this._defaultCommandName) {
@@ -1572,7 +1606,7 @@ Expecting one of '${allowedValues.join("', '")}'`);
           operands.push(arg);
           if (args.length > 0) unknown.push(...args);
           break;
-        } else if (arg === this._helpCommandName && this._hasImplicitHelpCommand()) {
+        } else if (this._getHelpCommand() && arg === this._getHelpCommand().name()) {
           operands.push(arg);
           if (args.length > 0) operands.push(...args);
           break;
diff --git a/lib/help.js b/lib/help.js
index e2441ed87..586bad8d2 100644
--- a/lib/help.js
+++ b/lib/help.js
@@ -26,13 +26,8 @@ class Help {
 
   visibleCommands(cmd) {
     const visibleCommands = cmd.commands.filter(cmd => !cmd._hidden);
-    if (cmd._hasImplicitHelpCommand()) {
-      // Create a command matching the implicit help command.
-      const [, helpName, helpArgs] = cmd._helpCommandnameAndArgs.match(/([^ ]+) *(.*)/);
-      const helpCommand = cmd.createCommand(helpName)
-        .helpOption(false);
-      helpCommand.description(cmd._helpCommandDescription);
-      if (helpArgs) helpCommand.arguments(helpArgs);
+    const helpCommand = cmd._getHelpCommand();
+    if (helpCommand && !helpCommand._hidden) {
       visibleCommands.push(helpCommand);
     }
     if (this.sortSubcommands) {
diff --git a/package-lock.json b/package-lock.json
index a29166316..94e1aa3fd 100644
--- a/package-lock.json
+++ b/package-lock.json
@@ -725,9 +725,9 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@eslint/eslintrc": {
-      "version": "2.1.2",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@eslint/eslintrc/-/eslintrc-2.1.2.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-+wvgpDsrB1YqAMdEUCcnTlpfVBH7Vqn6A/NT3D8WVXFIaKMlErPIZT3oCIAVCOtarRpMtelZLqJeU3t7WY6X6g==",
+      "version": "2.1.3",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@eslint/eslintrc/-/eslintrc-2.1.3.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-yZzuIG+jnVu6hNSzFEN07e8BxF3uAzYtQb6uDkaYZLo6oYZDCq454c5kB8zxnzfCYyP4MIuyBn10L0DqwujTmA==",
       "dev": true,
       "dependencies": {
         "ajv": "^6.12.4",
@@ -748,9 +748,9 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@eslint/js": {
-      "version": "8.52.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@eslint/js/-/js-8.52.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-mjZVbpaeMZludF2fsWLD0Z9gCref1Tk4i9+wddjRvpUNqqcndPkBD09N/Mapey0b3jaXbLm2kICwFv2E64QinA==",
+      "version": "8.53.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@eslint/js/-/js-8.53.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-Kn7K8dx/5U6+cT1yEhpX1w4PCSg0M+XyRILPgvwcEBjerFWCwQj5sbr3/VmxqV0JGHCBCzyd6LxypEuehypY1w==",
       "dev": true,
       "engines": {
         "node": "^12.22.0 || ^14.17.0 || >=16.0.0"
@@ -1382,9 +1382,9 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@types/jest": {
-      "version": "29.5.6",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@types/jest/-/jest-29.5.6.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-/t9NnzkOpXb4Nfvg17ieHE6EeSjDS2SGSpNYfoLbUAeL/EOueU/RSdOWFpfQTXBEM7BguYW1XQ0EbM+6RlIh6w==",
+      "version": "29.5.8",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@types/jest/-/jest-29.5.8.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-fXEFTxMV2Co8ZF5aYFJv+YeA08RTYJfhtN5c9JSv/mFEMe+xxjufCb+PHL+bJcMs/ebPUsBu+UNTEz+ydXrR6g==",
       "dev": true,
       "dependencies": {
         "expect": "^29.0.0",
@@ -1410,9 +1410,9 @@
       "dev": true
     },
     "node_modules/@types/node": {
-      "version": "20.8.9",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@types/node/-/node-20.8.9.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-UzykFsT3FhHb1h7yD4CA4YhBHq545JC0YnEz41xkipN88eKQtL6rSgocL5tbAP6Ola9Izm/Aw4Ora8He4x0BHg==",
+      "version": "20.9.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@types/node/-/node-20.9.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-nekiGu2NDb1BcVofVcEKMIwzlx4NjHlcjhoxxKBNLtz15Y1z7MYf549DFvkHSId02Ax6kGwWntIBPC3l/JZcmw==",
       "dev": true,
       "dependencies": {
         "undici-types": "~5.26.4"
@@ -1452,16 +1452,16 @@
       "dev": true
     },
     "node_modules/@typescript-eslint/eslint-plugin": {
-      "version": "6.9.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/eslint-plugin/-/eslint-plugin-6.9.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-lgX7F0azQwRPB7t7WAyeHWVfW1YJ9NIgd9mvGhfQpRY56X6AVf8mwM8Wol+0z4liE7XX3QOt8MN1rUKCfSjRIA==",
+      "version": "6.10.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/eslint-plugin/-/eslint-plugin-6.10.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-uoLj4g2OTL8rfUQVx2AFO1hp/zja1wABJq77P6IclQs6I/m9GLrm7jCdgzZkvWdDCQf1uEvoa8s8CupsgWQgVg==",
       "dev": true,
       "dependencies": {
         "@eslint-community/regexpp": "^4.5.1",
-        "@typescript-eslint/scope-manager": "6.9.0",
-        "@typescript-eslint/type-utils": "6.9.0",
-        "@typescript-eslint/utils": "6.9.0",
-        "@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys": "6.9.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/scope-manager": "6.10.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/type-utils": "6.10.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/utils": "6.10.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys": "6.10.0",
         "debug": "^4.3.4",
         "graphemer": "^1.4.0",
         "ignore": "^5.2.4",
@@ -1487,15 +1487,15 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@typescript-eslint/parser": {
-      "version": "6.9.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/parser/-/parser-6.9.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-GZmjMh4AJ/5gaH4XF2eXA8tMnHWP+Pm1mjQR2QN4Iz+j/zO04b9TOvJYOX2sCNIQHtRStKTxRY1FX7LhpJT4Gw==",
+      "version": "6.10.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/parser/-/parser-6.10.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-+sZwIj+s+io9ozSxIWbNB5873OSdfeBEH/FR0re14WLI6BaKuSOnnwCJ2foUiu8uXf4dRp1UqHP0vrZ1zXGrog==",
       "dev": true,
       "dependencies": {
-        "@typescript-eslint/scope-manager": "6.9.0",
-        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.9.0",
-        "@typescript-eslint/typescript-estree": "6.9.0",
-        "@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys": "6.9.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/scope-manager": "6.10.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.10.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/typescript-estree": "6.10.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys": "6.10.0",
         "debug": "^4.3.4"
       },
       "engines": {
@@ -1515,13 +1515,13 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@typescript-eslint/parser/node_modules/@typescript-eslint/scope-manager": {
-      "version": "6.9.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/scope-manager/-/scope-manager-6.9.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-1R8A9Mc39n4pCCz9o79qRO31HGNDvC7UhPhv26TovDsWPBDx+Sg3rOZdCELIA3ZmNoWAuxaMOT7aWtGRSYkQxw==",
+      "version": "6.10.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/scope-manager/-/scope-manager-6.10.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-TN/plV7dzqqC2iPNf1KrxozDgZs53Gfgg5ZHyw8erd6jd5Ta/JIEcdCheXFt9b1NYb93a1wmIIVW/2gLkombDg==",
       "dev": true,
       "dependencies": {
-        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.9.0",
-        "@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys": "6.9.0"
+        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.10.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys": "6.10.0"
       },
       "engines": {
         "node": "^16.0.0 || >=18.0.0"
@@ -1532,9 +1532,9 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@typescript-eslint/parser/node_modules/@typescript-eslint/types": {
-      "version": "6.9.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/types/-/types-6.9.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-+KB0lbkpxBkBSiVCuQvduqMJy+I1FyDbdwSpM3IoBS7APl4Bu15lStPjgBIdykdRqQNYqYNMa8Kuidax6phaEw==",
+      "version": "6.10.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/types/-/types-6.10.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-36Fq1PWh9dusgo3vH7qmQAj5/AZqARky1Wi6WpINxB6SkQdY5vQoT2/7rW7uBIsPDcvvGCLi4r10p0OJ7ITAeg==",
       "dev": true,
       "engines": {
         "node": "^16.0.0 || >=18.0.0"
@@ -1545,13 +1545,13 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@typescript-eslint/parser/node_modules/@typescript-eslint/typescript-estree": {
-      "version": "6.9.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/typescript-estree/-/typescript-estree-6.9.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-NJM2BnJFZBEAbCfBP00zONKXvMqihZCrmwCaik0UhLr0vAgb6oguXxLX1k00oQyD+vZZ+CJn3kocvv2yxm4awQ==",
+      "version": "6.10.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/typescript-estree/-/typescript-estree-6.10.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-ek0Eyuy6P15LJVeghbWhSrBCj/vJpPXXR+EpaRZqou7achUWL8IdYnMSC5WHAeTWswYQuP2hAZgij/bC9fanBg==",
       "dev": true,
       "dependencies": {
-        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.9.0",
-        "@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys": "6.9.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.10.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys": "6.10.0",
         "debug": "^4.3.4",
         "globby": "^11.1.0",
         "is-glob": "^4.0.3",
@@ -1572,12 +1572,12 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@typescript-eslint/parser/node_modules/@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys": {
-      "version": "6.9.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys/-/visitor-keys-6.9.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-dGtAfqjV6RFOtIP8I0B4ZTBRrlTT8NHHlZZSchQx3qReaoDeXhYM++M4So2AgFK9ZB0emRPA6JI1HkafzA2Ibg==",
+      "version": "6.10.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys/-/visitor-keys-6.10.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-xMGluxQIEtOM7bqFCo+rCMh5fqI+ZxV5RUUOa29iVPz1OgCZrtc7rFnz5cLUazlkPKYqX+75iuDq7m0HQ48nCg==",
       "dev": true,
       "dependencies": {
-        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.9.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.10.0",
         "eslint-visitor-keys": "^3.4.1"
       },
       "engines": {
@@ -1589,13 +1589,13 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@typescript-eslint/scope-manager": {
-      "version": "6.9.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/scope-manager/-/scope-manager-6.9.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-1R8A9Mc39n4pCCz9o79qRO31HGNDvC7UhPhv26TovDsWPBDx+Sg3rOZdCELIA3ZmNoWAuxaMOT7aWtGRSYkQxw==",
+      "version": "6.10.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/scope-manager/-/scope-manager-6.10.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-TN/plV7dzqqC2iPNf1KrxozDgZs53Gfgg5ZHyw8erd6jd5Ta/JIEcdCheXFt9b1NYb93a1wmIIVW/2gLkombDg==",
       "dev": true,
       "dependencies": {
-        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.9.0",
-        "@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys": "6.9.0"
+        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.10.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys": "6.10.0"
       },
       "engines": {
         "node": "^16.0.0 || >=18.0.0"
@@ -1606,13 +1606,13 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@typescript-eslint/type-utils": {
-      "version": "6.9.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/type-utils/-/type-utils-6.9.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-XXeahmfbpuhVbhSOROIzJ+b13krFmgtc4GlEuu1WBT+RpyGPIA4Y/eGnXzjbDj5gZLzpAXO/sj+IF/x2GtTMjQ==",
+      "version": "6.10.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/type-utils/-/type-utils-6.10.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-wYpPs3hgTFblMYwbYWPT3eZtaDOjbLyIYuqpwuLBBqhLiuvJ+9sEp2gNRJEtR5N/c9G1uTtQQL5AhV0fEPJYcg==",
       "dev": true,
       "dependencies": {
-        "@typescript-eslint/typescript-estree": "6.9.0",
-        "@typescript-eslint/utils": "6.9.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/typescript-estree": "6.10.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/utils": "6.10.0",
         "debug": "^4.3.4",
         "ts-api-utils": "^1.0.1"
       },
@@ -1633,9 +1633,9 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@typescript-eslint/types": {
-      "version": "6.9.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/types/-/types-6.9.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-+KB0lbkpxBkBSiVCuQvduqMJy+I1FyDbdwSpM3IoBS7APl4Bu15lStPjgBIdykdRqQNYqYNMa8Kuidax6phaEw==",
+      "version": "6.10.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/types/-/types-6.10.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-36Fq1PWh9dusgo3vH7qmQAj5/AZqARky1Wi6WpINxB6SkQdY5vQoT2/7rW7uBIsPDcvvGCLi4r10p0OJ7ITAeg==",
       "dev": true,
       "engines": {
         "node": "^16.0.0 || >=18.0.0"
@@ -1646,13 +1646,13 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@typescript-eslint/typescript-estree": {
-      "version": "6.9.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/typescript-estree/-/typescript-estree-6.9.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-NJM2BnJFZBEAbCfBP00zONKXvMqihZCrmwCaik0UhLr0vAgb6oguXxLX1k00oQyD+vZZ+CJn3kocvv2yxm4awQ==",
+      "version": "6.10.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/typescript-estree/-/typescript-estree-6.10.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-ek0Eyuy6P15LJVeghbWhSrBCj/vJpPXXR+EpaRZqou7achUWL8IdYnMSC5WHAeTWswYQuP2hAZgij/bC9fanBg==",
       "dev": true,
       "dependencies": {
-        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.9.0",
-        "@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys": "6.9.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.10.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys": "6.10.0",
         "debug": "^4.3.4",
         "globby": "^11.1.0",
         "is-glob": "^4.0.3",
@@ -1673,17 +1673,17 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@typescript-eslint/utils": {
-      "version": "6.9.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/utils/-/utils-6.9.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-5Wf+Jsqya7WcCO8me504FBigeQKVLAMPmUzYgDbWchINNh1KJbxCgVya3EQ2MjvJMVeXl3pofRmprqX6mfQkjQ==",
+      "version": "6.10.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/utils/-/utils-6.10.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-v+pJ1/RcVyRc0o4wAGux9x42RHmAjIGzPRo538Z8M1tVx6HOnoQBCX/NoadHQlZeC+QO2yr4nNSFWOoraZCAyg==",
       "dev": true,
       "dependencies": {
         "@eslint-community/eslint-utils": "^4.4.0",
         "@types/json-schema": "^7.0.12",
         "@types/semver": "^7.5.0",
-        "@typescript-eslint/scope-manager": "6.9.0",
-        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.9.0",
-        "@typescript-eslint/typescript-estree": "6.9.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/scope-manager": "6.10.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.10.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/typescript-estree": "6.10.0",
         "semver": "^7.5.4"
       },
       "engines": {
@@ -1698,12 +1698,12 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys": {
-      "version": "6.9.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys/-/visitor-keys-6.9.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-dGtAfqjV6RFOtIP8I0B4ZTBRrlTT8NHHlZZSchQx3qReaoDeXhYM++M4So2AgFK9ZB0emRPA6JI1HkafzA2Ibg==",
+      "version": "6.10.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@typescript-eslint/visitor-keys/-/visitor-keys-6.10.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-xMGluxQIEtOM7bqFCo+rCMh5fqI+ZxV5RUUOa29iVPz1OgCZrtc7rFnz5cLUazlkPKYqX+75iuDq7m0HQ48nCg==",
       "dev": true,
       "dependencies": {
-        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.9.0",
+        "@typescript-eslint/types": "6.10.0",
         "eslint-visitor-keys": "^3.4.1"
       },
       "engines": {
@@ -1721,9 +1721,9 @@
       "dev": true
     },
     "node_modules/acorn": {
-      "version": "8.10.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/acorn/-/acorn-8.10.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-F0SAmZ8iUtS//m8DmCTA0jlh6TDKkHQyK6xc6V4KDTyZKA9dnvX9/3sRTVQrWm79glUAZbnmmNcdYwUIHWVybw==",
+      "version": "8.11.2",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/acorn/-/acorn-8.11.2.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-nc0Axzp/0FILLEVsm4fNwLCwMttvhEI263QtVPQcbpfZZ3ts0hLsZGOpE6czNlid7CJ9MlyH8reXkpsf3YUY4w==",
       "dev": true,
       "bin": {
         "acorn": "bin/acorn"
@@ -2168,6 +2168,18 @@
       "integrity": "sha512-E+XQCRwSbaaiChtv6k6Dwgc+bx+Bs6vuKJHHl5kox/BaKbhiXzqQOwK4cO22yElGp2OCmjwVhT3HmxgyPGnJfQ==",
       "dev": true
     },
+    "node_modules/builtin-modules": {
+      "version": "3.3.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/builtin-modules/-/builtin-modules-3.3.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-zhaCDicdLuWN5UbN5IMnFqNMhNfo919sH85y2/ea+5Yg9TsTkeZxpL+JLbp6cgYFS4sRLp3YV4S6yDuqVWHYOw==",
+      "dev": true,
+      "engines": {
+        "node": ">=6"
+      },
+      "funding": {
+        "url": "https://github.com/sponsors/sindresorhus"
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/builtins": {
       "version": "5.0.1",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/builtins/-/builtins-5.0.1.tgz",
@@ -2687,15 +2699,15 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/eslint": {
-      "version": "8.52.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/eslint/-/eslint-8.52.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-zh/JHnaixqHZsolRB/w9/02akBk9EPrOs9JwcTP2ek7yL5bVvXuRariiaAjjoJ5DvuwQ1WAE/HsMz+w17YgBCg==",
+      "version": "8.53.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/eslint/-/eslint-8.53.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-N4VuiPjXDUa4xVeV/GC/RV3hQW9Nw+Y463lkWaKKXKYMvmRiRDAtfpuPFLN+E1/6ZhyR8J2ig+eVREnYgUsiag==",
       "dev": true,
       "dependencies": {
         "@eslint-community/eslint-utils": "^4.2.0",
         "@eslint-community/regexpp": "^4.6.1",
-        "@eslint/eslintrc": "^2.1.2",
-        "@eslint/js": "8.52.0",
+        "@eslint/eslintrc": "^2.1.3",
+        "@eslint/js": "8.53.0",
         "@humanwhocodes/config-array": "^0.11.13",
         "@humanwhocodes/module-importer": "^1.0.1",
         "@nodelib/fs.walk": "^1.2.8",
@@ -3084,9 +3096,9 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/eslint-plugin-n": {
-      "version": "16.2.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/eslint-plugin-n/-/eslint-plugin-n-16.2.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-AQER2jEyQOt1LG6JkGJCCIFotzmlcCZFur2wdKrp1JX2cNotC7Ae0BcD/4lLv3lUAArM9uNS8z/fsvXTd0L71g==",
+      "version": "16.3.1",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/eslint-plugin-n/-/eslint-plugin-n-16.3.1.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-w46eDIkxQ2FaTHcey7G40eD+FhTXOdKudDXPUO2n9WNcslze/i/HT2qJ3GXjHngYSGDISIgPNhwGtgoix4zeOw==",
       "dev": true,
       "dependencies": {
         "@eslint-community/eslint-utils": "^4.4.0",
@@ -3094,6 +3106,7 @@
         "eslint-plugin-es-x": "^7.1.0",
         "get-tsconfig": "^4.7.0",
         "ignore": "^5.2.4",
+        "is-builtin-module": "^3.2.1",
         "is-core-module": "^2.12.1",
         "minimatch": "^3.1.2",
         "resolve": "^1.22.2",
@@ -3945,6 +3958,21 @@
         "url": "https://github.com/sponsors/ljharb"
       }
     },
+    "node_modules/is-builtin-module": {
+      "version": "3.2.1",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/is-builtin-module/-/is-builtin-module-3.2.1.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-BSLE3HnV2syZ0FK0iMA/yUGplUeMmNz4AW5fnTunbCIqZi4vG3WjJT9FHMy5D69xmAYBHXQhJdALdpwVxV501A==",
+      "dev": true,
+      "dependencies": {
+        "builtin-modules": "^3.3.0"
+      },
+      "engines": {
+        "node": ">=6"
+      },
+      "funding": {
+        "url": "https://github.com/sponsors/sindresorhus"
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/is-callable": {
       "version": "1.2.7",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/is-callable/-/is-callable-1.2.7.tgz",
@@ -5611,9 +5639,9 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/punycode": {
-      "version": "2.3.0",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/punycode/-/punycode-2.3.0.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-rRV+zQD8tVFys26lAGR9WUuS4iUAngJScM+ZRSKtvl5tKeZ2t5bvdNFdNHBW9FWR4guGHlgmsZ1G7BSm2wTbuA==",
+      "version": "2.3.1",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/punycode/-/punycode-2.3.1.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-vYt7UD1U9Wg6138shLtLOvdAu+8DsC/ilFtEVHcH+wydcSpNE20AfSOduf6MkRFahL5FY7X1oU7nKVZFtfq8Fg==",
       "dev": true,
       "engines": {
         "node": ">=6"
diff --git a/tests/command.chain.test.js b/tests/command.chain.test.js
index 3f907c869..58d8c4af2 100644
--- a/tests/command.chain.test.js
+++ b/tests/command.chain.test.js
@@ -34,12 +34,54 @@ describe('Command methods that should return this for chaining', () => {
     expect(result).toBe(program);
   });
 
-  test('when call .addHelpCommand() then returns this', () => {
+  test('when call .addHelpCommand(cmd) then returns this', () => {
     const program = new Command();
-    const result = program.addHelpCommand(false);
+    const result = program.addHelpCommand(new Command('assist'));
     expect(result).toBe(program);
   });
 
+  test('when call deprecated .addHelpCommand() then returns this', () => {
+    const program = new Command();
+    const result = program.addHelpCommand();
+    expect(result).toBe(program);
+  });
+
+  test('when call deprecated .addHelpCommand(boolean) then returns this', () => {
+    const program = new Command();
+    const result1 = program.addHelpCommand(true);
+    expect(result1).toBe(program);
+    const result2 = program.addHelpCommand(false);
+    expect(result2).toBe(program);
+  });
+
+  test('when call deprecated .addHelpCommand(string[, string]) then returns this', () => {
+    const program = new Command();
+    const result1 = program.addHelpCommand('assist');
+    expect(result1).toBe(program);
+    const result2 = program.addHelpCommand('assist', 'assist description');
+    expect(result2).toBe(program);
+  });
+
+  test('when call .helpCommand(name) then returns this', () => {
+    const program = new Command();
+    const result = program.helpCommand();
+    expect(result).toBe(program);
+  });
+
+  test('when call .helpCommand(name, description) then returns this', () => {
+    const program = new Command();
+    const result1 = program.helpCommand('assist', 'assist description');
+    expect(result1).toBe(program);
+  });
+
+  test('when call .helpCommand(boolean) then returns this', () => {
+    const program = new Command();
+    const result1 = program.helpCommand(true);
+    expect(result1).toBe(program);
+    const result2 = program.helpCommand(false);
+    expect(result2).toBe(program);
+  });
+
   test('when call .exitOverride() then returns this', () => {
     const program = new Command();
     const result = program.exitOverride(() => { });
diff --git a/tests/command.copySettings.test.js b/tests/command.copySettings.test.js
index 79722d78b..de06914d7 100644
--- a/tests/command.copySettings.test.js
+++ b/tests/command.copySettings.test.js
@@ -50,15 +50,28 @@ describe('copyInheritedSettings property tests', () => {
     expect(cmd._helpLongFlag).toBe('--zz');
   });
 
-  test('when copyInheritedSettings then copies addHelpCommand(name, description)', () => {
+  test('when copyInheritedSettings then copies custom help command', () => {
     const source = new commander.Command();
     const cmd = new commander.Command();
 
-    source.addHelpCommand('HELP [cmd]', 'ddd');
+    source.helpCommand('HELP [cmd]', 'ddd');
     cmd.copyInheritedSettings(source);
-    expect(cmd._helpCommandName).toBe('HELP');
-    expect(cmd._helpCommandnameAndArgs).toBe('HELP [cmd]');
-    expect(cmd._helpCommandDescription).toBe('ddd');
+    cmd.helpCommand(true); // force enable
+    const helpCommand = cmd._getHelpCommand();
+    expect(helpCommand).toBeTruthy();
+    expect(helpCommand.name()).toBe('HELP');
+    expect(helpCommand.description()).toBe('ddd');
+  });
+
+  test('when copyInheritedSettings then does not copy help enable override', () => {
+    const source = new commander.Command();
+    const cmd = new commander.Command();
+
+    // Existing behaviour, force enable/disable does not inherit,
+    // largely so (probably redundant) program.helpCommand(true) does not inherit to leaf subcommands.
+    source.helpCommand(true);
+    cmd.copyInheritedSettings(source);
+    expect(cmd._addHelpOption).toBeUndefined();
   });
 
   test('when copyInheritedSettings then copies configureHelp(config)', () => {
diff --git a/typings/index.d.ts b/typings/index.d.ts
index e77cb1bf3..7ca2c49c9 100644
--- a/typings/index.d.ts
+++ b/typings/index.d.ts
@@ -419,18 +419,27 @@ export class Command {
   arguments(names: string): this;
 
   /**
-   * Override default decision whether to add implicit help command.
+   * Customise or override default help command. By default a help command is automatically added if your command has subcommands.
    *
    * @example
+   * ```ts
+   * program.helpCommand('help [cmd]');
+   * program.helpCommand('help [cmd]', 'show help');
+   * program.helpCommand(false); // suppress default help command
+   * program.helpCommand(true); // add help command even if no subcommands
    * ```
-   * addHelpCommand() // force on
-   * addHelpCommand(false); // force off
-   * addHelpCommand('help [cmd]', 'display help for [cmd]'); // force on with custom details
-   * ```
-   *
-   * @returns `this` command for chaining
    */
-  addHelpCommand(enableOrNameAndArgs?: string | boolean, description?: string): this;
+  helpCommand(nameAndArgs: string, description?: string): this;
+  helpCommand(enable: boolean): this;
+
+  /**
+   * Add prepared custom help command.
+   */
+  addHelpCommand(cmd: Command): this;
+  /** @deprecated since v12, instead use helpCommand */
+  addHelpCommand(nameAndArgs: string, description?: string): this;
+  /** @deprecated since v12, instead use helpCommand */
+  addHelpCommand(enable?: boolean): this;
 
   /**
    * Add hook for life cycle event.
diff --git a/typings/index.test-d.ts b/typings/index.test-d.ts
index 22706982b..2a4864ad7 100644
--- a/typings/index.test-d.ts
+++ b/typings/index.test-d.ts
@@ -59,11 +59,19 @@ expectType<commander.Command>(program.argument('[value]', 'description', parseFl
 expectType<commander.Command>(program.arguments('<cmd> [env]'));
 
 // addHelpCommand
+expectType<commander.Command>(program.addHelpCommand(new commander.Command('assist')));
+// Deprecated uses
 expectType<commander.Command>(program.addHelpCommand());
 expectType<commander.Command>(program.addHelpCommand(false));
 expectType<commander.Command>(program.addHelpCommand(true));
-expectType<commander.Command>(program.addHelpCommand('compress <file>'));
-expectType<commander.Command>(program.addHelpCommand('compress <file>', 'compress target file'));
+expectType<commander.Command>(program.addHelpCommand('assist [cmd]'));
+expectType<commander.Command>(program.addHelpCommand('assist [file]', 'display help'));
+
+// helpCommand
+expectType<commander.Command>(program.helpCommand(false));
+expectType<commander.Command>(program.helpCommand(true));
+expectType<commander.Command>(program.helpCommand('assist [cmd]'));
+expectType<commander.Command>(program.helpCommand('assist [file]', 'display help'));
 
 // exitOverride
 expectType<commander.Command>(program.exitOverride());