Dell laptop power · Settings guide
How to turn on a Dell laptop that won't start
Sources checked · how we check
Start with the power button light. If a Dell laptop won't turn on, Dell's RTC reset can recover it without opening the case.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- Press the power button and check whether the power button light glows steadily.
- Press Caps Lock to see whether the laptop responds at all.
02 · Change the setting
Step by step, by device
Real-time clock (RTC) reset
Laptop off → AC adapter in → hold power 30–35 seconds until the light blinks 3 times
- Turn off the computer.
- Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
- Press and hold the power button for about 30 to 35 seconds, until the power light blinks three times.
- Release the power button. The RTC reset is complete.
Dell lists RTC reset for Inspiron, Latitude, Precision, Vostro, Alienware, XPS, Dell Plus, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium and Dell Pro Rugged laptops.
Source: Dell: reset the real-time clock (RTC) to recover your Dell laptop
System board self-test (M-BIST)
Hold the M key and the power button
- Press and hold both the M key and the power button to start the system board self-test.
If the setting doesn't change
If the laptop still won't start, Dell's article lists more checks: an LCD self-test, trying an external monitor, clearing dust from the air vents, reseating memory, and checking for battery swelling or physical damage. Contact Dell support if you suspect hardware failure.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reset a Dell laptop that won't turn on?
Do an RTC reset: with the laptop off and the AC adapter connected, hold the power button for about 30 to 35 seconds until the power light blinks three times.
Which Dell laptops support RTC reset?
Dell lists Inspiron, Latitude, Precision, Vostro, Alienware, XPS, Dell Plus, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium and Dell Pro Rugged laptops.