How to fix a Dell XPS that won't turn on

Imagine reaching for your Dell® XPS laptop to start your day, only to find it won’t turn on. Unexpected start-up hiccups are the stuff of nightmares—it can disrupt your day and leave you scrambling for solutions.

But don’t worry. Our experts at uBreakiFix® by Asurion have seen it all—and can fix it all. From connecting your laptop to your TV to helping your laptop find Wi-Fi again, we’ve got all of your tech care needs covered. Here’s our guide to fixing a Dell XPS that won’t turn on. 

Why is my Dell XPS not booting?

There can be various reasons why your Dell XPS won't power on, from simple power issues to more complex hardware malfunctions. Understanding the reasons behind boot-up issues is crucial for effective troubleshooting. 

• Faulty display.  A damaged or malfunctioning screen can give the illusion that the laptop is not turning on.
• Faulty drivers. Corrupted or outdated drivers can prevent your laptop from booting properly.
• Malfunctioning hardware. Issues with internal components like the motherboard or hard drive can cause booting problems.
• Software boot failure. Software issues or corrupted system files can hinder the startup process.
• Full capacitors. Capacitors in your laptop might be retaining a charge that needs discharging before the laptop can boot up again.

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How do I fix my Dell XPS that won't boot up?

Troubleshooting a Dell XPS that won’t turn on can be daunting, but understanding the common causes and following these 7 simple steps can effectively resolve the issue.

1. Check the power supply

Your laptop’s battery might be dead. Make sure your laptop is charged or plugged in. Then, check the charging cord and adapter for any damage. If you have an extra charger on hand, try swapping it out. This small step can help you determine where the trouble lies. 

2. Unplug external accessories

Disconnect all external devices—monitors, USB drives, and SD cards—as they could be causing a conflict during boot-up. For example, if your XPS is connected to another powered-off monitor, your laptop will appear as though it failed to turn on, giving you a black screen. 

3. Test the battery

Failure to turn it on is the biggest sign that your Dell battery might need replacement or repair, but try testing it first before giving up on it. If your Dell XPS has a removable battery, remove it and wait a few moments before reinserting it. Then attempt to power on your system again to see if it resolved the issue. Another troubleshooting step to try—if you’ve already determined that your charging cable is not to blame—is to allow the battery to completely drain and then power it on while it’s plugged in. If it powers on instantly, it’s a surefire way to know that the battery is the issue.

4. Check to see if the screen is damaged

Look for any signs of physical damage, or try connecting to an external monitor to see if the issue is with the screen. If the screen does seem to be the problem, don’t panic—in most cases, a broken laptop screen is an easy fix. 

5. Boot into Windows Safe Mode

Safe mode is a setting that limits the programs your laptop is allowed to use, keeping only the essentials. Putting your Dell in Safe Mode can help determine if the problem is related to downloaded files, software, or drivers. If you need help, check out our detailed guide on how to boot in Safe Mode.

6. Run the Dell diagnostic tool

The Dell diagnostic tool can help identify hardware issues that might prevent your laptop from turning on. Here’s how to run it:  

1. Press the Power button.
2. When the Dell logo appears, press F12 repeatedly. After a few seconds, you should see the BIOS boot screen. 
3. Select Diagnostics and run the test. 

7. Reinstall Windows or replace the hard drive 

If all else fails, a system reinstall or hardware replacement might be necessary. Since these repairs are a bit more involved or require opening up your system, we recommend reaching out to a Dell computer repair expert.