XPS 16 9640

Owner's Manual

Regulatory Model: P129F

Regulatory Type: P129F001
April 2024
Rev. A02
Notes, cautions, and warnings

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid
the problem.

WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

© 2024 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell Technologies, Dell, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its
subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
 Contents

Chapter 1: Views of XPS 16 9640................................................................................................... 6

Left..........................................................................................................................................................................................6
Right....................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Top.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Active areas of the touchpad..................................................................................................................................... 9
Front......................................................................................................................................................................................10
Bottom...................................................................................................................................................................................11
Service Tag...........................................................................................................................................................................11

Chapter 2: Set up your XPS 16 9640............................................................................................ 13

Chapter 3: Specifications of XPS 16 9640.................................................................................... 15

Dimensions and weight..................................................................................................................................................... 15
Processor............................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Chipset..................................................................................................................................................................................16
Operating system............................................................................................................................................................... 17
Memory.................................................................................................................................................................................17
External ports......................................................................................................................................................................17
Internal slots........................................................................................................................................................................18
Wireless module..................................................................................................................................................................18
Audio..................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Storage................................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Media-card reader.............................................................................................................................................................20
Keyboard............................................................................................................................................................................. 20
Keyboard shortcuts of XPS 16 9640....................................................................................................................... 21
Camera..................................................................................................................................................................................21
Touchpad.............................................................................................................................................................................22
Power adapter....................................................................................................................................................................22
Battery................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Display.................................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Fingerprint reader............................................................................................................................................................. 25
Sensor ................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
GPU—Integrated.............................................................................................................................................................. 25
GPU—Discrete.................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Multiple display support matrix...................................................................................................................................... 26
Hardware security............................................................................................................................................................. 26
Operating and storage environment............................................................................................................................. 27
Dell support policy............................................................................................................................................................. 27
Dell low blue light display................................................................................................................................................. 27

Chapter 4: Working inside your computer....................................................................................29

Safety instructions............................................................................................................................................................29
Before working inside your computer.....................................................................................................................29
Safety precautions...................................................................................................................................................... 30

Contents 3
 Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection............................................................................................................. 30
ESD field service kit ....................................................................................................................................................31
Transporting sensitive components........................................................................................................................ 32
After working inside your computer........................................................................................................................32
BitLocker....................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Recommended tools......................................................................................................................................................... 32
Screw list.............................................................................................................................................................................33
Major components of XPS 16 9640.............................................................................................................................. 33

Chapter 5: Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)............................................ 36

Base cover.......................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Removing the base cover..........................................................................................................................................36
Installing the base cover............................................................................................................................................ 39
Battery.................................................................................................................................................................................. 41
Rechargeable Li-ion battery precautions............................................................................................................... 41
Removing the battery.................................................................................................................................................42
Installing the battery...................................................................................................................................................43
Battery cable...................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Removing the battery cable......................................................................................................................................44
Installing the battery cable........................................................................................................................................45
Fan........................................................................................................................................................................................ 46
Removing the GPU fan.............................................................................................................................................. 46
Installing the GPU fan.................................................................................................................................................47
Removing the CPU fan.............................................................................................................................................. 48
Installing the CPU fan.................................................................................................................................................49
Solid-state drive................................................................................................................................................................ 50
Removing the solid-state drive................................................................................................................................ 50
Installing the solid-state drive.................................................................................................................................. 52
Heat sink..............................................................................................................................................................................53
Removing the heat sink—Integrated GPUs......................................................................................................... 53
Installing the heat sink—Integrated GPU..............................................................................................................54
Removing the heat sink—Discrete GPU............................................................................................................... 55
Installing the heat sink—Discrete GPU..................................................................................................................57
Wireless-module shield.................................................................................................................................................... 58
Removing the wireless-module shield.................................................................................................................... 58
Installing the wireless-module shield...................................................................................................................... 59
Display assembly................................................................................................................................................................60
Removing the display assembly............................................................................................................................... 60
Installing the display assembly..................................................................................................................................63
Type-C bracket..................................................................................................................................................................65
Removing the Type-C brackets...............................................................................................................................65
Installing the Type-C brackets................................................................................................................................. 66
System board..................................................................................................................................................................... 67
Removing the system board .................................................................................................................................... 67
Installing the system board ...................................................................................................................................... 70
Speakers.............................................................................................................................................................................. 73
Removing the speakers.............................................................................................................................................. 73
Installing the speakers................................................................................................................................................ 74
Keyboard..............................................................................................................................................................................76
Removing the keyboard............................................................................................................................................. 76

4 Contents
 Installing the keyboard................................................................................................................................................78
Power button with fingerprint reader........................................................................................................................... 81
Removing the power button with fingerprint reader...........................................................................................81
Installing the power button with fingerprint reader............................................................................................ 82
Palm-rest assembly...........................................................................................................................................................83
Removing the palm-rest assembly.......................................................................................................................... 83
Installing the palm-rest assembly............................................................................................................................ 84

Chapter 6: Software....................................................................................................................86
Operating system.............................................................................................................................................................. 86
Drivers and downloads.....................................................................................................................................................86

Chapter 7: BIOS Setup................................................................................................................ 87

Entering BIOS Setup program........................................................................................................................................87
Navigation keys..................................................................................................................................................................87
F12 One Time Boot menu................................................................................................................................................ 87
System setup options.......................................................................................................................................................88
Updating the BIOS.......................................................................................................................................................... 104
Updating the BIOS in Windows.............................................................................................................................. 104
Updating the BIOS using the USB drive in Windows........................................................................................ 104
Updating the BIOS from the F12 One Time Boot menu................................................................................... 105
System and setup password.........................................................................................................................................105
Assigning a System Setup password.................................................................................................................... 106
Deleting or changing an existing system setup password............................................................................... 106
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords......................................................................................... 107

Chapter 8: Troubleshooting....................................................................................................... 108

Handling swollen rechargeable Li-ion batteries........................................................................................................108
Locate the Service Tag or Express Service Code of your Dell computer ........................................................ 108
Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics.............................................................. 109
Running the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check.............................................................. 109
Built-in self-test (BIST)................................................................................................................................................. 109
M-BIST......................................................................................................................................................................... 109
LCD Power rail test (L-BIST).................................................................................................................................. 110
LCD Built-in Self-Test (BIST)..................................................................................................................................110
System-diagnostic lights................................................................................................................................................. 111
Recovering the operating system................................................................................................................................. 111
Real-Time Clock (RTC Reset)....................................................................................................................................... 112
Backup media and recovery options............................................................................................................................ 112
Wi-Fi power cycle.............................................................................................................................................................112
Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)........................................................................................................ 112

Chapter 9: Getting help and contacting Dell Technologies.......................................................... 114

Contents 5
 1
Views of XPS 16 9640
Left

Figure 1. Left view

1. Thunderbolt 4.0 port with Power Delivery and DisplayPort (2)

Supports USB4, DisplayPort 2.1, Thunderbolt 4 and also enables you to connect to an external display using a display adapter.
Provides data transfer rates of up to 40 Gbps for USB4 and Thunderbolt 4.
NOTE: You can connect a Dell Docking Station to the Thunderbolt 4 ports. For more information, search in the
Knowledge Base Resource at the Dell Support Site.

NOTE: Use the supplied USB Type-C to USB Type A and DisplayPort dongle to connect to a DisplayPort device.

NOTE: USB4 is backward compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3.

NOTE: Thunderbolt 4 supports two 4K displays or one 8K display.

Right

Figure 2. Right view

For computers shipped with integrated Intel Arc Graphics, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
GPUs:
1. microSD-card slot v6.0
The microSD-card slot reads from and writes to the microSD card. The computer supports the following card types:
● Micro Secure Digital (microSD)
● Micro Secure Digital High Capacity (microSDHC)
● Micro Secure Digital Extended Capacity (microSDXC)

2. Thunderbolt 4.0 port with Power Delivery and DisplayPort

6 Views of XPS 16 9640

 Supports USB4, DisplayPort 2.1, Thunderbolt 4 and also enables you to connect to an external display using a display adapter.
Provides data transfer rates of up to 40 Gbps for USB4 and Thunderbolt 4.
NOTE: You can connect a Dell Docking Station to the Thunderbolt 4 ports. For more information, search in the
Knowledge Base Resource at the Dell Support Site.

NOTE: Use the supplied USB Type-C to USB Type A and DisplayPort dongle to connect to a DisplayPort device.

NOTE: USB4 is backward compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3.

NOTE: Thunderbolt 4 supports two 4K displays or one 8K display.

3. Headphone and speaker port

Connect headphones, a headset (headphone and microphone combo), or speakers.

For computers shipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPUs:

1. microSD-card slot v6.0
The microSD-card slot reads from and writes to the microSD card. The computer supports the following card types:
● Micro Secure Digital (microSD)
● Micro Secure Digital High Capacity (microSDHC)
● Micro Secure Digital Extended Capacity (microSDXC)

2. USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C) port with DisplayPort

Connect devices such as external storage devices, printers, and external displays. Provides data transfer rate of up to 10
Gbps.
Supports DisplayPort 1.4 and also enables you to connect an external display using a display adapter.

NOTE: Use the supplied USB Type-C to USB Type-A and DisplayPort dongle to connect a DisplayPort device.
3. Headphone and speaker port

Connect headphones, a headset (headphone and microphone combo), or speakers.

Views of XPS 16 9640 7

Top

Figure 3. Top view

1. Microphones (2)
Provide digital sound input for audio recording, voice calls, and so on.
2. Capacitive touch function row
Displays media and display control keys or standard function keys, with the esc and delete keys.
Press and hold the fn key on the physical keyboard to switch to the next set of keys.
Press the fn key on the physical keyboard and the esc key on the capacitive touch function row to switch to the next set of
keys and lock the mode of the panel.
3. Power button with fingerprint reader
Press to turn on the computer if it is turned off, in sleep state, or in a hibernating state. Place your finger on the power
button steadily to log in.
When the computer is turned on, press the power button to put the computer into sleep state; press and hold the power
button for 10 s to force shut-down the computer.
4. Right speaker
Provides audio output.
5. Touchpad
Move your finger on the touchpad to control the cursor. For more information about the active areas of the touchpad, see
the section on Active areas of the touchpad controls.
6. Left speaker
Provides audio output.

8 Views of XPS 16 9640

Active areas of the touchpad

Figure 4. Active areas of the touchpad

1. Left-click area of the touchpad

Move your finger on the touchpad within this area to control the cursor. Tap this area to left-click.
2. Right-click area of the touchpad
Move your finger on the touchpad within this area to control the cursor. Tap this area to right-click.

Views of XPS 16 9640 9

Front

Figure 5. Front view

1. Infrared emitter
Emits infrared light, which enables the infrared camera to sense and track motion.
2. Infrared camera
Enhances security when paired with Windows Hello face authentication.
3. Camera
Enables you to video chat, capture photos, and record videos.
4. Camera-status light
Turns on when the camera is in use.
5. Ambient-light sensor
The sensor detects the ambient light and automatically adjusts the display brightness.
6. Infrared emitter
Emits infrared light, which enables the infrared camera to sense and track motion.

10 Views of XPS 16 9640

Bottom

Figure 6. Bottom view

1. Speakers (2)
Provide audio output.
Air vents
Air vents provide ventilation for your computer. Clogged air vents can cause overheating and can affect the performance
of your computer and potentially cause hardware issues. Keep the air vents clear of obstructions and clean them regularly
to prevent the build-up of dust and dirt. For more information about cleaning air vents, search for articles in the Knowledge
Base Resource at the Dell Support Site.
2. Service Tag label
The Service Tag is a unique alphanumeric identifier that enables Dell service technicians to identify the hardware
components in your computer and access warranty information.
3. MyDell
MyDell provides a consolidated application experience housing capability that helps you get the most out of your computer.
Intelligent, AI-based optimization features automatically fine-tune your computer for the best audio, video, battery, and
performance. Each MyDell user experience is unique as the software learns and responds to the way you use your computer.

Service Tag
The service tag is a unique alphanumeric identifier that allows Dell service technicians to identify the hardware components in
your computer and access warranty information.

Views of XPS 16 9640 11

Figure 7. Location of the Service Tag

12 Views of XPS 16 9640

 2
Set up your XPS 16 9640
About this task

NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.

Steps
1. Connect the power adapter and press the power button.

Figure 8. Connect the power adapter and press the power button

NOTE: The battery may go into power-saving mode during shipment to conserve charge on the battery. Ensure that the
power adapter is connected to your computer when it is turned on for the first time.

2. Finish the operating system setup.

For Windows:
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. When setting up, Dell Technologies recommends that you:
● Connect to a network for Windows updates.
NOTE: If connecting to a secured wireless network, enter the password for the wireless network access when
prompted.
● If connected to the Internet, sign in with or create a Microsoft account. If not connected to the Internet, create an
offline account.
● On the Support and Protection screen, enter your contact details.
3. Locate and use Dell apps from the Windows Start menu—Recommended.

Set up your XPS 16 9640 13

 Table 1. Locate Dell apps in Windows
Resources Description
My Dell
MyDell is a software application that offers you a single streamlined engagement platform including
account access, device information, and hardware settings. This software delivers intelligent
features that automatically fine-tune your computer for the best possible audio, power, and
performance. Get the most out of your Dell device with intelligent, personalized technology from
MyDell. Following are the key features of MyDell:
● Application
Figure 9. My Dell ● Audio
● Power
● Color and Display
● Presence detection
For more information about how to use MyDell, see product guides at the Dell Support Site.

Dell Update
Updates your computer with critical fixes and latest device drivers as they become available.
Figure 10. Dell For more information about using Dell Update, see the product guides and third-party license
Update documents at the Dell Support site.

Dell Digital Delivery

Download software applications, which are purchased but not preinstalled on your computer. For
Figure 11. Dell more information about using Dell Digital Delivery, search in the Knowledge Base Resource at the
Digital Delivery Dell Support site.

SupportAssist
SupportAssist proactively and predictively identifies hardware and software issues on your
computer and automates the engagement process with Dell Technical support. It addresses
performance and stabilization issues, prevents security threats, monitors, and detects hardware
Figure 12. Support failures. For more information, see SupportAssist for Home PCs User's Guide at SupportAssist for
Assist Home PCs.

NOTE: In SupportAssist, click the warranty expiry date to renew or upgrade your warranty.

14 Set up your XPS 16 9640

 3
Specifications of XPS 16 9640
Dimensions and weight
The following table lists the height, width, depth, and weight of your XPS 16 9640.

Table 2. Dimensions and weight

Description Values
Height 18.70 mm (0.74 in.)

Width 358.18 mm (14.10 in.)

Depth 240.05 mm (9.50 in.)

Weight ● Minimum: 2.13 kg (4.70 lbs) for computers that are shipped
NOTE: The weight of your computer depends on with FHD+ panel
the configuration that is ordered and manufacturing ● Minimum: 2.18 kg (4.80 lbs) for computers that are shipped
variability. with UHD+ panel
● Maximum: 2.34 kg (5.15 lbs)

Processor
The following table lists the details of the processors that are supported for your XPS 16 9640.

Table 3. Processor
Description Option one Option two Option three
Processor type Intel Core Ultra 7 155H Intel Core Ultra 7 165H Intel Core Ultra 9 185H

Processor wattage 28 W 28 W 45 W

Processor total core count 16 16 16

Performance-cores 6 6 6

Efficient-cores 8 8 8

Processor total thread count 22 22 22

NOTE: Intel Hyper-
Threading Technology
is only available on
Performance-cores.

Processor speed Up to 4.8 GHz Up to 5.0 GHz Up to 5.1 GHz

Performance-cores frequency
Processor base 1.4 Ghz 1.4 Ghz 2.3 Ghz
frequency

Specifications of XPS 16 9640 15

Table 3. Processor (continued)
Description Option one Option two Option three
Maximum turbo 4.8 Ghz 5.0 Ghz 5.1 Ghz
frequency
Efficient-cores frequency
Processor base 0.9 Ghz 0.9 Ghz 1.8 Ghz
frequency
Maximum turbo 3.8 Ghz 3.8 Ghz 3.8 Ghz
frequency
Thermal Mode/Thermal Design Power (TDP)
Cool ● Type 4: 20 W + 20 W ● Type 4: 20 W + 20 W ● Type 4: 20 W + 20 W
● Type 3: 20 W + 20 W ● Type 3: 20 W + 20 W ● Type 3: 20 W + 20 W
● UMA: 30 W ● UMA: 30 W ● UMA: 30 W

Optimized ● Type 4: 20 W + 50 W ● Type 4: 20 W + 50 W ● Type 4: 20 W + 50 W

● Type 3: 20 W + 40 W ● Type 3: 20 W + 40 W ● Type 3: 20 W + 40 W
● UMA: 45 W ● UMA: 45 W ● UMA: 45 W

Quiet ● Type 4: 20 W + 40 W ● Type 4: 20 W + 40 W ● Type 4: 20 W + 40 W

● Type 3: 20 W + 30 W ● Type 3: 20 W + 30 W ● Type 3: 20 W + 30 W
● UMA: 30 W ● UMA: 30 W ● UMA: 30 W

Ultra Performance ● Type 4: 20 W + 60 W ● Type 4: 20 W + 60 W ● Type 4: 20 W + 60 W

● Type 3: 20 W + 50 W ● Type 3: 20 W + 50 W ● Type 3: 20 W + 50 W
● UMA: 55 W ● UMA: 55 W ● UMA: 55 W

NOTE: Processor clock speeds and thermal design power differ according to the thermal
mode selected in the My Dell app on your computer.

Processor cache 24 MB 24 MB 24 MB

Integrated graphics Intel Arc Graphics Intel Arc Graphics Intel Arc Graphics
NOTE: Requires 128-bit NOTE: Requires 128-bit NOTE: Requires 128-bit
(Two-channel) memory (Two-channel) memory (Two-channel) memory
populated populated populated

Chipset
The following table lists the details of the chipset that is supported for your XPS 16 9640.

Table 4. Chipset
Description Values
Chipset Integrated with the processor

Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 and 9 processors

DRAM bus width 128-bit (per 64-bit channel)

Flash EPROM 64 MB

PCIe bus Up to Gen 5.0

16 Specifications of XPS 16 9640

Operating system
Your XPS 16 9640 supports the following operating systems:
● Windows 11 Home, 64-bit
● Windows 11 Pro, 64-bit

Memory
The following table lists the memory specifications of your XPS 16 9640.

Table 5. Memory specifications

Description For computers shipped For computers shipped For computers shipped
with Intel Arc Graphics with NVIDIA GeForce with NVIDIA GeForce RTX
RTX 4050 or NVIDIA 4070 GPUs:
GeForce RTX 4060
GPUs:
Memory slots Onboard Onboard Onboard
Memory type LPDDR5x LPDDR5x LPDDR5x
Memory speed 6400 MT/s 6400 MT/s 7467 MT/s
Maximum memory configuration 16 GB 64 GB 64 GB
Minimum memory configuration 16 GB 16 GB 32 GB
Memory configurations supported 16 GB: LPDDR5x, 6400 ● 16 GB: LPDDR5x, 6400 ● 32 GB: LPDDR5x, 7467
MT/s (onboard) MT/s (onboard) MT/s (onboard)
● 32 GB: LPDDR5x, 6400 ● 64 GB: LPDDR5x, 7467
MT/s (onboard) MT/s (onboard)
● 64 GB: LPDDR5x, 6400
MT/s (onboard)

External ports
The following table lists the external ports of your XPS 16 9640.

Table 6. External ports

Description Values
Network port Not supported

USB ports For computers that are shipped with integrated Intel Arc
Graphics, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, or NVIDIA GeForce RTX
4060 GPUs:
● Three Thunderbolt 4 Gen 2 Type-C ports with DisplayPort
Alt Mode/USB4 and PowerDelivery
For computers that are shipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX
4070 GPUs:
● Two Thunderbolt 4 Gen 2 Type-C ports with DisplayPort
Alt Mode/USB4 and PowerDelivery (Left side)
● One USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port with Power Delivery and
DisplayPort (Right side)

Audio port One headphone/microphone combo jack (3.5mm)

Video port Via Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) ports

Specifications of XPS 16 9640 17

Table 6. External ports (continued)
Description Values
Media-card reader One microSD card slot v6.0

Power-adapter port USB Type-C

Security-cable slot Not supported

Internal slots
The following table lists the internal slots of your XPS 16 9640.

Table 7. Internal slots

Description Values
M.2 One slot for M.2 2230 and M.2 2280 solid-state drive
NOTE: To learn more about the features of different
types of M.2 cards, search in the Knowledge Base
Resource at Dell Support Site.

Wireless module
The following table lists the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) module that is supported on your XPS 16 9640.

Table 8. Wireless module specifications

Description Values
Model number Intel WiFi 7 BE200

Transfer rate Up to 5760 Mbps

Frequency bands supported 2.4 GHz/5 GHz/6 GHz

Wireless standards ● Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g

● Wi-Fi 4 (WiFi 802.11n)
● Wi-Fi 5 (WiFi 802.11ac)
● Wi-Fi 6E (WiFi 802.11ax)
● Wi-Fi 7 (WiFi 802.11be)

Encryption ● 128-bit AES-CCMP

● 256-bit AES-GCMP

Bluetooth wireless card Bluetooth 5.4

NOTE: The version of the Bluetooth wireless card may

vary depending on the operating system that is installed
on your computer.

18 Specifications of XPS 16 9640

Audio
The following table lists the audio specifications of your XPS 16 9640.

Table 9. Audio specifications

Description Values
Audio controller Cirrus Logic CS42L43

Stereo conversion Supported

Internal audio interface SoundWire

External audio interface Universal audio jack

Number of speakers ● 2 x Woofers

● 2 x Tweeters

Internal-speaker amplifier Cirrus Logic CS35L56

External volume controls Keyboard shortcut controls

Speaker output:
Average speaker output ● Woofer: 2 x 3 W
● Tweeters: 2 x 2 W

Peak speaker output ● Woofer: 2 x 3.5 W

● Tweeters: 2 x 2.5 W

Subwoofer output Not supported

Microphone Digital-array microphones

Storage
This section lists the storage options on your XPS 16 9640.

Table 10. Storage specifications

Storage type Interface type Capacity

M.2 2230, Class 35 solid-state drive PCIe NVMe Gen4 x4 512 GB

M.2 2280, Class 40 solid-state drive PCIe NVMe Gen4 x4 1 TB

M.2 2280, Class 40 solid-state drive PCIe NVMe Gen4 x4 2 TB

M.2 2280, Class 40 solid-state drive PCIe NVMe Gen4 x4 4 TB

Specifications of XPS 16 9640 19

Media-card reader
The following table lists the media cards that are supported on your XPS 16 9640.

Table 11. Media-card reader specifications

Description Values
Media-card type One microSD card slot v6.0

Media-cards supported ● Micro Secure Digital (microSD)

● Micro Secure Digital High Capacity (microSDHC)
● Micro Secure Digital Extended Capacity (microSDXC)

NOTE: The maximum capacity that is supported by the media-card reader varies depending on the standard of the media
card that is installed on your computer.

Keyboard
The following table lists the keyboard specifications of your XPS 16 9640.

Table 12. Keyboard specifications

Description Values
Keyboard type Standard backlit
NOTE: The top row of the keyboard is a capacitive touch
panel which displays standard function keys or media and
display control keys.

Keyboard layout QWERTY

Number of keys ● United States and Canada: 64 keys

● United Kingdom: 65 keys
● Japan: 68 keys

Keyboard size X = 19.05 mm key pitch

Y = 18.05 mm key pitch

Keyboard shortcuts Some keys on your keyboard have two symbols on them.
These keys can be used to type alternate characters or to
perform secondary functions. To type the alternate character,
press Shift and the desired key. To perform secondary
functions, press Fn and the desired key.
NOTE: You can define the primary behavior of the
function keys (F1–F12) changing Function Key Behavior
in BIOS setup program.

NOTE:
If Copilot in Windows is not available on your computer,
the Copilot key launches Windows Search. For more
information about Copilot in Windows, search in the
Knowledge Base Resource at dell support.

20 Specifications of XPS 16 9640

Keyboard shortcuts of XPS 16 9640
NOTE: Keyboard characters may differ depending on the keyboard language configuration. Keys that are used for shortcuts
remain the same across all language configurations.
Some keys on your keyboard have two symbols on them. These keys can be used to type alternate characters or to perform
secondary functions. The symbol that is shown on the lower part of the key refers to the character that is typed out when the
key is pressed. If you press shift and the key, the symbol that is shown on the upper part of the key is typed out. For example,
if you press 2, 2 is typed out; if you press Shift + 2, @ is typed out.
The top row of the keyboard is a capacitive touch panel. The fn mechanical key toggles between the keys F1-F12 and keys for
multimedia control. Releasing the fn key switches back to the previous mode.
Pressing the fn key and the esc key locks the "mode" of the capacitive touch panel. If the computer restarts, the default mode
is the last mode set by the user before the computer is restarted.
The fn key is also used with selected keys on the keyboard to invoke other secondary functions.

Table 13. List of keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcut Behavior
fn Switch between modes of the capacitive touch panel
fn + B Pause
fn + S Toggle scroll lock
fn + R System request
fn + ctrl + B Break
fn + esc Lock the mode of the capacitive touch panel
fn + left arrow Home
fn + right arrow End
Copilot Launch Copilot in Windows
NOTE: If Copilot in Windows is not available on your
computer, the Copilot key launches Windows Search. For
more information about Copilot in Windows, search in the
Knowledge Base Resource at the Dell Support Site.

Camera
The following table lists the camera specifications of your XPS 16 9640.

Table 14. Camera specifications

Description Values
Number of cameras Two

Camera type ● FHD RGB camera

● IR camera

Camera location Front camera

Camera sensor type CMOS sensor technology

Camera resolution:
Still image 2.07 megapixel

Video 1920 x 1080 (FHD) at 30 fps

Specifications of XPS 16 9640 21

Table 14. Camera specifications (continued)
Description Values
Infrared camera resolution:
Still image 0.23 megapixels

Video 640 x 360 at 15 fps

Diagonal viewing angle:

Camera 81.30 degrees

Infrared camera 78.10 degrees

Touchpad
The following table lists the touchpad specifications of your XPS 16 9640.

Table 15. Touchpad specifications

Description Values
Touchpad resolution: > 300 DPI

Touchpad dimensions:
Horizontal 148 mm (5.83 in.)

Vertical 90 mm (3.54 in.)

Touchpad gestures For more information about touchpad gestures available

on Windows, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article at
Microsoft Support Site.

Power adapter
The following table lists the power adapter specifications of your XPS 16 9640.

Table 16. Power adapter specifications

Description Values
Type 130W AC small form factor adapter, USB Type-C, E5

Power-adapter dimensions:
Height 22 mm (0.87 in.)

Width 55 mm (2.17 in.)

Depth 128 mm (5.04 in.)

Input voltage 100 VAC to 240 VAC

Input frequency 50 to 60 Hz

Input current (maximum) 1.80 A

Output current (continuous) ● 5 V/3 A

22 Specifications of XPS 16 9640

Table 16. Power adapter specifications (continued)
Description Values

● 9 V/3 A
● 15 V/3 A
● 20 V/6.5 A

Rated output voltage ● 5 VDC

● 9 VDC
● 15 VDC
● 20 VDC

Temperature range:
Operating 0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F)

Storage -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)

CAUTION: Operating and storage temperature ranges may differ among components, so operating or storing
the device outside these ranges may impact the performance of specific components.

Battery
The following table lists the battery specifications of your XPS 16 9640.

Table 17. Battery specifications

Description Values
Battery type 6-cell, 99.5 Wh lithium-polymer, ExpressCharge

Battery voltage 11.70 VDC

Battery weight (maximum) 0.38 kg (0.84 lb)

Battery dimensions:
Height 7.26 mm (0.29 in.)

Width 289.00 mm (11.40 in.)

Depth 84.40 mm (3.32 in.)

Temperature range:
Operating ● Charge: 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)
● Discharge: 0°C to 70°C (32°F to 158°F)

Storage -20°C to 65°C (-4°F to 149°F)

Battery operating time Varies depending on operating conditions and can significantly
reduce under certain power-intensive conditions.
Battery charging time (approximate) ● Standard charge, 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F): 4 hours
NOTE: Control the charging time, duration, start and ● ExpressCharge, 0°C to 15°C (32°F to 59°F): 4 hours
end time, and so on, using the Dell Power Manager ● ExpressCharge, 16°C to 45°C (60.80°F to 113°F): 2 hours
application. For more information about Dell Power ● ExpressCharge, 46°C to 50°C (114.80°F to 122°F): 3 hours
Manager, search in the Knowledge Base Resource at
Dell Support Site.

Specifications of XPS 16 9640 23

Table 17. Battery specifications (continued)
Description Values
Coin-cell battery Not supported

CAUTION: Operating and storage temperature ranges may differ among components, so operating or storing
the device outside these ranges may impact the performance of specific components.

CAUTION: Dell Technologies recommends that you charge the battery regularly for optimal power
consumption. If your battery charge is depleted, connect the power adapter, turn on your computer, and then
restart your computer to reduce the power consumption.

Display
The following table lists the display specifications of your XPS 16 9640.

Table 18. Display specifications

Description Option one Option two
Display type White Light Emitting Diode Full Organic-Light Emitting Diode Ultra
High Definition Plus (WLED FHD+), High Definition Plus (OLED UHD+),
InfinityEdge, Eyesafe technology, low InfinityEdge, Eyesafe technology, low
blue light display (hardware solution) blue light display (hardware solution)

Touch options No Pen support, Passive pen

Display-panel technology Wide Viewing Angle (WVA) Wide Viewing Angle (WVA)

Display-panel dimensions (active area):

Height 219.17 mm (8.63 in.) 219.17 mm (8.63 in.)

Width 350.67 mm (13.81 in.) 350.67 mm (13.81 in.)

Diagonal 413.51 mm (16.28 in.) 413.53 mm (16.28 in.)

Display-panel native resolution 1920 x 1200 3840 x 2400

Luminance (typical) 500 nits typical 400 nits typical

Megapixels 2.07 9.20

Color gamut sRGB 100% typical DCI-P3 100% typical

Pixels Per Inch (PPI) 139 278.10

Contrast ratio (minimum) 2000:1 typical 1,000,000:1 typical with SR-UL2

Response time (maximum) 35 ms ● 1 ms typical

● 2 ms maximum

Refresh rate 30 to 120 Hz 48 to 90 Hz

Horizontal view angle +/- 88 degrees typical +/- 89 degrees typical

Vertical view angle +/- 88 degrees typical +/- 89 degrees typical

Pixel pitch 0.18 mm 0.09 mm

24 Specifications of XPS 16 9640

Table 18. Display specifications (continued)
Description Option one Option two
Power consumption (maximum) ● 4.21 W @120 Hz ● 9.70 W @90 Hz typical
● 3.51 W @60 Hz ● 11.71 W @90 Hz maximum

Anti-glare vs glossy finish Anti-glare Anti-reflective, Anti-smudge

Fingerprint reader
The following table lists the fingerprint-reader specifications of your XPS 16 9640.

NOTE: The fingerprint reader is on the power button.

Table 19. Fingerprint reader specifications

Description Values
Fingerprint-reader sensor technology Capacitive

Fingerprint-reader sensor resolution 500 dpi

Fingerprint-reader sensor pixel size 108 x 88

Sensor
The following table lists the sensor of your XPS 16 9640.

Table 20. Sensor

Sensor support
Accelerometer in the base: ST Micro LIS2DW12TR
Ambient Light Sensor (ALS) for the panel backlight control: ams-OSRAM TCS35303

GPU—Integrated
The following table lists the specifications of the integrated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) supported by your XPS 16 9640.

Table 21. GPU—Integrated

Controller Memory size Processor

Intel Arc Graphics Shared system memory ● Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
● Intel Core Ultra 7 165H
● Intel Core Ultra 9 185H

Specifications of XPS 16 9640 25

GPU—Discrete
The following table lists the specifications of the discrete Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) supported by your XPS 16 9640.

Table 22. GPU—Discrete

Controller Memory size Memory type

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 6 GB GDDR6

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8 GB GDDR6

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8 GB GDDR6

Multiple display support matrix

The following table lists the multiple display support matrix for your XPS 16 9640.

Table 23. Multiple display support matrix

Graphics Card Discrete Graphics Supported external displays Supported external
Controller Direct Output with computer internal display displays with computer
Mode on internal display off
NVIDIA GeForce RTX Not supported ● Three connected displays with ● Four connected displays
4050 and 4060 DisplayPort support up to 4K/ with DisplayPort support
60 Hz. up to 4K/ 60 Hz.
● One connected display with ● Two connected displays
DisplayPort supports up to 8K/ with DisplayPort support
60 Hz: up to 8K/ 60 Hz:
○ One DisplayPort cable ○ One DisplayPort cable
supports up to 8K/ 30 Hz, supports up to 8K/ 30
and Hz, and
○ Two DisplayPort cables ○ Two DisplayPort
support up to 8K/ 60Hz. cables support up to
8K/ 60 Hz.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX Supported ● Three connected displays with ● Four connected displays
4070 DisplayPort support up to 4K/ with DisplayPort support
60 Hz. up to 4K/ 60 Hz.
● One connected display with ● Two connected displays
DisplayPort supports up to 8K/ with DisplayPort support
60 Hz: up to 8K/ 60 Hz:
○ One DisplayPort cable ○ One DisplayPort cable
supports up to 8K/ 30 Hz, supports up to 8K/ 30
and Hz, and
○ Two DisplayPort cables ○ Two DisplayPort
support up to 8K/ 60Hz. cables support up to
8K/ 60 Hz.

Hardware security
The following table lists the hardware security of your XPS 16 9640.

Table 24. Hardware security

Hardware security
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0
FIPS 140-2 Certified for TPM

26 Specifications of XPS 16 9640

Table 24. Hardware security (continued)
Hardware security
TCG Certification for TPM (Trusted Computing Group)
Windows Hello-compliant fingerprint reader in power button
Windows Hello camera in upper bezel

Operating and storage environment

This table lists the operating and storage specifications of your XPS 16 9640.
Airborne contaminant level: G1 as defined by ISA-S71.04-1985

Table 25. Computer environment

Description Operating Storage
Temperature range 0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F) -40°C to 65°C (-40°F to 149°F)

Relative humidity (maximum) 10% to 90% (non-condensing) 0% to 95% (non-condensing)

Vibration (maximum) * 0.66 GRMS 1.30 GRMS

Shock (maximum) 110 G† 160 G†

Altitude range -15.2 m to 3048 m (4.64 ft to 5518.4 ft) -15.2 m to 10668 m (4.64 ft to 19234.4
ft)

CAUTION: Operating and storage temperature ranges may differ among components, so operating or storing
the device outside these ranges may impact the performance of specific components.

* Measured using a random vibration spectrum that simulates the user environment.

† Measured using a 2 ms half-sine pulse.

Dell support policy

For information about Dell support policy, search in the Knowledge Base Resource at Dell Support Site.

Dell low blue light display

WARNING: Prolonged exposure to blue light from the display may lead to long-term effects such as eye strain,
eye fatigue, or damage to the eyes.
Blue light is a color in the light spectrum which has a short wavelength and high energy. Chronic exposure to blue light,
particularly from digital sources may disrupt sleep patterns and cause long-term effects such as eye strain, eye fatigue, or
damage to the eyes.
The display on this computer is designed to minimize blue light and complies with TÜV Rheinland's requirement for low blue light
(hardware solution) displays.
Low blue light (hardware solution) mode is enabled at the factory, so no further configuration is necessary.
To reduce the risk of eye strain, it is also recommended that you:
● Position the display at a comfortable viewing distance between 20 and 28 inches (50 cm and 70 cm) from your eyes.
● Blink frequently to moisten your eyes, wet your eyes with water, or apply suitable eye drops.
● Look away from your display, and gaze at a distant object at 20 ft (609.60 cm) away for at least 20 seconds during each
break.

Specifications of XPS 16 9640 27

● Take an extended break for 20 minutes every two hours.

28 Specifications of XPS 16 9640

 4
Working inside your computer
Safety instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless
otherwise noted, each procedure in this document assumes that you have read the safety information that shipped with your
computer.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that is shipped with your
computer. For more safety best practices, see Dell Regulatory Compliance Home Page.

WARNING: Disconnect your computer from all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels.
After you finish working inside the computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting your
computer to an electrical outlet.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is flat, dry, and clean.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges, and avoid touching the
pins and the contacts.

CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical
assistance team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the
safety instructions that is shipped with the product or at Dell Regulatory Compliance Home Page.

CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal
surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal
surface to dissipate static electricity which could harm internal components.

CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull it by its connector or its pull tab, not the cable itself. Some cables
have connectors with locking tabs or thumbscrews that you must disengage before disconnecting the cable.
When disconnecting cables, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending the connector pins. When connecting
cables, ensure that the ports and the connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.

CAUTION: Exercise caution when handling rechargeable Li-ion batteries in laptops. Swollen batteries should not
be used and should be replaced and disposed properly.

NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may differ from what is shown in this document.

Before working inside your computer

Steps
1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2. Shut down your computer. For Windows operating system, click Start > Power > Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down
instructions.

3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4. Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer.
5. Remove any media card and optical disk from your computer, if applicable.

Working inside your computer 29

6. Enter the service mode, if you are able to power on your computer.
Service Mode
Service Mode is used to cut-off power, without disconnecting battery cable from system board prior conducting repairs in
the computer.
CAUTION: If you are unable to turn on the computer to put it into Service Mode or the computer does not
support Service Mode then proceed to disconnect the battery cable. To disconnect the battery cable, follow
the steps in Removing the battery.

NOTE: Ensure that your computer is shut down and the AC adapter is disconnected.

a. Hold <B> key on the keyboard and press the power button for 3 seconds or until the Dell logo appears on the screen.
b. Press any key to continue.
c. If the AC adapter is not disconnected, a message prompting you to remove the AC adapter appears on the screen.
Remove the AC adapter and then press any key to continue the Service Mode procedure. The Service Mode procedure
automatically skips the following step if the Owner Tag of the computer is not set up in advance by the user.
d. When the ready-to-proceed message appears on the screen, press any key to proceed. The computer emits three short
beeps and shuts down immediately.
e. Once the computer shuts down, it has successfully entered Service Mode.
NOTE: If you are unable to power on your computer or unable to enter service mode skip this process.

Safety precautions
The safety precautions chapter details the primary steps to be taken before performing any disassembly instructions.
Observe the following safety precautions before you perform any installation or break-fix procedures involving disassembly or
reassembly:
● Turn off the computer and all attached peripherals.
● Disconnect the computer and all attached peripherals from AC power.
● Disconnect all network cables, telephone, and telecommunications lines from the computer.
● Use an ESD field service kit when working inside any to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
● After removing any computer component, carefully place the removed component on an anti-static mat.
● Wear shoes with non-conductive rubber soles to reduce the chance of getting electrocuted.
● Unplugging, pressing, and holding the power button for 15 seconds should discharge residual power in the system board.

Standby power
Dell products with standby power must be unplugged before you open the case. Systems that incorporate standby power are
powered while turned off. The internal power enables the computer to be remotely turned on (Wake-on-LAN) and suspended
into a sleep mode and has other advanced power management features.

Bonding
Bonding is a method for connecting two or more grounding conductors to the same electrical potential. This is done by using a
field service electrostatic discharge (ESD) kit. When connecting a bonding wire, ensure that it is connected to bare metal and
never to a painted or nonmetal surface. The wrist strap should be secure and in full contact with your skin, and ensure that you
remove all jewelry such as watches, bracelets, or rings prior to bonding yourself and the equipment.

Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection

ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards,
processors, memory DIMMs, and system boards. Slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such
as intermittent problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased
density, ESD protection is an increasing concern.

30 Working inside your computer

Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than
in previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.
Two recognized types of ESD damage are catastrophic and intermittent failures.
● Catastrophic – Catastrophic failures represent approximately 20 percent of ESD-related failures. The damage causes an
immediate and complete loss of device functionality. An example of catastrophic failure is a memory DIMM that has received
a static shock and immediately generates a "No POST/No Video" symptom with a beep code that is emitted for missing or
nonfunctional memory.
● Intermittent – Intermittent failures represent approximately 80 percent of ESD-related failures. The high rate of
intermittent failures means that most of the time when damage occurs, it is not immediately recognizable. The DIMM
receives a static shock, but the tracing is merely weakened and does not immediately produce outward symptoms that are
related to the damage. The weakened trace may take weeks or months to melt, and in the meantime may cause degradation
of memory integrity, intermittent memory errors, and so on.
The more difficult type of damage to recognize and troubleshoot is the intermittent (also called latent or "walking wounded")
failure.
Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage:
● Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do not
provide adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on parts
with increased sensitivity to ESD damage.
● Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.
● When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static
packing material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you
discharge static electricity from your body.
● Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.

ESD field service kit

The unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit. Each Field Service kit includes three main components:
anti-static mat, wrist strap, and bonding wire.

Components of an ESD field service kit

The components of an ESD field service kit are:
● Anti-Static Mat – The anti-static mat is dissipative and parts can be placed on it during service procedures. When using an
anti-static mat, your wrist strap should be snug and the bonding wire should be connected to the mat and to any bare metal
on the computer being worked on. Once deployed properly, service parts can be removed from the ESD bag and placed
directly on the mat. ESD-sensitive items are safe in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the computer, or inside a bag.
● Wrist Strap and Bonding Wire – The wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between your wrist
and bare metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that
is temporarily placed on the mat. The physical connection of the wrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD
mat, and the hardware is known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with a wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never
use wireless wrist straps. Always be aware that the internal wires of a wrist strap are prone to damage from normal wear
and tear, and must be checked regularly with a wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. It is
recommended to test the wrist strap and bonding wire at least once per week.
● ESD Wrist Strap Tester – The wires inside an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored kit,
it is a best practice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A wrist strap
tester is the best method for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your regional office
to find out if they have one. To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is strapped to
your wrist and push the button to test. A green LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm sounds if the
test fails.
● Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts
that are insulators and often highly charged.
● Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For
example, deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or laptop environment. Servers are
typically installed in a rack within a data center; desktops or laptops are typically placed on office desks or cubicles. Always
look for a large open flat work area that is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional space to
accommodate the type of computer that is being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can cause an
ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12 inches or
30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically handling any hardware components.

Working inside your computer 31

● ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded
bags are preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the
new part arrived in. The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be
used in the original box that the new part arrived in. ESD-sensitive devices should be removed from packaging only at an
ESD-protected work surface, and parts should never be placed on top of the ESD bag because only the inside the bag is
shielded. Always place parts in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the computer, or inside an anti-static bag.
● Transporting Sensitive Components – When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts
to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.

ESD protection summary

It is recommended to use the traditional wired ESD grounding wrist strap and protective anti-static mat always when servicing
Dell products. In addition, it is critical to keep sensitive parts separate from all insulator parts while performing service and that
they use anti-static bags for transporting sensitive components.

Transporting sensitive components

When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place
these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.

After working inside your computer

About this task

CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.

Steps
1. Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer.
2. Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer.
3. Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before working on your computer.
4. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
NOTE: To exit service mode, ensure to connect the AC adapter to the power-adapter port on your computer.

5. Press the power button to turn on the computer. Your computer will automatically return to normal functioning mode.

BitLocker
CAUTION: If BitLocker is not suspended before updating the BIOS, the next time you reboot the system it will
not recognize the BitLocker key. You will then be prompted to enter the recovery key to progress, and the
system will ask for the recovery key on each reboot. If the recovery key is not known, this can result in data loss
or an unnecessary operating system reinstall. For more information about this subject, see Knowledge Article:
updating the BIOS on Dell systems with BitLocker enabled.
The installation of the following components triggers BitLocker:
● Hard disk drive or solid-state drive
● System board

Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
● Phillips screwdriver #0
● Torx #5 (T5) screwdriver
● Plastic scribe

32 Working inside your computer

Screw list
NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, and the quantity of screws,
and then place them in a screw storage box. This is to ensure that the correct number of screws and correct screw type is
restored when the component is replaced.

NOTE: Some computers have magnetic surfaces. Ensure that the screws are not left attached to such surfaces when
replacing a component.

NOTE: Screw color may vary with the configuration ordered.

Table 26. Screw list

Component Screw type Quantity Screw image
Base cover M2x4, T5 8

Battery M2x4.5 6

Solid state drive thermal shield M2x3 3

CPU fan M2x4.5 3

GPU fan M2x4.5 3

Right hinge M2.5x6 2

Left hinge M2.5x6 2

Power button with fingerprint M1.4x1.5 4

reader

Right Type-C bracket M2x4.5 2

Left Type C bracket M2x4.5 3

WLAN bracket M2x3 1

System board M2x4.5 4

Display-assembly cable bracket M1.4x1.3 2

holder

Display-assembly cable bracket M2x3 2

Major components of XPS 16 9640

The following image shows the major components of XPS 16 9640.

Working inside your computer 33

Figure 13. Major components of XPS 16 9640

1. Base cover
2. Left Type-C bracket
3. CPU fan
4. Solid-state drive thermal shield
5. Solid-state drive
6. Speaker (L)
7. Battery

34 Working inside your computer

8. Palm rest
9. Display assembly
10. Speaker (R)
11. Keyboard
12. System board
13. GPU fan
14. Power button with fingerprint reader
15. Power button shield
16. Heat sink
17. Right Type-C bracket
18. Wireless-module shield
19. Display cable connector bracket
NOTE: Dell provides a list of components and their part numbers for the original computer configuration purchased. These
parts are available according to warranty coverage purchased by the customer. Contact your Dell sales representative for
purchase options.

Working inside your computer 35

 5
Removing and installing Field Replaceable
Units (FRUs)
The replaceable components in this chapter are Field Replaceable Units (FRUs).
CAUTION: The information in this section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

CAUTION: To avoid any potential damage to the component or loss of data, ensure that an authorized service
technician replaces the Field Replaceable Units (FRUs).

CAUTION: Dell Technologies recommends that this set of repairs, if needed, to be conducted by trained
technical repair specialists.

CAUTION: As a reminder, your warranty does not cover damages that may occur during FRU repairs that are not
authorized by Dell Technologies.

NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.

Base cover
Removing the base cover
CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
NOTE: Ensure that your computer is in Service Mode. For more information, see Before working inside your computer.

CAUTION: If you are unable to turn on the computer, if your computer is unable to enter Service Mode, or the
computer does not support Service Mode, then disconnect the battery cable.

About this task

NOTE: Before removing the base cover, ensure that there is no microSD card installed in the microSD card slot on your
computer.
The following images indicate the location of the base cover and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.

36 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 14. Removing the base cover

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 37

Figure 15. Removing the base cover

38 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 16. Removing the base cover

Steps
1. Remove the eight screws (M2x4, T5) that secure the base cover to the palm rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Place your thumbs and fingers into the recess at the top edge of the base cover.
3. Use both thumbs to pry the base cover to release it from the palm-rest assembly.
4. Lift the base cover off the palm rest and keyboard assembly.
NOTE: Ensure that your computer is in Service Mode. If your computer is unable to enter Service Mode, disconnect the
battery cable from the system board.

5. Disconnect the battery cable from the connector (BATT) on the system board.
6. Press and hold the power button for five seconds to ground the computer and drain the flea power.

Installing the base cover

Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

About this task

The following images indicate the location of the base cover and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 39

Figure 17. Installing the base cover

40 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 18. Installing the base cover

NOTE: If the battery is not a pre-requisite and if you have disconnected the battery cable, ensure to connect the battery
cable. To connect the battery cable, follow step 1 and step 2 in the procedure.

Steps
1. Connect the battery cable to the connector (BATT) on the system board.
2. Align and place the base cover into the slots on the palm-rest assembly.
3. Replace the eight screws (M2x4, T5) that secure the base cover to the palm rest and keyboard assembly.

Next steps
1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
NOTE: Ensure that your computer is in Service Mode. For more information, see Before working inside your computer.

Battery
Rechargeable Li-ion battery precautions
CAUTION:
● Exercise caution when handling rechargeable Li-ion batteries.
● Discharge the battery completely before removing it. Disconnect the AC power adapter from the computer
and operate the computer solely on battery power—the battery is fully discharged when the computer no
longer turns on when the power button is pressed.
● Do not crush, drop, mutilate, or penetrate the battery with foreign objects.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 41

 ● Do not expose the battery to high temperatures, or disassemble battery packs and cells.
● Do not apply pressure to the surface of the battery.
● Do not bend the battery.
● Do not use tools of any kind to pry on or against the battery.
● Ensure any screws during the servicing of this product are not lost or misplaced, to prevent accidental
puncture or damage to the battery and other computer components.
● If the battery gets stuck inside your computer as a result of swelling, do not try to release it as puncturing,
bending, or crushing a rechargeable Li-ion battery can be dangerous. In such an instance, contact Dell
technical support for assistance. See Contact Support at Dell Support Site.
● Always purchase genuine batteries from Dell Site or authorized Dell partners and resellers.
● Swollen batteries should not be used and should be replaced and disposed properly. For guidelines on how to
handle and replace swollen rechargeable Li-ion batteries, see Handling swollen rechargeable Li-ion batteries.

Removing the battery

CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

CAUTION: Removing the battery resets the BIOS setup settings to default. It is recommended that you note the
BIOS setup settings before removing the battery.
The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

42 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 19. Removing the battery

Steps
1. Disconnect the battery cable from the connector (BATT) on the system board, if not disconnected earlier.
2. Remove the six screws (M2x4.5) that secure the battery to the system board and palm-rest assembly.
3. Lift the battery off the palm-rest assembly.

Installing the battery

CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 43

Figure 20. Installing the battery

Steps
1. Using the alignment posts, place the battery on the palm-rest assembly.
2. Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the system board and palm-rest assembly.
3. Replace the six screws (M2x4.5) that secure the battery to the system board and palm-rest assembly.
4. Connect the battery cable to the connector (BATT) on the system board.

Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Battery cable
Removing the battery cable
CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

44 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the battery.

About this task

NOTE: If the battery is disconnected from the system board for service, there is a delay during boot as the computer
undergoes an RTC battery reset.
The following image(s) indicate the location of the battery cable and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Figure 21. Removing the battery cable

Steps
1. Turn the battery over.
2. Peel the battery cable from the battery until you reach the end where it connects the cable to the battery.
3. Grasp the battery cable near the connector and lift to disconnect it from the battery.

Installing the battery cable

CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

About this task

The following image(s) indicate the location of the battery cable and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 45

Figure 22. Installing the battery cable

Steps
1. Connect the battery cable to the connector on the battery.
2. Adhere the tape to secure the battery cable to the battery.
3. Turn the battery over.

Next steps
1. Install the battery.
2. Install the base cover.
3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Fan
Removing the GPU fan
CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the GPU fan and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

46 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 23. Removing the GPU fan

Steps
1. Remove the three screws (M2x4.5) that secure the fan to the system board and palm rest and keyboard assembly.
CAUTION: Do not hold the fan assembly at the center, as it may damage the center bearing.

2. Open the latch and disconnect the fan cable from the connector (FAN1) on the system board.
3. Lift the fan off the palm rest and keyboard assembly.

Installing the GPU fan

CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the GPU fan and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 47

Figure 24. Installing the GPU fan

Steps
1. Align the screw holes on the fan with the screw holes on the system board and palm rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Replace the three screws (M2x4.5) that secure the fan to the system board and palm rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Connect the fan cable to the connector (FAN1) on the system board then close the latch.

Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Removing the CPU fan

CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the CPU fan and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

48 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 25. Removing the CPU fan

Steps
1. Remove the three screws (M2x4.5) that secure the fan to the system board and palm rest and keyboard assembly.
CAUTION: Do not hold the fan assembly at the center, as it may damage the center bearing.

2. Open the latch and disconnect the fan cable from the connector (FAN2) on the system board.
3. Lift the fan off the palm rest and keyboard assembly.

Installing the CPU fan

CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites

About this task

The following images indicate the location of the CPU fan and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 49

Figure 26. Installing the CPU fan

Steps
1. Align the screw holes on the fan with the screw holes on the system board and palm rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Replace the three screws (M2x4.5) that secure the fan to the system board and palm rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Connect the fan cable to the connector (FAN1) on the system board and close the latch.

Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Solid-state drive
Removing the solid-state drive
CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

The following image(s) indicate the location of the solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the removal
procedure.

50 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 27. Removing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive

Figure 28. Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive

Steps
1. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the thermal shield to the system board.
2. Lift the thermal shield off the solid-state drive.
3. Slide and lift the solid state drive from the solid-state drive slot (SSD1) on the system board.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 51

Installing the solid-state drive
CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

About this task

The following image(s) indicate the location of the solid-state drive slot and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.

Figure 29. Installing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive

52 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 30. Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive

Steps
1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot (SSD1) on the system board.
2. Slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot (SSD1) on the system board.
3. Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the system board.
4. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the thermal shield to the system board.

Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Heat sink
Removing the heat sink—Integrated GPUs
CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

CAUTION: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool
before you touch it.

NOTE: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in your skin
can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 53

The following image(s) indicate the location of the heat sink on computers that are shipped with integrated GPUs and provides
a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Figure 31. Removing the heat sink—Integrated GPUs

Steps
1. In reverse sequential order (4>3>2>1), loosen the four captive screws that secure the heat sink to the system board.
2. Lift the heat sink off the system board.

Installing the heat sink—Integrated GPU

CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

About this task

The following image(s) indicate the location of the heat sink on computers that are shipped with integrated GPUs and provides
a visual representation of the installation procedure.

54 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 32. Installing the heat sink—Integrated GPU

Steps
1. Align the screw holes on the heat sink with the screw holes on the system board.
2. In sequential order (1>2>3>4), tighten the four captive screws that secure the heat sink to the system board.

Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Removing the heat sink—Discrete GPU

CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

CAUTION: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool
before you touch it.

NOTE: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat-transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in your skin
can reduce the heat-transfer capability of the thermal grease.
The following images indicate the location of the heat sink on computers that are shipped with discrete GPUs and provides a
visual representation of the removal procedure.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 55

Figure 33. Removing the heat sink—Discrete GPU (non-Vapor Chamber)

Figure 34. Removing the heat sink—Discrete GPU (Vapor Chamber)

Steps
1. In reverse sequential order (6>5>4>3>2>1), loosen the six captive screws that secure the heat sink to the system board.
2. Lift the heat sink off the system board.

56 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Installing the heat sink—Discrete GPU
CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

About this task

The following images indicate the location of the heat sink on computers that are shipped with discrete GPUs and provides a
visual representation of the installation procedure.

Figure 35. Installing the heat sink—Discrete GPU (non-Vapor Chamber)

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 57

Figure 36. Installing the heat sink—Discrete GPU (Vapor Chamber)

Steps
1. Align the screw holes on the fan and heat sink with the screw holes on the system board.
2. In sequential order (1>2>3>4>5>6), tighten the six captive screws that secure the heat sink to the system board.

Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Wireless-module shield
Removing the wireless-module shield
CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the wireless-module shield and provides a visual representation of the removal
procedure.

58 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 37. Removing the wireless-module shield

Steps
1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless-module shield to the system board.
2. Lift the wireless-module shield off the system board.

Installing the wireless-module shield

CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites

About this task

The following image indicates the location of the wireless-module shield and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 59

Figure 38. Installing the wireless-module shield

Steps
1. Align the screw hole on the wireless-module shield with the screw hole on the system board.
2. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless-module shield to the system board.

Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Display assembly
Removing the display assembly
CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

The following image(s) indicate the location of the display assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal
procedure.

60 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 39. Removing the display assembly

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 61

Figure 40. Removing the display assembly

Steps
1. Remove the two screws (M1.4x1.3) that secure the display-cable cover to the display-cable connector bracket.
2. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the display-cable connector bracket to the system board.
3. Lift the bracket off the system board.
4. Disconnect the two display cables from the connectors (CAM1) on the system board.
5. Open the palm rest and keyboard assembly at an angle and remove the display assembly.
6. Remove the two screws (M2.5x6) that secure the left-display hinge to the palm rest and keyboard assembly and open the
left hinge.
7. Remove the two screws (M2.5x6) that secure the right-display hinge to the palm rest and keyboard assembly and open the
right hinge.
8. After performing all the above steps, you are left with the display assembly.

62 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

 Figure 41. Display assembly

Installing the display assembly

CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

About this task

The following image(s) indicate the location of the display assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 63

Figure 42. Installing the display assembly

64 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 43. Installing the display assembly

Steps
1. Place the palm-rest assembly at the edge of a flat table.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the display, do not slide palm rest and keyboard assembly on the display
assembly.

2. Align the screw holes of the palm-rest assembly with the screw holes on the hinges of the display assembly.
3. Replace the two screws (M2.5x6) that secure the right-display hinge to the palm rest and keyboard assembly and open the
right hinge.
4. Replace the two screws (M2.5x6) that secure the left-display hinge to the palm rest and keyboard assembly and open the
left hinge.
5. Align the screw holes on the display-cable connector bracket with the screw holes on the system board.
6. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the display-cable connector bracket to the system board.
7. Replace the two screws (M1.4x1.3) that secure the display-cable cover to the display-cable connector bracket.

Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Type-C bracket
Removing the Type-C brackets
CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 65

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.

About this task

The following image(s) indicate the location of the Type-C bracket and provides a visual representation of the removal
procedure.

Figure 44. Removing the Type-C brackets

Steps
1. Remove the two screws (M2x4.5) that secure the right Type-C bracket to the system board.
2. Remove the three screws (M2x4.5) that secure the left Type-C bracket to the palm rest and keyboard assembly and system
board.
3. Lift the Type-C brackets off from the palm rest and keyboard assembly.

Installing the Type-C brackets

CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

About this task

The following image(s) indicate the location of the Type-C bracket and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.

66 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 45. Installing the Type-C brackets

Steps
1. Align and the screw holes on the right Type-C bracket with the screw holes on the system board.
2. Replace the two screws (M2x4.5) that secure the right Type-C bracket to the system board.
3. Align and the screw holes on the left Type-C bracket with the screw holes on the palm rest and keyboard assembly and
system board.
4. Replace the three screws (M2x4.5) that secure the left Type-C bracket to the palm rest and keyboard assembly and system
board.

Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

System board
Removing the system board
CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Remove the solid-state drive.
5. Remove the fans.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 67

6. Remove the heat sink.
7. Remove the Type-C brackets.

About this task

The following image indicates the connectors on your system board.

Figure 46. System-board connectors

1. Power-button and fingerprint reader cable connector (FP1)

2. Antenna-cable connectors (MAIN 2 and AUX 1) on wireless module
3. Camera-cable connector (CAM1)
4. Display assembly cable connector (LCD1)
5. Capacitive touch-panel cable connector (TF1)
6. CPU fan cable connector (FAN2)
7. Speaker (L) cable connector (SPKL1)
8. Touchpad-cable connector (TPAD1)
9. Battery-cable connector (BATT)
10. Solid-state drive slot (SSD1)
11. Keyboard-cable connector (CN6501)
12. Speaker (R) cable connector (SPKR1)
13. GPU fan cable connector (FAN1)
The following image(s) indicate the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

68 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 47. Removing the system board

Figure 48. Removing the system board

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 69

Steps
1. Open the latch and disconnect the power-button and fingerprint reader cable from the connector (FP1) on the system
board.
2. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless-module shield to the system board.
3. Open the latch and disconnect the capacitive touch-panel cable connector (TF1) on the system board.
4. Disconnect the speaker cable from the connector (SPKR1) on the system board.
5. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller cable from the connector (CN6501) on the system board.
6. Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the connector (TPAD1) on the system board.
7. Disconnect the speaker cable from the connector (SPKL1) on the system board.
8. Disconnect the antenna cables from the connectors (AUX1 and MAIN2) on the wireless module.
9. Remove the four screws (M2x4.5) that secure the system board to the palm rest and keyboard assembly.
10. Remove the system board from the palm rest and keyboard assembly.

Installing the system board

CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

About this task

Figure 49. System-board connectors

1. Power-button and fingerprint reader cable connector (FP1)

2. Antenna-cable connectors (MAIN 2 and AUX 1) on wireless module
3. Camera-cable connector (CAM1)

70 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

4. Display assembly cable connector (LCD1)
5. Capacitive touch-panel cable connector (TF1)
6. CPU fan cable connector (FAN2)
7. Speaker (L) cable-connector (SPKL1)
8. Touchpad-cable connector (TPAD1)
9. Battery-cable connector (BATT)
10. Solid-state drive slot (SSD1)
11. Keyboard-cable connector (CN6501)
12. Speaker (R) cable connector (SPKR1)
13. GPU fan cable connector (FAN1)
The following image(s) indicate the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.

Figure 50. Installing the system board

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 71

Figure 51. Installing the system board

Steps
1. Align the screw holes on the system board with the screw holes on the palm rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Replace the four screws (M2x4.5) that secure the system board to the palm rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless module.
NOTE: The following table provides the antenna-cable connection scheme for the wireless module on your computer.

Table 27. Antenna-cable connection scheme

Connectors on the Antenna cable Marking on the module
wireless module
Main Black with label 'M' MAIN 2 △ (white triangle)
Auxiliary Black AUX 1 ▲ (black triangle)

4. Connect the speaker (L) cable to the connector (SPKL1) on the system board.
5. Connect the keyboard-controller cable to the connector (CN6501) on the system board and close the latch.
6. Connect the touchpad cable to the connector (TPAD1) on the system board and close the latch.
7. Connect the speaker (R) cable to the connector (SPKR1) on the system board.
8. Connect the power-button and fingerprint-reader cable to the connector (FP1) on the system board.
9. Align the screw hole on the wireless-module shield with the screw hole on the system board.
10. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless-module shield to the system board.
11. Connect the capacitive touch-panel cable to the connector (TF1) on the system board.

Next steps
1. Install the Type-C bracket.
2. Install the heat sink.

72 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

3. Install the fans.
4. Install the solid-state drive.
5. Install the battery.
6. Install the base cover.
7. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Speakers
Removing the speakers
CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Remove the fans.
5. Remove the heat sink.
6. Remove the Type-C brackets.
7. Remove the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be removed along with the solid state drive.

About this task

The following image(s) indicate the location of the speakers and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 73

Figure 52. Removing the speakers

Steps
Lift the left and right speakers, along with the cables off the palm rest and keyboard assembly.

Installing the speakers

CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

About this task

The following image(s) indicate the location of the speakers and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

74 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 53. Installing the speakers

Steps
1. Using the alignment posts, place the speaker (R) into the slots on the palm rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Using the alignment posts, place the speaker (L) into the slots on the palm rest and keyboard assembly.
NOTE: Ensure that the alignment posts are threaded through the rubber grommets on the speaker.

Next steps
1. Install the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be installed along with the solid state drive.
2. Install the Type-C brackets.
3. Install the heat sink.
4. Install the fans.
5. Install the battery.
6. Install the base cover.
7. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 75

Keyboard
Removing the keyboard
CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Remove the fans.
5. Remove the heat sink.
6. Remove the Type-C brackets.
7. Remove the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be removed along with the solid state drive.
8. Remove the speakers.
9. Remove the power button with fingerprint reader.

About this task

The following image(s) indicate the location of the keyboard and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

76 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 54. Removing the keyboard

Figure 55. Removing the keyboard

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 77

Figure 56. Removing the keyboard

Steps
1. Peel off the tape that adheres the keyboard to the palm rest assembly.
2. Lift off the tape that covers the keyboard-controller board.
3. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the connector (KBBL1) on the keyboard-controller board.
4. Disconnect the keyboard cable from the connector (KB1) on the keyboard-controller board.
5. Remove the twenty-three screws (M1.4x1.3) that secure the keyboard to the palm rest assembly.
6. Turn the palm rest and keyboard assembly over.
7. Slide the keyboard upwards and lift off the keyboard from your computer.

Installing the keyboard

CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

About this task

The following image(s) indicate the location of the palm rest and keyboard assembly and provides a visual representation of the
installation procedure.

78 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 57. Installing the keyboard

Figure 58. Installing the keyboard

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 79

Figure 59. Installing the keyboard

Steps
1. Align and slide the keyboard into position on the palm-rest assembly.
2. Turn the palm rest and keyboard assembly over.
3. Replace the twenty-three screws (M1.4x1.3) that secure the keyboard to the palm rest assembly.
4. Connect the cable from the connector (KB1) to the keyboard-controller board.
5. Connect the keyboard-backlight cable to the connector (KBBL1) on the keyboard-controller board and close the latch.
6. Adhere the tape to secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly.

Next steps
1. Install the power button with fingerprint reader.
2. Install the speakers.
3. Install the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be installed along with the solid state drive.
4. Install the Type-C brackets.
5. Install the heat sink.
6. Install the fans.
7. Install the battery.
8. Install the base cover.
9. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

80 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Power button with fingerprint reader
Removing the power button with fingerprint reader
CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Remove the fans.
5. Remove the heat sink.
6. Remove the Type-C brackets.
7. Remove the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be removed along with the solid state drive.
8. Remove the speakers.

About this task

The following image(s) indicate the location of the power button and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Figure 60. Removing the power button with fingerprint reader

Steps
1. Remove the four screws (M1.4x1.5) that secure the power-button bracket to the palm rest.
2. Lift the power-button bracket off the power button.
3. Nudge the power button from behind the palm rest, along with its cable, and remove from the keyboard.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 81

Installing the power button with fingerprint reader
CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

About this task

The following image(s) indicate the location of the power button and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.

Figure 61. Installing the power button with fingerprint reader

Steps
1. Align and place the power button, along with its cable, into the slot on the palm rest.
2. Align the screw holes on the power-button bracket with the screw holes on the palm rest.
3. Replace the four screws (M1.4x1.5) that secure the power-button bracket to the palm rest and keyboard assembly.

Next steps
1. Install the speakers.
2. Install the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be installed along with the solid state drive.
3. Install the Type-C bracket.
4. Install the heat sink.
5. Install the fans.
6. Install the solid-state drive.
7. Install the battery.

82 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

8. Install the base cover.
9. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Palm-rest assembly
Removing the palm-rest assembly
CAUTION: The information in this removal section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the display assembly.
4. Remove the battery.
5. Remove the fans.
6. Remove the heat sink.
7. Remove the Type-C brackets.
8. Remove the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be removed along with the solid state drive.
9. Remove the speakers.
10. Remove the keyboard.
11. Remove the power button with fingerprint reader.

About this task

NOTE: The replacement palm-rest assembly comes preassembled with these components:
● Palm rest
● Touchpad
● Haptic touch-panel module
● Keyboard-control board
The following image indicates the location of the palm-rest assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal
procedure.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 83

Figure 62. Palm-rest assembly

Steps
After performing the steps in the pre-requisites, you are left with the palm-rest assembly.

Installing the palm-rest assembly

CAUTION: The information in this installation section is intended for authorized service technicians only.

Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

About this task

NOTE: The replacement palm-rest assembly comes preassembled with these components:
● Palm rest
● Touchpad
● Haptic touch-panel module
● Keyboard-control board
The following image indicates the location of the palm-rest assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal
procedure.

84 Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

Figure 63. Palm-rest assembly

Steps
Place the palm-rest assembly on a flat surface.

Next steps
1. Install the power button with fingerprint reader.
2. Install the keyboard.
3. Install the speakers.
4. Install the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be installed along with the solid state drive.
5. Install the Type-C bracket.
6. Install the heat sink.
7. Install the fans.
8. Install the battery.
9. Install the base cover.
10. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) 85

 6
Software
This chapter details the supported operating systems along with instructions on how to install the drivers.

Operating system
Your XPS 16 9640 supports the following operating systems:
● Windows 11 Home, 64-bit
● Windows 11 Pro, 64-bit

Drivers and downloads

When troubleshooting, downloading, or installing drivers, it is recommended that you read the Dell Knowledge Base article,
Drivers and Downloads FAQs 000123347.

86 Software
 7
BIOS Setup
CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the BIOS Setup. Certain
changes can make your computer work incorrectly.

NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items that are listed in this section may or may not be
displayed.

NOTE: Before you change the settings in BIOS Setup, it is recommended that you note down the original settings for
future reference.
Use BIOS Setup for the following purposes:
● Get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the amount of RAM and the size of the hard drive.
● Change the system configuration information.
● Set or change a user-selectable option, such as the user password, type of hard drive installed, and enabling or disabling
base devices.

Entering BIOS Setup program

About this task
Turn on (or restart) your computer and press F2 immediately.

Navigation keys
NOTE: For most of the System Setup options, changes that you make are recorded but do not take effect until you restart
the computer.

Table 28. Navigation keys

Keys Navigation
Up arrow Moves to the previous field.
Down arrow Moves to the next field.
Enter Selects a value in the selected field (if applicable) or follows
the link in the field.
Spacebar Expands or collapses a drop-down list, if applicable.
Tab Moves to the next focus area.
NOTE: For the standard graphical user interface only.

Esc Moves to the previous page until you view the main screen.
Pressing Esc in the main screen displays a message that
prompts you to save any unsaved changes and restart the
computer.

F12 One Time Boot menu

To enter the One Time Boot menu, turn on your computer, and then press F12 immediately.
NOTE: It is recommended to shut down the computer, if it is on.

BIOS Setup 87
The F12 One Time Boot menu displays the devices that you can boot from including the diagnostic option. The boot menu
options are:
● Removable Drive (if available)
● STXXXX Drive (if available)
NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number.
● Optical Drive (if available)
● SATA Hard Drive (if available)
● Diagnostics
The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access System Setup.

System setup options

NOTE: Depending on your computer and its installed devices, the items that are listed in this section may or may not be
displayed.

Table 29. BIOS Setup options—Overview menu

Overview
XPS 16 9640
BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version number.
Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.
Asset Tag Displays the Asset Tag of the computer.
Manufacture Date Displays the manufacture date of the computer.
Ownership Date Displays the ownership date of the computer.
Express Service Code Displays the Express Service Code of the computer.
Ownership Tag Displays the Ownership Tag of the computer.
Signed Firmware Update Displays whether the Signed Firmware Update is enabled on your computer.
By default, the Signed Firmware Update option is enabled.

BATTERY
Primary Displays the primary battery of the computer.
Battery Level Displays the battery level of the computer.
Battery State Displays the battery state of the computer.
Health Displays the battery health of the computer.
AC Adapter Displays whether an AC adapter is connected. If connected, displays the type of
AC adapter that is connected.
PROCESSOR
Processor Type Displays the processor type.
Maximum Clock Speed Displays the maximum processor clock speed.
Minimum Clock Speed Displays the minimum processor clock speed.
Current Clock Speed Displays the current processor clock speed.
Core Count Displays the number of cores on the processor.
Processor ID Displays the processor identification code.
Processor L2 Cache Displays the processor L2 Cache size.
Processor L3 Cache Displays the processor L3 Cache size.

88 BIOS Setup
Table 29. BIOS Setup options—Overview menu (continued)
Overview
Microcode Version Displays the microcode version.
Intel Hyper-Threading Capable Displays whether the processor is Hyper-Threading (HT) capable.
64-Bit Technology Displays whether 64-bit technology is used.
MEMORY
Memory Installed Displays the total computer memory installed.
Memory Available Displays the total computer memory available.
Memory Speed Displays the memory speed.
Memory Channel Mode Displays single or dual channel mode.
Memory Technology Displays the technology that is used for the memory.
DEVICES
Panel Type Displays the panel type of the computer.
Panel Revision Displays the revision of the panel
Video Controller Displays the video controller type of the computer.
Video Memory Displays the video memory information of the computer.
Wi-Fi Device Displays the wireless device information of the computer.
Native Resolution Displays the native resolution of the computer.
Video BIOS Version Displays the video BIOS version of the computer.
Audio Controller Displays the audio controller information of the computer.
Bluetooth Device Displays the Bluetooth device information of the computer.
Pass Through MAC Address Displays the MAC address of the video pass-through.
dGPU Video Controller Displays the discrete Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) of the computer. This
option is only available on computers that are shipped with discrete GPUs.

Table 30. BIOS Setup options—Boot Configuration menu

Boot Configuration
Boot Sequence
Boot Mode: UEFI only Displays the boot mode of the computer.
Boot Sequence Displays the boot sequence.
Enable PXE Boot Priority Enables or disables PXE boot detection.
Secure Digital (SD) Card Boot Enables or disables read-only boot from Secure Digital (SD) card.
By default, the Secure Digital (SD) Card Boot option is disabled.

Secure Boot Secure Boot is a method of guaranteeing the integrity of the boot path by
performing additional validation of the operating system and PCI add-in cards.
The computer stops booting to the operating system when a component is not
authenticated during the boot process. Secure Boot can be enabled in BIOS setup
or using management interfaces like Dell Command|Configure, but can only be
disabled from BIOS setup.
Enable Secure Boot Enables the computer to boot using only validated boot software.
By default, the Enable Secure Boot option is enabled.

BIOS Setup 89
Table 30. BIOS Setup options—Boot Configuration menu (continued)
Boot Configuration

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Secure Boot
option enabled to ensure that the UEFI firmware validates the operating system
during the boot process.
NOTE: For Secure Boot to be enabled, the computer is required to be in
UEFI boot mode and the Enable Legacy Option ROMs option is required to be
turned off.

Enable Microsoft UEFI CA When disabled, the UEFI CA is removed from the BIOS UEFI Secure Boot
database.
NOTE: When disabled, the Microsoft UEFI CA could render your computer
unable to boot, computer graphics may not function, some devices may not
function properly, and the computer could become unrecoverable.
By default, the Enable Microsoft UEFI CA option is enabled.
For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Microsoft
UEFI CA option enabled to ensure the broadest compatibility with devices and
operating systems.

Secure Boot Mode Enables or disables the Secure Boot operation mode.
By default, the Deployed Mode is selected.
NOTE: Deployed Mode should be selected for normal operation of Secure
Boot.

Expert Key Management

Enable Custom Mode Enables or disables the keys in the PK, KEK, db, and dbx security key databases
to be modified.
By default, the Enable Custom Mode option is disabled.

Custom Mode Key Management Selects the custom values for expert key management.
By default, the PK option is selected.

Table 31. BIOS Setup options—Integrated Devices menu

Integrated Devices
Date/Time
Date Sets the computer date in MM/DD/YYYY format. Changes to the date format
take effect immediately.
Time Sets the computer time in HH/MM/SS 24-hour format. You can switch between
a 12-hour and 24-hour clock. Changes to the time format take effect immediately.
Camera
Enable Camera Enables the camera.
By default, the Enable Camera option is enabled.
NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the camera setup option
may not be available.

Audio
Enable Audio Enables all integrated audio controller.
By default, all the options are enabled.

Enable Microphone Enables the microphone.

By default, the Enable Microphone option is enabled.

90 BIOS Setup
Table 31. BIOS Setup options—Integrated Devices menu (continued)
Integrated Devices

NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, the microphone setup option

may not be available.

Enable Internal Speaker Enables the internal speaker.

By default, the Enable Intenal Speaker option is enabled.

USB/Thunderbolt Configuration
Enable USB Boot Support Enables booting from USB mass storage devices that are connected to external
USB ports.
By default, the Enable USB Boot Support option is enabled.

Enable External USB Ports Enables the external USB ports.

By default, the Enable External USB Ports option is enabled.

Enable Thunderbolt Technology

Support
Enable Thunderbolt Technology Support Enables the associated ports and adapters for Thunderbolt Technology support.
By default, the Enable Thunderbolt Technology Support option is enabled.

Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support

Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support Enables the Thunderbolt adapter-peripheral device and USB devices that are
connected to the Thunderbolt adapter to be used during BIOS Preboot.
By default, the Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support option is disabled.

Enable Thunderbolt (and PCIe behind Enables the PCIe devices that are connected through a Thunderbolt adapter to
TBT) pre-boot modules run the PCIe devices UEFI Option ROM (if present) during preboot.
By default, the Enable Thunderbolt (and PCIe behind TBT) pre-boot
modules option is disabled.

Disable USB4 PCIE Tunneling Disables the USB4 PCIE Tunneling option.
By default, the Disable USB4 PCIE Tunneling option is disabled.

Video/Power only on Type-C Ports Enables or disables the Type-C port functionality to video or only power.
By default, the Video/Power only on Type-C Ports option is disabled.

Type-C Dock Override Enables or disables to use connected Type-C Dell Dock to provide data stream
with external USB ports disabled. When Type-C Dock override is enabled, the
Video/Audio/LAN submenu is activated.
By default, the Type-C Dock Override option is enabled.

Type-C Dock Audio Enables or disables the usage of audio inputs and outputs from the connected
Type-C Dell docking station.
By default, the Type-C Dock Audio option is enabled.

Type-C Dock LAN Enables or disables the usage of LAN on the external ports of the connected
Type-C Dell docking station.
By default, the Type-C Dock LAN option is enabled.

Miscellaneous Devices
Enable Fingerprint Reader Device Enables the Fingerprint Reader Device option.
By default, the Enable Fingerprint Reader Device option is enabled.

BIOS Setup 91
Table 32. BIOS Setup options—Storage menu
Storage
SATA/NVMe Operation
SATA/NVMe Operation Sets the operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller.
By default, the AHCI/NVMe option is selected. The storage device is configured
for AHCI/NVMe mode.

Storage Interface Displays the information of various onboard drives.

Port Enablement Enables or disables the M.2 PCIe SSD option.
By default, the M.2 PCIe SSD option is enabled.

SMART Reporting
Enable SMART Reporting Sends analytical information from integrated drives and notifications during
startup about potential failure of the hard drive to the BIOS. Controls whether
hard drive errors for integrated drives are reported during system startup.
This technology is part of the SMART (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting
Technology) specification.
By default, the Enable SMART Reporting option is disabled.

Drive Information Displays the information of onboard drives.

Enable MediaCard
Secure Digital (SD) Card Enables or disables the SD card.
By default, the Secure Digital (SD) Card option is enabled.

Secure Digital (SD) Card Read-Only Mode Enables or disables the SD card read-only mode.
By default, the Secure Digital (SD) Card Read-Only Mode option is disabled.

Table 33. BIOS Setup options—Display menu

Display
Display Brightness
Brightness on battery power Enables to set the screen brightness when the computer is running on battery
power.
By default, the screen brightness is set to 50 when the computer is running on
battery power.

Brightness on AC power Enables to set the screen brightness when the computer is running on AC power.
By default, the screen brightness is set to 100 when the computer is running on
AC power.

Touchscreen Enables or disables the touch screen option.

By default, the Touchscreen option is enabled.

EcoPower
Enable EcoPower Enables or disables the EcoPower feature of the panel. EcoPower increases the
battery life by reducing the display brightness when appropriate.
By default, the Enable EcoPower option is enabled.

Full Screen Logo Enables or disables the computer to display a full-screen logo, if the image
matches screen resolution.
By default, the Full Screen Logo option is disabled.

92 BIOS Setup
Table 33. BIOS Setup options—Display menu (continued)
Display
Hybrid Graphics/Advanced Options NOTE: The Hybrid Graphics/Advanced Options is applicable to computers
shipped with integrated and discrete graphics controllers.

Enable Hybrid Graphics/ Advanced Allows both integrated and discrete graphics to work together to optimize battery
Options (when available) life.
Discrete Graphics Controller Direct Output Enables or disables the touch screen option.
Mode
By default, the Discrete Graphics Controller Direct Output Mode option is
disabled.

Table 34. BIOS Setup options—Connection menu

Connection
Wireless Device Enable
WLAN Enables or disables the internal WLAN device.
By default, the WLAN option enabled.

Bluetooth Enables or disables the internal Bluetooth device.

By default, the Bluetooth option enabled.

Enable UEFI Network Stack Enables or disables the UEFI Network Stack and controls the onboard LAN
Controller.
By default, the Enable UEFI Network Stack option is enabled.

Wireless Radio Control

Control WLAN Radio Enables to sense the connection of the computer to a wired network and then
disables the selected wireless radios (WLAN and/or WWAN). Upon disconnection
from the wired network, the selected wireless radios are reenabled.
By default, the Control WLAN Radio option is disabled.

HTTP(s) Boot Feature

HTTP(s) Boot Enable or disable HTTP(s) boot capabilities.
By default, the HTTP(s) Boot option is enabled.

HTTP(s) Boot Modes Select the mode to automatically extract Boot URL from the Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol (DHCP) or manually read Boot URL as provided by the
user.
By default, the Auto Mode option is enabled.

Table 35. BIOS Setup options—Power menu

Power
Battery Configuration Enables or disables the computer to run on battery during peak power usage
hours. Use the table Custom Charge Start and Custom Charge Stop, to
prevent AC power usage between certain times of each day.
By default, the Adaptive option is selected. Battery settings are adaptively
optimized based on your typical battery usage pattern.

Advanced Configuration
Enable Advanced Battery Charge Enables Advanced Battery Charge Configuration from the beginning of the day
Configuration to a specified work period. When enabled, Advanced Battery Charged maximizes
battery health while still supporting heavy use during the work day.

BIOS Setup 93
Table 35. BIOS Setup options—Power menu (continued)
Power

By default, the Enable Advanced Battery Charge Configuration option is

disabled.

Peak Shift
Enable Peak Shift Enables the computer to run on battery during peak power usage hours.
By default, the Enable Peak Shift option is disabled.

Thermal Management Enables or disables cooling of fan and manages processor heat to adjust the
computer performance, noise, and temperature.
By default, the Optimized option is selected. Standard setting for balanced
performance, noise, and temperature.

USB Wake Support

Wake on Dell USB-C Dock When enabled, connecting a Dell USB-C Dock wakes the computer from Standby,
Hibernate, and Power Off.
By default, the Wake on Dell USB-C Dock option is enabled.

Block Sleep Enables or disables the computer from entering Sleep (S3) mode in the operating
system.
By default, the Block Sleep option is disabled.
NOTE: When enabled, the computer does not go to Sleep, Intel Rapid Start
is disabled automatically, and the operating system power option is blank if it
was set to Sleep.

Lid Switch
Enable Lid Switch Enables or disables the Lid Switch.
By default, the Enable Lid Switch option is enabled.

Power On Lid Open When enabled, it allows the computer to turn on from the off state whenever the
lid is opened.
By default, the Power On Lid Open option is enabled.

Intel Speed Shift Technology Enables or disables the Intel Speed Shift Technology support. When enabled, the
operating system selects the appropriate processor performance automatically.
By default, the Intel Speed Shift Technology option is enabled.

Table 36. BIOS Setup options—Security menu

Security
TPM 2.0 Security The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) provides various cryptographic services
which serve as the cornerstone for many platform security technologies. Trusted
Platform Module (TPM) is a security device that stores computer-generated
keys for encryption and features such as BitLocker, Virtual Secure Mode, remote
Attestation.
By default, the TPM 2.0 Security option is enabled.
For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping Trusted
Platform Module (TPM) enabled to allow these security technologies to fully
function.
NOTE: The options that are listed apply to computers with a discrete
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip.
For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping TPM 2.0
Security On enabled to allow these security technologies to fully function.

94 BIOS Setup
Table 36. BIOS Setup options—Security menu (continued)
Security
Attestation Enable The Attestation Enable option controls the endorsement hierarchy of TPM.
Disabling the Attestation Enable option prevents TPM from being used to
digitally sign certificates.
By default, the Attestation Enable option is enabled.
For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Attestation
Enable option enabled.
NOTE: When disabled, this feature may cause compatibility issues or loss of
functionality in some operating systems.

Key Storage Enable The Key Storage Enable option controls the storage hierarchy of TPM, which is
used to store digital keys. Disabling the Key Storage Enable option restricts the
ability of TPM to store owner's data.
By default, the Key Storage Enable option is enabled.
For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Key Storage
Enable option enabled.
NOTE: When disabled, this feature may cause compatibility issues or loss of
functionality in some operating systems.

SHA-256 Allows you to control the hashing algorithm that is used by the TPM. When
enabled, the TPM uses the SHA-256 hashing algorithm. When disabled, the TPM
uses the SHA-1 hash algorithm.
By default, the SHA-256 option is enabled.
For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the SHA-256
option enabled.

Clear When enabled, the Clear option clears information that is stored in the TPM
after exiting the computer's BIOS. This option returns to the disabled state when
the computer restarts.
By default, the Clear option is disabled.
Dell Technologies recommends enabling the Clear option only when TPM data is
required to be cleared.

Physical Presence Interface (PPI) Bypass The Physical Presence Interface (PPI) Bypass options can be used to allow
for Enable Commands the operating system to manage certain aspects of the TPM. If these options
are enabled, you are not prompted to confirm certain changes to the TPM
configuration.
By default, the PPI Bypass for Enable Commands option is enabled.
For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the PPI Bypass
for Enable Commands option enabled.

Intel Total Memory Encryption

Multi-Key Total Memory Encryption (Up to Enable or disable the protection of memory from physical attacks including freeze
16 keys) spray, probing DDR to read the cycles, and others. When enabled, the system
memory is encrypted bu the Total Memory Encryption (TME) block attached to
the memory controller.
By default, the Multi-Key Total Memory Encryption option is disabled.

Chassis intrusion
Chassis Intrusion Detection The chassis intrusion detection enables a physical switch that triggers an event
when the computer cover is opened.
When set to Enabled, a notification is displayed on the next boot and the event
is logged in the BIOS Events log.

BIOS Setup 95
Table 36. BIOS Setup options—Security menu (continued)
Security

When set to On-Silent, the event is logged in the BIOS Events log, but no
notification is displayed.
When set to Disabled, no notification is displayed and no event is logged in the
BIOS Events log.
By default, the Chassis Intrusion Detection option is enabled.
For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Chassis
Intrusion Detection option enabled.

SMM Security Mitigation Enables or disables additional UEFI SMM Security Mitigation protections. This
option uses the Windows SMM Security Mitigations Table (WSMT) to confirm to
the operating system that security best practices have been implemented by the
UEFI firmware.
By default, the SMM Security Mitigation option is enabled.
For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the SMM
Security Mitigation option enabled unless you have a specific application which
is not compatible.
NOTE: This feature may cause compatibility issues or loss of functionality
with some legacy tools and applications.

Data Wipe on Next Boot

Start Data Wipe Data Wipe is a secure wipe operation that deletes information from a storage
device.
CAUTION: The secure Data Wipe operation deletes information in a
way that it cannot be reconstructed.
Commands such as delete and format in the operating system may remove files
from showing up in the file system. However, they can be reconstructed through
forensic means as they are still represented on the physical media. Data Wipe
prevents this reconstruction and is not recoverable.
When enabled, the data wipe option will prompt to wipe any storage devices that
are connected to the computer on the next boot.
By default, the Start Data Wipe option is disabled.

Absolute Absolute Software provides various cyber security solutions, some requiring
software preloaded on Dell computers and integrated into the BIOS. To use these
features, you must enable the Absolute BIOS setting and contact Absolute for
configuration and activation.
By default, the Absolute option is enabled.
For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Absolute
option enabled.
NOTE: When the Absolute features are activated, the Absolute integration
cannot be disabled from the BIOS setup screen.

UEFI Boot Path Security Enables or disables the computer to prompt the user to enter the Administrator
password (if set) when booting to a UEFI boot path device from the F12 boot
menu.
By default, the Always Except Internal HDD option is enabled.

Firmware Device Tamper Detection Allows you to control the firmware device tamper detection feature. This feature
notifies the user when the firmware device is tampered. When enabled, a screen
warning messages are displayed on the computer and a tamper detection event
is logged in the BIOS Events log. The computer fails to reboot until the event is
cleared.

96 BIOS Setup
Table 36. BIOS Setup options—Security menu (continued)
Security

By default, the Silent option is enabled. Events of tamper detection are logged,
post screen warnings are disabled.
For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Firmware
Device Tamper Detection option enabled.

Clear Firmware Device Tamper Detection Enables or disables the feature to clear the event and allow booting when a
tamper detection event is logged.
By default, the Clear Firmware Device Tamper Detection option is disabled.

Table 37. BIOS Setup options—Passwords menu

Passwords
Admin Password The Administrator Password prevents unauthorized access to the BIOS Setup
options. Once the administrator password is set, the BIOS setup options can only
be modified after providing the correct password.
The following rules and dependencies apply to the Administrator Password -
● The administrator password cannot be set if computer and/or internal hard
drive passwords are previously set.
● The administrator password can be used in place of the computer and/or
internal hard drive passwords.
● When set, the administrator password must be provided during a firmware
update.
● Clearing the administrator password also clears the computer password (if
set).
Dell Technologies recommends using an administrator password to prevent
unauthorized changes to BIOS setup options.

System Password The System Password prevents the computer from booting to an operating
system without entering the correct password.
The following rules and dependencies apply when the System Password is used -
● The computer shuts down when idle for approximately 10 minutes at the
computer password prompt.
● The computer shuts down after three incorrect attempts to enter the
computer password.
● The computer shuts down when the Esc key is pressed at the System
Password prompt.
● The computer password is not prompted when the computer resumes from
standby mode.
Dell Technologies recommends using the computer password in situations where
it is likely that a computer may be lost or stolen.

M.2 PCIe SSD-0 The M.2 PCIe SSD-0 password can be set to prevent unauthorized access of the
data stored on the solid-state drive. The computer prompts for the solid-state
drive password during boot in order to unlock the drive. A password-secured
hard drive stays locked even when removed from the computer or placed into
another computer. It prevents an attacker from accessing data on the drive
without authorization.
The following rules and dependencies apply when the M.2 PCIe SSD-0 password
is used -
● The M.2 PCIe SSD-0 password option cannot be accessed when a drive is
disabled in the BIOS setup.
● The computer shuts down when idle for approximately 10 minutes at the
solid-state drive password prompt.
● The computer shuts down after three incorrect attempts to enter the solid-
state drive password and treats the drive as not available.

BIOS Setup 97
Table 37. BIOS Setup options—Passwords menu (continued)
Passwords

● The solid-state drive does not accept password unlock attempts after five
incorrect attempts to enter the drive password from the BIOS Setup. The
solid-state drive password must be reset for the new password unlock
attempts.
● The computer treats the solid-state drive as not available when the Esc key is
pressed at the drive password prompt.
● The solid-state drive password is not prompted when the computer resumes
from standby mode. When the solid-state drive is unlocked by the user before
the computer goes into standby mode, it remains unlocked after the computer
resumes from standby mode.
● If the computer and solid-state drive passwords are set to the same value, the
drive unlocks after the correct computer password is entered.
Dell Technologies recommends using a solid-state drive password to protect
unauthorized data access.

Owner Password The Owner Password is typically used when a computer is loaned or leased,
and the end user sets their own computer or hard drive password. The Owner
Password can provide override access to unlock the computer when it is
returned. The Owner Password cannot be set using BIOS Setup. System lessors
are given a tool which enables them to configure the Owner Password.
The following rules and dependencies apply when the Owner Password is used -
● The owner password cannot be set when the administrator password is
already set.
● The owner password can be used in place of the administrator, computer, or
hard drive passwords.
NOTE: The solid-state drive password must have been set on the
computer with the owner password.
Dell Technologies recommends that only computer lessors use the owner
password.

Strong Password The Strong Password feature enforces stricter rules for administrator, owner, and
computer passwords.
When enabled, the following rules are enforced -
● The minimum length of the password is set to eight characters.
● The password is required to include at least one upper case and one lower
case character.
NOTE: These requirements do not affect the drive password.

By default, the Strong Password option is enabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Strong
Password option enabled as it requires passwords to be more complex.

Password Configuration The Password configuration page includes several options for changing the
requirements of BIOS passwords. You can modify the minimum and maximum
length of the passwords and require passwords to contain certain character
classes (upper case, lower case, digit, special character).
Dell Technologies recommends setting the minimum password length to at least
eight characters.

Password Bypass The Password Bypass option allows the computer to reboot from the operating
system without entering the computer or hard drive password. If the computer
has already booted to the operating system, it is presumed that the user has
already entered the correct computer or hard drive password.
NOTE: This option does not remove the requirement to enter the password
after shutting down.
By default, the Password Bypass option is disabled.

98 BIOS Setup
Table 37. BIOS Setup options—Passwords menu (continued)
Passwords

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Password

Bypass option disabled.

Password Changes
Allow Non-Admin Password Changes The Allow Non-Admin Password Changes option in BIOS setup allows an end
user to set or change the computer or hard drive passwords without entering
the administrator password. This gives an administrator control over the BIOS
settings but enables an end user to provide their own password.
By default, the Allow Non-Admin Password Changes option is disabled.
For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Allow Non-
Admin Password Changes option disabled.

Non-Admin Setup Changes The Non-Admin Setup Changes option allows an end user to configure the
wireless devices without requiring the administrator password.
By default, the Non-Admin Setup Changes option is disabled.
For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Non-Admin
Setup Changes option disabled.

Admin Setup Lockout The Admin Setup Lockout option prevents an end user from even viewing the
BIOS setup configuration without first entering the administrator password (if
set).
By default, the Admin Setup Lockout option is disabled.
For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Admin Setup
Lockout option disabled.

Recovery Password The Recovery Password can be used when a system owner forgets the
administrator, system, or hard drive password. You can get an unlock code from
Dell Support over the phone after verifying ownership details. The unlock code
overrides and removes the existing password.
NOTE: When a hard drive password is overridden using this method, the data
on the hard drive is erased if secure erase was enabled when setting the
password.

Master Password Lockout

Enable Master Password Lockout The Master Password Lockout setting allows you to disable the Recovery
Password feature. If the computer, administrator, or hard drive password is
forgotten, the computer becomes unusable.
NOTE: When the owner password is set, the Master Password Lockout
option is not available.

NOTE: When an internal hard drive password is set, it must first be cleared
before Master Password Lockout can be changed.
By default, the Enable Master Password Lockout option is disabled.
Dell does not recommend enabling the Master Password Lockout unless you
have implemented your own password recovery computer.

Table 38. BIOS Setup options—Update, Recovery menu

Update, Recovery
UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates
Enable UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates Enables or disables BIOS updates through UEFI capsule update packages.
NOTE: Disabling this option blocks the BIOS updates from services such as
Microsoft Windows Update and Linux Vendor Firmware Service (LVFS).

BIOS Setup 99
Table 38. BIOS Setup options—Update, Recovery menu (continued)
Update, Recovery

By default, the Enable UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates option is enabled.

BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive Enables or disables the user to recover from certain corrupted BIOS conditions
from a recovery file on the user primary hard drive or an external USB key.
By default, the BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive option is enabled.
NOTE: BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive is not available for self-encrypting
drives (SED).

NOTE: BIOS recovery is designed to fix the main BIOS block and cannot work
if the Boot Block is damaged. In addition, this feature cannot work in the
event of EC corruption, ME corruption, or a hardware issue. The recovery
image must exist on an unencrypted partition on the drive.

BIOS Downgrade
Allow BIOS Downgrade Controls flashing of the computer firmware to previous revisions.
By default, the Allow BIOS Downgrade option is enabled.

SupportAssist OS Recovery Enables or disables the boot flow for SupportAssist OS Recovery tool in the event
of certain computer errors.
By default, the SupportAssist OS Recovery option is enabled.

BIOSConnect Enables or disables cloud Service operating system recovery if the main operating
system fails to boot with the number of failures equal to or greater than the
value specified by the Auto operating system Recovery Threshold setup option
and local Service operating system does not boot or is not installed.
By default, the BIOSConnect option is enabled.

Dell Auto OS Recovery Threshold Allows you to control the automatic boot flow for SupportAssist System
Resolution Console and for Dell operating system Recovery Tool.
By default, the Dell Auto OS Recovery Threshold value is set to 2.

Table 39. BIOS Setup options—System Management menu

System Management
Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.
Asset Tag Creates a computer Asset Tag that can be used by an IT administrator to uniquely
identify a particular computer.
NOTE: Once set in BIOS, the Asset Tag cannot be changed.

AC Behavior
Wake on AC Enables or disables the computer to turn on and go to boot when AC power is
supplied to the computer.
By default, the Wake on AC option is disabled.

Wake on LAN Enables or disables the computer to turn on by a special LAN signal.
By default, the Wake on LAN option is disabled.

Auto On Time Enable to set the computer to turn on automatically every day or on a preselected
date and time. This option can be configured only if the Auto On Time is set to
Everyday, Weekdays, or Selected Days.
By default, the Auto On Time option is disabled.

Intel AMT Capability Enables, disables or manage Intel Active Management Technology capabilities.
By default, the Restrict Preboot Access option is selected.

100 BIOS Setup

Table 39. BIOS Setup options—System Management menu (continued)
System Management
First Power On Date
Set Ownership Date Configures the ownership date.
By default, the Set Ownership Date option is disabled.

Diagnostics
OS Agent Requests Enables or disables the capability of the Dell OS Agent from scheduling onboard
diagnostics on a subsequent boot which can help assist in the prevention and
resolution of hardware-related issues.
By default, the OS Agent Requests option is enabled.

Power-on-Self-Test Automatic Enable the computer to automatically recover it becomes unresponsive before
Recovery completing the BIOS Power-on-Self-Test (POST).
By default, the Power-on-Self-Test Automatic Recovery option is selected.

Table 40. BIOS Setup option—Keyboard menu

Keyboard
Fn Lock Options Enables or disables the Fn Lock option.
By default, the Fn Lock option is enabled.

Lock Mode By default, the Lock Mode Secondary option is enabled. With this option, the
F1-F12 keys scan the code for their secondary functions.
Keyboard Illumination Configures the operating mode of the keyboard illumination feature.
By default, the Bright option is selected. Enables the keyboard illumination
feature at 100% brightness level.

Keyboard Backlight Timeout on AC Sets the timeout value for the keyboard backlight when an AC adapter is
connected to the computer.
By default, the 10 seconds option is selected.

Keyboard Backlight Timeout on Battery Sets the timeout value for the keyboard backlight when the computer is running
only on the battery power. The keyboard backlight timeout value is only effective
when the backlight is enabled.
By default, the 10 seconds option is selected.

Device Configuration HotKey Access Allows you to control whether you can access device configuration screens
through hotkeys during computer startup.
By default, the Device Configuration HotKey Access option is enabled.
NOTE: This setting controls only the Intel RAID (CTRL+I), MEBX (CTRL+P),
and LSI RAID (CTRL+C) Option ROMs. Other preboot Option ROMs, which
support entry using a key sequence, are not affected by this setting.

Table 41. BIOS Setup options—Pre-boot Behavior menu

Preboot Behavior
Adapter Warnings
Enable Adapter Warnings Enables the warning messages during boot when the adapters with less power
capacity are detected.
By default, the Enable Dock Warning Messages option is enabled.

Warnings and Errors Enables or disables the action to be taken when a warning or error is
encountered.

BIOS Setup 101

Table 41. BIOS Setup options—Pre-boot Behavior menu (continued)
Preboot Behavior

By default, the Prompt on Warnings and Errors option is selected. Stop,

prompt, and wait for user input when warnings or errors are detected.
NOTE: Errors deemed critical to the operation of the computer hardware
stop the functioning of the computer.

Extend BIOS POST Time Sets the BIOS POST (Power-On Self-Test) load time.
By default, the 0 seconds option is selected.

MAC Address Pass-Through Replaces the external NIC MAC address (in a supported dock or dongle) with the
selected MAC address from the computer.
By default, the Passthrough MAC Address option is selected.

Mouse/Touchpad Defines how the computer handles mouse and touchpad input.
By default, the Touchpad and PS/2 Mouse option is selected. Leaves the
integrated touchpad enabled when an external PS/2 mouse is present.

Sign of Life
Early Logo Display Display Logo Sign of Life.
By default, the Early Logo Display option is enabled.

Early Keyboard Backlight Keyboard Backlight Sign of Life.

By default, the Early Keyboard Backlight option is enabled.

Table 42. BIOS Setup options—Virtualization menu

Virtualization Support
Intel Virtualization Technology
Enable Intel Virtualization Technology (VT) When enabled, the computer can run a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM).
By default, the Enable Intel Virtualization Technology (VT) option is enabled.

VT for Direct I/O

Enable Intel VT for Direct I/O When enabled, the computer can perform Virtualization Technology for Direct
I/O (VT-d). VT-d is an Intel method that provides virtualization for memory map
I/O.
By default, the Enable Intel VT for Direct I/O option is disabled.

Intel Trusted Execution Technology Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) is a set of hardware extensions to Intel
(TXT) processors and chipsets. It provides a hardware-based root of trust to ensure
that a platform boots with a known good configuration of firmware, BIOS, virtual
machine monitor, and operating system. The following must be enabled in order
to enable Intel TXT -
● Intel Virtualization Technology - X
● Intel Virtualization Technology - Direct
By default, the Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) option is disabled.
For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Intel Trusted
Execution Technology (TXT) option enabled.

DMA Protection
Enable Pre-Boot DMA Support Allows you to control the Pre-Boot DMA protection for both internal and external
ports. This option does not directly enable DMA protection in the operating
system.
NOTE: This option is not available when the virtualization setting for IOMMU
is disabled (VT-d/AMD Vi).

102 BIOS Setup

Table 42. BIOS Setup options—Virtualization menu (continued)
Virtualization Support

By default, the Enable Pre-Boot DMA Support option is enabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Enable Pre-
Boot DMA Support option disabled.
NOTE: This option is provided only for compatibility purposes, since some
older hardware is not DMA capable.

Enable OS Kernel DMA Support Allows you to control the Kernel DMA protection for both internal and external
ports. This option does not directly enable DMA protection in the operating
system. For operating systems that support DMA protection, this setting
indicates to the operating system that the BIOS supports the feature.
NOTE: This option is not available when the virtualization setting for IOMMU
is disabled (VT-d/AMD Vi).
By default, the Enable OS Kernel DMA Support option is disabled.
NOTE: This option is provided only for compatibility purposes, since some
older hardware is not DMA capable.

Table 43. System setup options—Performance menu

Performance
Multi-Core Support
Multiple Atom Cores Enables to change the number of Atom cores available to the operating system.
The default value is set to the maximum number of cores.
By default, the All Active option is selected.

Intel SpeedStep
Enable Intel SpeedStep Technology Enables the computer to dynamically adjust processor voltage and core
frequency, decreasing average power consumption and heat production.
By default, the Enable Intel SpeedStep Technology option is enabled.

C-State Control
Enable C-State Control Enables or disables the ability of the CPU to enter and exit low-power state.
When disabled, it disables all C-states. When enabled, it enables all C-states that
the chipset or platform allows.
By default, the Enable C-State Control option is enabled.

Enable Adaptive C-States for Discrete Enables or disables the feature to dynamically detect high usage of a discrete
Graphics graphics and automatically adjusts system parameters for higher performance.
By default, the Enable Adaptive C-States for Discrete Graphics option is
enabled.
NOTE: The Hybrid Graphics/Advanced Options is applicable to computers
shipped with integrated and discrete graphics controllers.

Intel Turbo Boost Technology

Enable Intel Turbo Boost Technology Enables the Intel TurboBoost mode of the processor. When enabled, the Intel
TurboBoost driver increases the performance of the CPU or graphics processor.
By default, the Enable Intel Turbo Boost Technology option is enabled.

Intel Hyper-Threading Technology

Enable Intel Hyper-Threading Technology Enables the Intel Hyper-Threading mode of the processor. When enabled, the
Intel Hyper-Threading increases the efficiency of the processor resources when
multiple threads run on each core.

BIOS Setup 103

Table 43. System setup options—Performance menu (continued)
Performance

By default, the Intel Hyper-Threading Technology option is enabled.

Table 44. BIOS Setup options—System Logs menu

System Logs
BIOS Event Log
Clear BIOS Event Log Allows you to select option to keep or clear BIOS events logs.
By default, the Keep Log option is selected.

Thermal Event Log

Clear Thermal Event Log Allows you to select option to keep or clear Thermal events logs.
By default, the Keep Log option is selected.

Power Event Log

Clear Power Event Log Allows you to select option to keep or clear Power events logs.
By default, the Keep Log option is selected.

Updating the BIOS

Updating the BIOS in Windows
Steps
1. Go to Dell Support Site.
2. Click Product support. In the Search support box, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Search.
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the SupportAssist feature to automatically identify your computer. You
can also use the product ID or manually browse for your computer model.

3. Click Drivers & Downloads. Expand Find drivers.

4. Select the operating system installed on your computer.
5. In the Category drop-down list, select BIOS.
6. Select the latest version of BIOS, and click Download to download the BIOS file for your computer.
7. After the download is complete, browse the folder where you saved the BIOS update file.
8. Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the on-screen instructions.
For more information about how to update the system BIOS, search in the Knowledge Base Resource at Dell Support Site.

Updating the BIOS using the USB drive in Windows

Steps
1. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 6 in Updating the BIOS in Windows to download the latest BIOS Setup program
file.
2. Create a bootable USB drive. For more information, search the Knowledge Base Resource at Dell Support Site.
3. Copy the BIOS Setup program file to the bootable USB drive.
4. Connect the bootable USB drive to the computer that needs the BIOS update.
5. Restart the computer and press F12 .
6. Select the USB drive from the One Time Boot Menu.
7. Type the BIOS Setup program filename and press Enter.

104 BIOS Setup

 The BIOS Update Utility appears.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the BIOS update.

Updating the BIOS from the F12 One Time Boot menu
Update your computer BIOS using the BIOS update.exe file that is copied to a FAT32 USB drive and booting from the F12 One
Time Boot menu.

About this task

BIOS Update
You can run the BIOS update file from Windows using a bootable USB drive or you can also update the BIOS from the F12 One
Time Boot menu on the computer.
Most of the Dell computers built after 2012 have this capability, and you can confirm by booting your computer to the F12 One
Time Boot Menu to see if BIOS FLASH UPDATE is listed as a boot option for your computer. If the option is listed, then the
BIOS supports this BIOS update option.

NOTE: Only computers with the BIOS Flash Update option in the F12 One Time Boot menu can use this function.

Updating from the One Time Boot menu

To update your BIOS from the F12 One Time Boot menu, you need the following:
● USB drive formatted to the FAT32 file system (key does not have to be bootable)
● BIOS executable file that you downloaded from the Dell Support website and copied to the root of the USB drive
● AC power adapter that is connected to the computer
● Functional computer battery to flash the BIOS
Perform the following steps to perform the BIOS update flash process from the F12 menu:
CAUTION: Do not turn off the computer during the BIOS update process. The computer may not boot if you turn
off your computer.

Steps
1. From a turn off state, insert the USB drive where you copied the flash into a USB port of the computer.
2. Turn on the computer and press F12 to access the One Time Boot Menu, select BIOS Update using the mouse or arrow
keys then press Enter.
The flash BIOS menu is displayed.
3. Click Flash from file.
4. Select an external USB device.
5. Select the file and double-click the flash target file, and then click Submit.
6. Click Update BIOS. The computer restarts to flash the BIOS.
7. The computer will restart after the BIOS update is completed.

System and setup password

Table 45. System and setup password
Password type Description
System password Password that you must enter to log in to your system.
Setup password Password that you must enter to access and make changes to
the BIOS settings of your computer.

You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your computer.

CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your computer.

CAUTION: Anyone can access the data that is stored on your computer, when not locked and left unattended.

BIOS Setup 105

 NOTE: System and setup password feature is disabled.

Assigning a System Setup password

Prerequisites
You can assign a new System or Admin Password only when the status is in Not Set.

About this task

To enter BIOS System Setup, press F2 immediately after a power-on or reboot.

Steps
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select Security and press Enter.
The Security screen is visible.
2. Select System/Admin Password and create a password in the Enter the new password field.
Use the following guidelines to assign the system password:
● A password can have up to 32 characters.
● At least one special character: "( ! " # $ % & ' * + , - . / : ; < = > ? @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` { | } )"
● Numbers 0 to 9.
● Upper case letters from A to Z.
● Lower case letters from a to z.
3. Type the system password that you entered earlier in the Confirm new password field and click OK.
4. Press Esc and save the changes as prompted by the message.
5. Press Y to save the changes.
The computer restarts.

Deleting or changing an existing system setup password

Prerequisites
Ensure that the Password Status is Unlocked (in the System Setup) before attempting to delete or change the existing
System and/or Setup password. You cannot delete or change an existing System or Setup password, if the Password Status is
Locked.

About this task

To enter the System Setup, press F2 immediately after a power-on or reboot.

Steps
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select System Security and press Enter.
The System Security screen is displayed.
2. In the System Security screen, verify that the Password Status is Unlocked.
3. Select System Password, update, or delete the existing system password, and press Enter or Tab.
4. Select Setup Password, update, or delete the existing setup password, and press Enter or Tab.
NOTE: If you change the System and/or Setup password, reenter the new password when prompted. If you delete the
System and/or Setup password, confirm the deletion when prompted.

5. Press Esc. A message prompts you to save the changes.

6. Press Y to save the changes and exit from System Setup.
The computer restarts.

106 BIOS Setup

Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords
About this task
To clear the computer or BIOS passwords, contact Dell technical support as described at Contact Support. For more
information, go to Dell Support Site.
NOTE: For information about how to reset Windows or application passwords, see the documentation accompanying
Windows or your application.

BIOS Setup 107

 8
Troubleshooting
Handling swollen rechargeable Li-ion batteries
Like most laptops, Dell laptops use Lithium-ion batteries. One type of Lithium-ion battery is the rechargeable Li-ion battery.
Rechargeable Li-ion batteries have increased in popularity in recent years and have become standard in the electronics industry
due to customer preferences for a slim form factor (especially with newer ultra-thin laptops) and long battery life. Inherent to
rechargeable Li-ion battery technology is the potential for swelling of the battery cells.
A swollen battery may impact the performance of the laptop. To prevent possible further damage to the device enclosure or
internal components leading to malfunction, discontinue the use of the laptop and discharge it by disconnecting the AC adapter
and letting the battery drain.
Swollen batteries should not be used and should be replaced and disposed of properly. We recommend contacting Dell product
support for options to replace a swollen battery under the terms of the applicable warranty or service contract, including options
for replacement by a Dell authorized service technician.
The guidelines for handling and replacing rechargeable Li-ion batteries are as follows:
● Exercise caution when handling rechargeable Li-ion batteries.
● Discharge the battery before removing it from the system. To discharge the battery, unplug the AC adapter from the system
and operate the system only on battery power. When the system will no longer turn on when the power button is pressed,
the battery is fully discharged.
● Do not crush, drop, mutilate, or penetrate the battery with foreign objects.
● Do not expose the battery to high temperatures, or disassemble battery packs and cells.
● Do not apply pressure to the surface of the battery.
● Do not bend the battery.
● Do not use tools of any type to pry on or against the battery.
● If a battery gets stuck in a device as a result of swelling, do not try to free it as puncturing, bending, or crushing a battery
can be dangerous.
● Do not attempt to reassemble a damaged or swollen battery into a laptop.
● Swollen batteries that are covered under warranty should be returned to Dell in an approved shipping container (provided
by Dell)—this is to comply with transportation regulations. Swollen batteries that are not covered under warranty should be
disposed of at an approved recycling center. Contact Dell product support at Dell Support Site for assistance and further
instructions.
● Using a non-Dell or incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only with a
compatible battery purchased from Dell that is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use a battery from other
computers with your computer. Always purchase genuine batteries from Dell Site or otherwise directly from Dell.
Rechargeable Li-ion batteries can swell for various reasons such as age, number of charge cycles, or exposure to high heat. For
more information about how to improve the performance and lifespan of the laptop battery and to minimize the possibility of
occurrence of the issue, search Dell Laptop Battery in the Knowledge Base Resource at Dell Support Site.

Locate the Service Tag or Express Service Code of

your Dell computer
Your Dell computer is uniquely identified with a Service Tag or Express Service Code. To view relevant support resources for
your Dell computer, we recommend entering the Service Tag or Express Service Code at Dell Support Site.
For more information about how to find the Service Tag for your computer, see Instructions on how to find your Service Tag or
Serial Number.

108 Troubleshooting
Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance
Check diagnostics
About this task
SupportAssist diagnostics (also known as system diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The Dell
SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics is embedded with the BIOS and launched by the BIOS
internally. The embedded system diagnostics provides options for particular devices or device groups allowing you to:
● Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode.
● Repeat the tests.
● Display or save test results.
● Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options to provide extra information about one or more failed devices.
● View status messages that inform you the tests are completed successfully.
● View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing.
NOTE: Some tests for specific devices require user interaction. Always ensure that you are present at the computer
terminal when the diagnostic tests are performed.
For more information, see the knowledge base article 000180971.

Running the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check

Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. As the computer boots, press the F12 key as the Dell logo appears.
3. On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option.
4. Click the arrow at the bottom left corner.
Diagnostics front page is displayed.
5. Click the arrow in the lower-right corner to go to the page listing.
The items that are detected are listed.
6. To run a diagnostic test on a specific device, press Esc and click Yes to stop the diagnostic test.
7. Select the device from the left pane and click Run Tests.
8. If there are any issues, error codes are displayed.
Note the error code and validation number and contact Dell.

Built-in self-test (BIST)

M-BIST
M-BIST (Built In Self-Test) is the system board built-in self-test diagnostics tool that improves the diagnostics accuracy of
system board Embedded Controller (EC) failures.

NOTE: M-BIST can be manually initiated before Power On Self-Test (POST).

How to run M-BIST

NOTE: M-BIST must be initiated on the computer from a power-off state that is either connected to AC power or with a
battery only.
1. Press and hold both the M key on the keyboard and the power button to initiate M-BIST.
2. The battery indicator LED may exhibit two states:
a. OFF: No fault was detected with the system board.
b. AMBER: Amber indicates a problem with the system board.

Troubleshooting 109
3. If there is a failure with the system board, the battery status LED flashes one of the following error codes for 30 seconds:

Table 46. LED error codes

Blinking Pattern Possible Problem
Amber White
2 1 CPU Failure
2 8 LCD Power Rail Failure
1 1 TPM Detection Failure
2 4 Memory/RAM failure
4. If there is no failure with the system board, the LCD cycles through the solid color screens that are described in the
LCD-BIST section for 30 seconds and then turn off.

LCD Power rail test (L-BIST)

L-BIST is an enhancement to the single LED error code diagnostics and is automatically initiated during POST. L-BIST will check
the LCD power rail. If there is no power being supplied to the LCD (that is if the L-BIST circuit fails), the battery status LED
flashes either an error code [2,8] or an error code [2,7].

NOTE: If L-BIST fails, LCD-BIST cannot function as no power will be supplied to the LCD.

How to invoke the L-BIST Test

1. Press the power button to start the computer.
2. If the computer does not start up normally, look at the battery status LED:
● If the battery status LED flashes an error code [2,7], the display cable may not be connected properly.
● If the battery status LED flashes an error code [2,8], there is a failure on the LCD power rail of the system board, hence
there is no power that is supplied to the LCD.
3. For cases, when a [2,7] error code is shown, check to see if the display cable is properly connected.
4. For cases when a [2,8] error code is shown, replace the system board.

LCD Built-in Self-Test (BIST)

Dell laptops have a built-in diagnostic tool that helps you determine if the screen abnormality you are experiencing is an inherent
problem with the LCD (screen) of the Dell laptop or with the video card (GPU) and computer settings.
When you notice screen abnormalities like flickering, distortion, clarity issues, fuzzy or blurry image, horizontal or vertical lines,
color fade and so on, it is always a good practice to isolate the LCD (screen) by running the Built-In Self-Test (BIST).

How to invoke the LCD BIST Test

1. Power off the Dell laptop.
2. Disconnect any peripherals that are connected to the laptop. Connect only the AC adapter (charger) to the laptop.
3. Ensure that the LCD (screen) is clean (no dust particles on the surface of the screen).
4. Press and hold the D key and Power on the laptop to enter LCD built-in self-test (BIST) mode. Continue to hold the D key
until the computer boots up.
5. The screen displays solid colors and change colors on the entire screen to white, black, red, green, and blue twice.
6. Then it displays the colors white, black, and red.
7. Carefully inspect the screen for abnormalities (any lines, fuzzy color, or distortion on the screen).
8. At the end of the last solid color (red), the computer shuts down.
NOTE: Dell SupportAssist Preboot diagnostics upon launch initiates an LCD BIST first, expecting a user intervention to
confirm functionality of the LCD.

110 Troubleshooting
System-diagnostic lights
This section lists the system-diagnostic lights of your XPS 16 9640.

Table 47. System-diagnostic lights

Blinking pattern
Amber White Problem description
1 1 TPM detection failure
1 2 Unrecoverable SPI Flash Failure
1 5 EC unable to program i-Fuse
1 6 Generic catch-all for ungraceful EC code
flow errors
2 1 CPU failure
2 2 System board failure (included BIOS
corruption or ROM error)
2 3 No memory or RAM detected
2 4 Memory or RAM failure
2 5 Invalid memory installed
2 6 System board or Chipset Error
2 7 LCD failure (SBIOS message)
2 8 LCD failure (EC detection of power rail
failure)
3 1 CMOS battery failure
3 2 PCI or Video card or chip failure
3 3 BIOS Recovery image not found
3 4 BIOS Recovery image found but invalid
3 5 Power rail failure
3 6 Flash corruption is detected by SBIOS.
3 7 Timeout waiting on ME to reply to HECI
message.

NOTE: Blinking 3-3-3 LEDs on Lock LED (Caps-Lock or Num-Lock), Power button LED (without Fingerprint reader), and
Diagnostic LED indicates failure to provide input during LCD panel test on Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance
Check diagnostics.

Recovering the operating system

When your computer is unable to boot to the operating system even after repeated attempts, it automatically starts Dell
SupportAssist OS Recovery.
Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery is a stand-alone tool that is preinstalled in all Dell computers that are installed with the Windows
operating system. It consists of tools to diagnose and troubleshoot issues that may occur before your computer boots to the
operating system. It enables you to diagnose hardware issues, repair your computer, back up your files, or restore your computer
to its factory state.
You can also download it from the Dell Support website to troubleshoot and fix your computer when it fails to boot into their
primary operating system due to software or hardware failures.

Troubleshooting 111
For more information about the Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery, see Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery User's Guide at
Serviceability Tools at the Dell Support Site. Click SupportAssist and then, click SupportAssist OS Recovery.

Real-Time Clock (RTC Reset)

The Real Time Clock (RTC) reset function allows you or the service technician to recover Dell computers from No POST/No
Power/No Boot situations. The legacy jumper enabled RTC reset has been retired on these models.
Start the RTC reset with the computer powered off and connected to AC power. Press and hold the power button for thirty
(30) seconds. The computer RTC Reset occurs after you release the power button.

Backup media and recovery options

It is recommended to create a recovery drive to troubleshoot and fix problems that may occur with Windows. Dell proposes
multiple options for recovering the Windows operating system on your Dell computer. For more information, see Dell Windows
Backup Media and Recovery Options.

Wi-Fi power cycle

About this task
If your computer is unable to access the Internet due to Wi-Fi connectivity issues a Wi-Fi power cycle procedure may be
performed. The following procedure provides the instructions on how to conduct a Wi-Fi power cycle:
NOTE: Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) provide a modem or router combo device.

Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Turn off the modem.
3. Turn off the wireless router.
4. Wait for 30 seconds.
5. Turn on the wireless router.
6. Turn on the modem.
7. Turn on your computer.

Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)

About this task
Flea power is the residual static electricity that remains in the computer even after it has been powered off and the battery is
removed.
For your safety, and to protect the sensitive electronic components in your computer, you are requested to drain residual flea
power before removing or replacing any components in your computer.
Draining residual flea power, also known as a performing a "hard reset," is also a common troubleshooting step if your computer
does not turn on or boot into the operating system.
Perform the following steps to drain the residual flea power:

Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Disconnect the power adapter from your computer.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Remove the battery.

112 Troubleshooting
 CAUTION: The battery is a Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) and the removal/installation is intended for
authorized service technicians only.

5. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds to drain the flea power.
6. Install the battery.
7. Install the base cover.
8. Connect the power adapter to your computer.
9. Turn on your computer.
NOTE: For more information about performing a hard reset, search in the Knowledge Base Resource at Dell Support
Site.

Troubleshooting 113
 9
Getting help and contacting Dell
Technologies
Self-help resources
You can get information and help on Dell Technologies products and services using these self-help resources:

Table 48. Self-help resources

Self-help resources Resource location
Information about Dell Technologies products and services Dell Site
My Dell app

Tips

Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press

Enter.
Online help for operating system Windows Support Site
Access top solutions, diagnostics, drivers and downloads, and Your Dell Technologies computer is uniquely identified using
learn more about your computer through videos, manuals, and a Service Tag or Express Service Code. To view relevant
documents. support resources for your Dell Technologies computer, enter
the Service Tag or Express Service Code at Dell Support Site.
For more information about how to find the Service Tag for
your computer, see Instructions on how to find your Service
Tag or Serial Number.

Dell Technologies knowledge base articles 1. Go to Dell Support Site.

2. On the menu bar at the top of the Support page, select
Support > Support Library.
3. In the Search field on the Support Library page, type the
keyword, topic, or model number, and then click or tap the
search icon to view the related articles.

Contacting Dell Technologies

To contact Dell Technologies for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see Contact Support at Dell Support Site.
NOTE: Availability of the services may vary depending on the country or region, and product.

NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information about your purchase invoice,
packing slip, bill, or Dell Technologies product catalog.

114 Getting help and contacting Dell Technologies