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1 Rookie
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1 Message
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6 Points
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45
July 8th, 2026 15:52
XPS 14 9440 Boot not found
I bought this computer for school (expensive) and used it one year. Then it failed to boot. Tried everything. Took to a repair shop, they couldn’t fix. Looked on line and discovered this is common and these models have a lot of problems. I’ve always used Dell but after reading that this is common, I feel like the company should fix this for free or let consumers know that their expensive computer will only last a year. I’ve run the diagnostic tests (passed!) yet it’s still stuck. I’m switching to a Mac tonight. Consumer reviews rate it highest, with Dell lowest. The pro of a Dell is being able to get parts…but that signals to me that the problems are common so they have parts to fix. Why not just fix the problem to begin with? Very disappointing. Make sure you review any Dell product on different forums because this was a $2500 mistake.
anne_droid
5 Journeyman
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1.9K Posts
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7K Points
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July 8th, 2026 22:21
Hi
Start with the Dell boot path: hard reset, BIOS check, diagnostics, then restore the correct boot mode. On an XPS 14 9440, Dell says to use F2 for BIOS, F12 for the one-time boot menu/Diagnostics, verify the SSD is detected, confirm the boot order, and reset BIOS to defaults if needed. youtube+1
Do this in order
Power off fully, unplug AC, hold the power button for 15–20 seconds, then reconnect and try again. Dell lists a hard reset as an early fix for no-boot issues. youtube
Tap F2 at power-on and check whether the SSD is detected in BIOS. If the drive is missing there, it is likely a hardware/connection issue rather than a Windows issue. youtube
In BIOS, make sure Boot Sequence uses UEFI and that the Windows Boot Manager is present and first in line. Dell’s no-boot guidance for this class of problem also recommends restoring BIOS defaults if settings are questionable. youtube
Tap F12 and run Dell Diagnostics. If the storage test fails, note the error code because that points to an SSD or controller fault. youtube
If the SSD is detected and diagnostics pass, use Windows recovery or SupportAssist OS Recovery to run Startup Repair. Dell specifically recommends Startup Repair and SupportAssist OS Recovery for boot failures where the hardware looks healthy. youtube
Common causes
BIOS boot mode changed away from UEFI.
Windows Boot Manager missing or moved down the boot order.
SSD not detected, loose, or failed.
Corrupted boot files after an update or power loss.
BitLocker/secure-boot related boot chain issues after firmware changes. Dell notes that BitLocker recovery may be required during repair workflows. youtube