Switching to Laptop Mode Fails on Alienware Area-51 laptops

Summary: The following article provides information about laptop mode failing on Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250 and Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250 laptops.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Check out other resources

Symptoms

You cannot trigger laptop mode reduced power settings on Alienware Area-51 laptops

 

You can experience a failure to switch power settings to Laptop mode on your Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250 or Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250 laptop. The laptop stays on the Desktop mode power setting. The laptop is unable to switch between power modes.

Cause

This is due to a power setting error.

Resolution

Note: You must have administrator rights on your laptop to make any operating system changes or update any software.

Update the BIOS to Alienware 16/18 Area-51 System BIOS, version 1.0.1 or later. Use the instructions in the following article link to download and install the SanctuaryArl_1.0.1_64.exe update file:


Back to Top

Affected Products

Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250, Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250
Article Properties
Article Number: 000303722
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 22 May 2026
Version:  5
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.