How to Perform a Hard Reset on a Computer Easily and Effectively
Summary: A hard reset is recommended as the first step to fixing many common issues. This process helps by draining residual power that may be causing the problem.
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This article is not tied to any specific product.
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Instructions
Affected Platforms:
- OptiPlex
- Latitude
- Inspiron
- Alienware
- Precision Workstations
- Vostro
- XPS
- Dell G-Series
- Dell Pro Desktops
- Dell Pro Max Desktops
- Dell Pro Micro Desktops
- Dell Slim Desktops
- Dell Tower Desktops
- Dell All-in-One Desktops
- Dell Pro Laptops
- Dell Plus Laptops
- Dell Pro Max Laptops
- Dell Pro Premium Laptops
- Dell Pro Rugged Laptops
A hard reset of your Dell computer means:
- Turning off your computer
- Disconnecting all power sources from the computer
- Draining any residual power from the computer
If your Dell computer does not turn on or boot into the operating system, it is recommended that you first perform a hard reset. Performing a hard reset fixes many problems by draining the residual power that may be causing the problem.
Note: Performing a hard reset does not impact any personal files on the computer.
The capacitors on the system board can store residual or static electricity (also known as flea power) even if the computer is turned off, disconnected from the AC adapter and without a battery.
To perform a hard reset on a Dell computer, follow these steps:
- Turn off the computer.
- Disconnect the power cable (for desktops) or disconnect the AC adapter and remove the battery (for Dell laptops with removable battery).
Note:
- For Dell laptops that have a nonremovable battery, learn How to Reset Real Time Clock (RTC) to Recover Your Dell Laptop.
- For Dell laptops with removable batteries, see the user guide of your Dell laptop for step-by-step instructions to safely remove the battery.
- On select Dell Latitude laptops, learn How to Use Forced ePSA to Recover from POST or Boot Failure on Dell Latitude PCs.
- Disconnect all devices such as USB drives, printers, webcams, and media cards (SD/xD).
- Press and hold the power button for 15 to 20 seconds to drain the residual power.
- Connect the power cable (for desktops) or AC adapter and battery (for laptops).
- Turn on the computer.
Additional Information
Flea Power Drain on a Dell Computer | Laptop and Desktop
Duration: 01:43
Closed captions: This video is available in multiple languages. Click the Closed Caption icon and select the language that you want.
Affected Products
Chromebox, Alienware, Dell All-in-One, Dell Pro All-in-One, Dell Pro Max Micro, Dell Pro Max Slim, Dell Pro Max Tower, Dell Pro Micro, Dell Pro Slim, Dell Pro Tower, Dell Slim, Dell Tower, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS
, G Series, Chromebook, G Series, Alienware, Dell Laptops, Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations, Dell Pro Max Micro XE FCM2250, Dell Pro Max Slim XE FCS1250, Dell Pro Max Tower T2 XE FCT2250, Dell Pro Max 14 Premium MA14250, Dell Pro Max 16 Premium MA16250, Dell Pro Max 16 Plus MB16250, Dell Pro Max 18 Plus MB18250, Dell Pro Max 16 XE MC16250, Dell Pro Micro Plus XE QBM1250, Dell Pro Slim Plus XE5 QBS1250, Dell Pro Tower Plus XE5 QBT1250
...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000139016
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 02 Sept 2025
Version: 18
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