What is the Dell On-Screen Display Application Seen on Dell AIO Desktops?

Summary: The following article provides information about the Dell On-Screen display (OSD) application, which is used on the Dell All in One (AIO) desktops.

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.
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Instructions

Table of Contents:

  1. What is the Dell On-Screen Display application?
  2. How does the Windows Operating System affect the OSD?
  3. How do I use the Dell OSD?

What is the Dell On-Screen Display application?

 

This article is about the Dell On-Screen Display (OSD) Application for Dells AIO Desktops.

The Dell OSD application removed the Graphical User Interface (UI) in 2019. It is a middleware piece of software that is developed to communicate with the desktops operating system, the BIOS, and its scalar firmware.

Note: Middleware: Software that provides services to software applications beyond those available from the operating system. It can be described as the software glue. Middleware makes it easier for software developers to perform communication and input/output, so they can focus on the specific purpose of their application.
 

The Dell OSD application communicates with the panel firmware. It updates the desktop firmware, BIOS, drivers, and software.

How does the Windows Operating System affect the OSD?

 

Legacy Windows Operating Systems:

On AIO Desktops that were built from 2014 to 2016, there are external buttons that control the OSD. (The OSD is seen on-screen.)

Windows 7 Operating Systems:

On AIO desktops that were built from 2016 to 2019, there are three external buttons controlling the OSD. (The OSD is seen on-screen with about 25% transparency.)

Windows 10 and 11 Operating Systems:

On AIO desktops that were built from 2016 to 2019, there is one external button controlling the OSD. (The OSD is seen on-screen with about 25% transparency.)

On AIO desktops that were built from 2019 until now, there is one external button controlling the Display Built in Self-Test (BIST) and Video Input Selection. (There is no OSD seen on-screen.)

Note: Check your AIO Desktops manual and documentation for more information.
 
Note: You can control the following functions from the AIO Desktop OSD:
 
Operating System Mode
(Windows or Ubuntu)		 Audio Visual (AV) Mode
Input Source (If Applicable) Input Source (If Applicable)
Screen Off Screen Off
LCD BIST LCD BIST
 
Note: The OSD does not show as a running application and does not appear as an open working window. You cannot see it in Task Manager or by using the ALT and TAB shortcut to cycle through open applications.

How do I use the Dell OSD?

 

Note: The ways that you use the OSD depend on several things. Such as:
  • The number of external OSD Control Buttons
  • The version of the operating system in use
  • Whether an additional display is connected to the AIO Desktop
 
Note: You must have the Dell OSD application installed on your AIO Desktop for the external controls to function.
 
Note: The Dell OSD application is required for the High-Definition Multi-Media Interface (HDMI) input to work correctly.
 

Switching Video Input Source

Where you have several video inputs or outputs:

  • Where there are three buttons and a UI - you can open the OSD and use the up and down to navigate the menu.
  • Where there is one button and a UI - you can use the number of button presses to navigate the menu.
  • Where there is no on-screen menu - you can use the number of button presses to see changes on-screen.

Screen Off

To turn the screen off:

  • Where there are three buttons and a UI - you can open the OSD and use the up and down to navigate the menu.
  • Where there is one button and a UI - you can use the number of button presses to navigate the menu.
  • Where there is no on-screen menu - you can use the number of button presses to see changes on-screen.

Screen Brightness

In Windows 10 and 11, the screen brightness in OSD is linked to the Windows screen brightness settings. It should launch the brightness settings screen for Windows. Where you can select a display and use a slider to set the required brightness.


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Affected Products

All-In-One, OptiPlex All-In-One, All-in-One, All-in-One, OptiPlex 5270 All-In-One, OptiPlex 7470 All-In-One, OptiPlex 7770 All-In-One, Precision 5720 AIO
Article Properties
Article Number: 000132150
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 11 Feb 2025
Version:  7
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