How to Replace or Change a CMOS Battery on Your Dell Desktop

Summary: Replace the CMOS battery in your Dell desktop computer to maintain BIOS settings and system time. This guide covers the steps for removing, installing, and safely disposing of the motherboard battery, ensuring your BIOS functions properly. ...

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Instructions

The CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) battery, also called coin-cell battery on the motherboard helps the BIOS or UEFI to store the hardware configuration settings. It helps keep a record of the date and time when the computer is switched off. The CMOS battery is inside the computer and attached to the system board (motherboard).

CMOS battery life varies based on the usage and environment of the computer (usually around 2-3 years). The most common symptom of CMOS battery failure is incorrect or slow system date and time in the BIOS, loss of BIOS settings when the computer is powered off, time-of-day clock stopped error message and so on. If the CMOS battery is out of charge, the BIOS settings are lost when the computer is powered off. You will prompted to reset the time and date when you power on the computer. Sometimes the loss of BIOS settings may prevent the computer from loading the operating system.

NOTE: To learn how to replace a CMOS (coin-cell) battery on a Dell laptop, see the Dell knowledge base article How to Replace a CMOS (Coin-Cell) Battery in Your Dell Laptop.

 

NOTE: Before you begin, read and follow the safety instructions in Dell Knowledge Base Article - Safety Precautions When Working with Electronic and Electrical Equipment
  • Disconnect the power cable of the computer.
  • Discharge static electricity by pressing and holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
  • Replace the battery with the exact same type of coin-cell battery. Dell desktops use CR2032 coin-cell battery (see the markings on the battery). See the documentation of your Dell desktop for model-specific information.
  • Removing the CMOS battery erases the BIOS settings
  • Ensure to replace with a brand new battery. Do not install a used battery.
  • Properly dispose the used batteries as directed by the local authorities.
  • Use an anti-static plastic scribe tool. Do not use any kind of metal object to pry the battery.
  • To avoid damage to the battery connector, firmly support the connector while removing the battery.

Dell desktop computers use a 3V lithium battery (CR2032) that is also used on wrist watches and other small electronic devices. See the documentation of your Dell desktop for model-specific information. The flat side of the battery is always positive (+).

WARNING: Disconnect 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 to the power source.

 

CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface simultaneously as touching a connector on the back of the computer.
  1. Browse to Dell Manuals website.
  2. Identify your Dell desktop:
    1. Enter the model number or Service Tag of the Dell desktop, and then click Search.
    2. Or, click Browse all products, select Desktops & All-in-Ones, and select your Dell desktop from the product catalog.
  3. Under the Documentation tab, go to the Manuals and Documents section and click View PDF next to the User Guide or Service Manual.
  4. Scroll to the Coin cell battery section.
  5. To remove the CMOS battery, follow the instructions under the Removing coin-cell battery section.
  6. To install the CMOS battery, follow the instructions under the Installing the coin-cell battery section.

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, Fixed Workstations, Dell Pro Max Micro XE FCM2250, Dell Pro Max Slim XE FCS1250, Dell Pro Max Tower T2 XE FCT2250, Dell Pro Micro Plus XE QBM1250, Dell Pro Slim Plus XE5 QBS1250, Dell Pro Tower Plus XE5 QBT1250 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000135183
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 09 Jul 2025
Version:  14
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