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XPS 14 9440 Owner's Manual

System setup options

NOTE:Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items that are listed in this following table may or may not be displayed.
Table 1. System setup options—Overview menu

The following table describes the Overview menu options in the System setup program.

Overview
XPS 14 9440
BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version number.
Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.
Asset Tag Displays the Asset Tag of the computer.
Manufacture Date Displays the manufacture date of the computer.
Ownership Date Displays the ownership date of the computer.
Express Service Code Displays the express service code of the computer.
Ownership Tag Displays the ownership tag of the computer.
Signed Firmware Update Displays whether the Signed Firmware Update is enabled on your computer.

By default, the Signed Firmware Update option is enabled.

BATTERY
Primary Displays the primary battery of the computer.
Battery Level Displays the battery level of the computer.
Battery State Displays the battery state of the computer.
Health Displays the battery health of the computer.
AC Adapter Displays whether an AC adapter is connected. If connected, displays the type of AC adapter that is connected.
PROCESSOR
Processor Type Displays the processor type.
Maximum Clock Speed Displays the maximum processor clock speed.
Minimum Clock Speed Displays the minimum processor clock speed.
Current Clock Speed Displays the current processor clock speed.
Core Count Displays the number of cores on the processor.
Processor ID Displays the processor identification code.
Processor L2 Cache Displays the processor L2 Cache size.
Processor L3 Cache Displays the processor L3 Cache size.
Microcode Version Displays the microcode version.
Intel Hyper-Threading Capable Displays whether the processor is Hyper-Threading (HT) capable.
64-Bit Technology Displays whether 64-bit technology is used.
MEMORY
Memory Installed Displays the total computer memory installed.
Memory Available Displays the total computer memory available.
Memory Speed Displays the memory speed.
Memory Channel Mode Displays single or dual channel mode.
Memory Technology Displays the technology that is used for the memory.
DEVICES
Panel Type Displays the Panel Type of the computer.
Panel Revision Displays the Panel revision of the computer.
Video Controller Displays the video controller type of the computer.
Video Memory Displays the video memory information of the computer.
Wi-Fi Device Displays the wireless device information of the computer.
Native Resolution Displays the native resolution of the computer.
Video BIOS Version Displays the video BIOS version of the computer.
Audio Controller Displays the audio controller information of the computer.
Bluetooth Device Displays the Bluetooth device information of the computer.
Pass Through MAC Address Displays the MAC address of the video pass-through.
Table 2. System setup options—Boot Configuration menu

The following table describes the Boot Configuration menu options in the System setup program.

Boot Configuration
Boot Mode: UEFI only Displays the boot mode of the computer.
Boot Sequence Displays the boot sequence.
Enable PXE Boot Priority Enables or disables PXE Boot Priority.
Secure Digital (SD) Card Boot Enables or disables read-only boot from Secure Digital (SD) card.

By default, the Secure Digital (SD) Card Boot option is enabled.

Secure Boot Secure Boot is a method of guaranteeing the integrity of the boot path by performing additional validation of the operating system and PCI add-in cards. The computer stops booting to the operating system when a component is not authenticated during the boot process. Secure Boot can be enabled in BIOS setup or using management interfaces like Dell Command|Configure, but can only be disabled from BIOS setup.
Enable Secure Boot Enables the computer to boot using only validated boot software.

By default, the Enable Secure Boot option is enabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Secure Boot option enabled to ensure that the UEFI firmware validates the operating system during the boot process.

NOTE:For Secure Boot to be enabled, the computer is required to be in UEFI boot mode and the Enable Legacy Option ROMs option is required to be turned off.
Enable Microsoft UEFI CA When disabled, the UEFI CA is removed from the BIOS UEFI Secure Boot database.
NOTE:When disabled, the Microsoft UEFI CA could render your computer unable to boot, computer graphics may not function, some devices may not function properly, and the computer could become unrecoverable.

By default, the Enable Microsoft UEFI CA option is enabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Microsoft UEFI CA option enabled to ensure the broadest compatibility with devices and operating systems.

Secure Boot Mode Enables or disables the Secure Boot operation mode.
By default, the Deployed Mode is selected.
NOTE:Deployed Mode should be selected for normal operation of Secure Boot.
Expert Key Management
Enable Custom Mode Enables or disables the keys in the PK, KEK, db, and dbx security key databases to be modified.

By default, the Enable Custom Mode option is disabled.

Custom Mode Key Management Selects the custom values for expert key management.

By default, the PK option is selected.

Table 3. System setup options—Integrated Devices menu

The following table describes the Integrated Devices menu options in the System setup program.

Integrated Devices
Date/Time
Date Sets the computer date in MM/DD/YYYY format. Changes to the date format take effect immediately.
Time Sets the computer time in HH/MM/SS 24-hour format. You can switch between a 12-hour and 24-hour clock. Changes to the time format take effect immediately.
Camera
Enable Camera Enables the camera.
By default, the Enable Camera option is enabled.
NOTE:Depending on the configuration ordered, the camera setup option may not be available.
Audio
Enable Audio Enables all integrated audio controller.

By default, all the options are enabled.

Enable Microphone Enables the microphone.
By default, the Enable Microphone option is enabled.
NOTE:Depending on the configuration ordered, the microphone setup option may not be available.
Enable Internal Speaker Enables the internal speaker.

By default, the Enable Intenal Speaker option is enabled.

USB/Thunderbolt Configuration
Enable External USB Ports Enables the external USB ports.

By default, the Enable External USB Ports option is enabled.

Enable USB Boot Support Enables booting from USB mass storage devices that are connected to external USB ports.

By default, the Enable USB Boot Support option is enabled.

Enable Thunderbolt Technology Support
Enable Thunderbolt Technology Support Enables the associated ports and adapters for Thunderbolt Technology support.

By default, the Enable Thunderbolt Technology Support option is enabled.

Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support
Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support Enables the Thunderbolt adapter-peripheral device and USB devices that are connected to the Thunderbolt adapter to be used during BIOS Preboot.

By default, the Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support option is disabled.

Enable Thunderbolt (and PCIe behind TBT) pre-boot modules
Enable Thunderbolt (and PCIe behind TBT) pre-boot modules Enables the PCIe devices that are connected through a Thunderbolt adapter to run the PCIe devices UEFI Option ROM (if present) during preboot.

By default, the Enable Thunderbolt (and PCIe behind TBT) pre-boot modules option is disabled.

Disable USB4 PCIE Tunneling Disables the USB4 PCIE Tunneling option.

By default, the Disable USB4 PCIE Tunneling option is disabled.

Video/Power only on Type-C Ports Enables or disables the Type-C port functionality to video or only power.

By default, the Video/Power only on Type-C Ports option is disabled.

Type-C Dock
Type-C Dock Override Enables or disables to use connected Type-C Dell Dock to provide data stream with external USB ports disabled. When Type-C Dock override is enabled, the Video/Audio/LAN submenu is activated.

By default, the Type-C Dock Override option is enabled.

Type-C Dock Audio Enables or disables the usage of audio inputs and outputs from the connected Type-C Dell docking station.

By default, the Type-C Dock Audio option is enabled.

Type-C Dock LAN Enables or disables the usage of LAN on the external ports of the connected Type-C Dell docking station.

By default, the Type-C Dock LAN option is enabled.

Miscellaneous Devices
Enable Fingerprint Reader Device Enables the Fingerprint Reader Device option.

By default, the Enable Fingerprint Reader Device option is enabled.

Table 4. System setup options—Storage menu

The following table describes the Storage menu options in the System setup program.

Storage
SATA/NVMe Operation
SATA/NVMe Operation Sets the operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller.

By default, the AHCI/NVMe option is selected. The storage device is configured for AHCI/NVMe mode.

SMART Reporting Displays the information of various onboard drives.
Enable SMART Reporting When enabled, the BIOS can receive analytical information from integrated drives and send notifications during startup about possible future failure of the hard drive.

Default: OFF

Drive Information Displays the information of onboard drives.
Enable MediaCard Enables to switch all media cards On/Off or set the media card to a read-only state.

By default, Secure Digital (SD) Card is selected.

Table 5. System setup options—Display menu

The following table describes the Display menu options in the System setup program.

Display
Display Brightness
Brightness on battery power Enables to set the screen brightness when the computer is running on battery power.

By default, the screen brightness is set to 50 when the computer is running on battery power.

Brightness on AC power Enables to set the screen brightness when the computer is running on AC power.

By default, the screen brightness is set to 100 when the computer is running on AC power.

Touchscreen
Touchscreen Enables or disables the touch screen option.

By default, the Touchscreen option is enabled.

Full Screen Logo
Full Screen Logo Enables or disables the computer to display a full-screen logo, if the image matches screen resolution.

By default, the Full Screen Logo option is disabled.

Table 6. System setup options—Connection menu

The following table describes the Connection menu options in the System setup program.

Connection
Wireless Device Enable
WLAN Enables or disables the internal WLAN device.

By default, the WLAN option enabled.

Bluetooth Enables or disables the internal Bluetooth device.

By default, the Bluetooth option enabled.

Enable UEFI Network Stack Enables or disables the UEFI Network Stack and controls the onboard LAN Controller.

By default, the Enable UEFI Network Stack option is enabled.

Wireless Radio Control
Control WLAN Radio Enables to sense the connection of the computer to a wired network and then disables the selected wireless radios (WLAN and/or WWAN). Upon disconnection from the wired network, the selected wireless radios are reenabled.

By default, the Control WLAN Radio option is disabled.

Enable UEFI Bluetooth Stack
Enable UEFI Bluetooth Stack Enables or disables the UEFI Bluetooth Stack.

Default: Enabled

HTTP(s) Boot Feature
HTTP(s) Boot Enables the HTTP(s) boot capabilities.

Default: ON

HTTP(s) Boot Modes
Auto Mode HTTP(s) Boot automatically extracts Boot URL from the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). By default, Auto Mode is selected.
Manual Mode HTTP(s) Boot reads the Boot URL provided by the user.
Table 7. System setup options—Power menu

The following table describes the Power menu options in the System setup program.

Power
Battery Configuration Enables or disables the computer to run on battery during peak power usage hours. Use the table Custom Charge Start and Custom Charge Stop, to prevent AC power usage between certain times of each day.

By default, the Adaptive option is selected. Battery settings are adaptively optimized based on your typical battery usage pattern.

Advanced Configuration
Enable Advanced Battery Charge Configuration Enables Advanced Battery Charge Configuration from the beginning of the day to a specified work period. When enabled, Advanced Battery Charged maximizes battery health while still supporting heavy use during the work day.

By default, the Enable Advanced Battery Charge Configuration option is disabled.

Peak Shift
Enable Peak Shift Enables the computer to run on battery during peak power usage hours.

By default, the Enable Peak Shift option is disabled.

Thermal Management Enables or disables cooling of fan and manages processor heat to adjust the computer performance, noise, and temperature.

By default, the Optimized option is selected. Standard setting for balanced performance, noise, and temperature.

USB Wake Support
Wake on Dell USB-C Dock When enabled, connecting a Dell USB-C Dock wakes the computer from Standby, Hibernate, and Power Off.

By default, the Wake on Dell USB-C Dock option is enabled.

Block Sleep Enables or disables the computer from entering Sleep (S3) mode in the operating system.
By default, the Block Sleep option is disabled.
NOTE:When enabled, the computer does not go to Sleep, Intel Rapid Start is disabled automatically, and the operating system power option is blank if it was set to Sleep.
Lid Switch
Enable Lid Switch Enables or disables the Lid Switch.

By default, the Enable Lid Switch option is enabled.

Power On Lid Open When enabled, it allows the computer to turn on from the off state whenever the lid is opened.

By default, the Power On Lid Open option is enabled.

Intel Speed Shift Technology Enables or disables the Intel Speed Shift Technology support. When enabled, the operating system selects the appropriate processor performance automatically.

By default, the Intel Speed Shift Technology option is enabled.

Table 8. System setup options—Security menu

The following table describes the Security menu options in the System setup program.

Security
TPM 2.0 Security The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) provides various cryptographic services which serve as the cornerstone for many platform security technologies. Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a security device that stores computer-generated keys for encryption and features such as BitLocker, Virtual Secure Mode, remote Attestation.

By default, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) option is enabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping Trusted Platform Module (TPM) enabled to allow these security technologies to fully function.

NOTE: The options that are listed apply to computers with a discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip.
TPM 2.0 Security On Allows you to enable or disable TPM.

By default, the TPM On option is enabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping TPM On enabled to allow these security technologies to fully function.

Attestation Enable The Attestation Enable option controls the endorsement hierarchy of TPM. Disabling the Attestation Enable option prevents TPM from being used to digitally sign certificates.

By default, the Attestation Enable option is enabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Attestation Enable option enabled.

NOTE:When disabled, this feature may cause compatibility issues or loss of functionality in some operating systems.
Key Storage Enable The Key Storage Enable option controls the storage hierarchy of TPM, which is used to store digital keys. Disabling the Key Storage Enable option restricts the ability of TPM to store owner's data.

By default, the Key Storage Enable option is enabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Key Storage Enable option enabled.

NOTE:When disabled, this feature may cause compatibility issues or loss of functionality in some operating systems.
SHA-256 Allows you to control the hashing algorithm that is used by the TPM. When enabled, the TPM uses the SHA-256 hashing algorithm. When disabled, the TPM uses the SHA-1 hash algorithm.

By default, the SHA-256 option is enabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the SHA-256 option enabled.

Clear When enabled, the Clear option clears information that is stored in the TPM after exiting the computer's BIOS. This option returns to the disabled state when the computer restarts.

By default, the Clear option is disabled.

Dell Technologies recommends enabling the Clear option only when TPM data is required to be cleared.

PPI Bypass for Clear Commands The PPI Bypass for Clear Commands option allows the operating system to manage certain aspects of PTT. When enabled, you are not prompted to confirm changes to the PTT configuration.

By default, the PPI Bypass for Clear Commands option is disabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the PPI Bypass for Clear Commands option disabled.

Intel Total Memory Encryption
Multi-Key Total Memory Encryption (Up to 16 keys) Total Memory Encryption is used to protect memory from physical attacks including freeze spray, probing DDR to read the cycles, and others.

Default: OFF

Chassis Intrusion Controls the chassis intrusion feature.

Default: Disabled

SMM Security Mitigation
SMM Security Mitigation Enables or disables additional UEFI SMM Security Mitigation protections.

Default: ON

NOTE:This feature may cause compatibility issues or loss of functionality with some legacy tools and applications.
Data Wipe on Next Boot
Start Data Wipe Data Wipe is a secure wipe operation that deletes information from a storage device.
CAUTION:The secure Data Wipe operation deletes information in a way that it cannot be reconstructed.
Commands such as delete and format in the operating system may remove files from showing up in the file system. However, they can be reconstructed through forensic means as they are still represented on the physical media. Data Wipe prevents this reconstruction and is not recoverable.

When enabled, the data wipe option will prompt to wipe any storage devices that are connected to the computer on the next boot.

By default, the Start Data Wipe option is disabled.

Absolute
Absolute Absolute Software provides various cyber security solutions, some requiring software preloaded on Dell computers and integrated into the BIOS. To use these features, you must enable the Absolute BIOS setting and contact Absolute for configuration and activation.

By default, the Absolute option is enabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Absolute option enabled.

NOTE:When the Absolute features are activated, the Absolute integration cannot be disabled from the BIOS setup screen.
UEFI Boot Path Security
UEFI Boot Path Security Enables or disables the computer to prompt the user to enter the Administrator password (if set) when booting to a UEFI boot path device from the F12 boot menu.

By default, the Always Except Internal HDD option is enabled.

Firmware Device Tamper Detection
Firmware Device Tamper Detection Allows you to control the firmware device tamper detection feature. This feature notifies the user when the firmware device is tampered. When enabled, a screen warning messages is displayed on the computer and a tamper detection event is logged in the BIOS Events log. The computer fails to reboot until the event is cleared.

By default, the Firmware Device Tamper Detection option is enabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Firmware Device Tamper Detection option enabled.

Clear Firmware Device Tamper Detection Clears the event and enables booting.

Default: OFF

Table 9. System setup options—Passwords menu

The following table describes the Passwords menu options in the System setup program.

Passwords
Admin Password The Administrator Password prevents unauthorized access to the BIOS Setup options. Once the administrator password is set, the BIOS setup options can only be modified after providing the correct password.
The following rules and dependencies apply to the Administrator Password -
  • The administrator password cannot be set if computer and/or internal hard drive passwords are previously set.
  • The administrator password can be used in place of the computer and/or internal hard drive passwords.
  • When set, the administrator password must be provided during a firmware update.
  • Clearing the administrator password also clears the computer password (if set).

Dell Technologies recommends using an administrator password to prevent unauthorized changes to BIOS setup options.

System Password The System Password prevents the computer from booting to an operating system without entering the correct password.
The following rules and dependencies apply when the System Password is used -
  • The computer shuts down when idle for approximately 10 minutes at the computer password prompt.
  • The computer shuts down after three incorrect attempts to enter the computer password.
  • The computer shuts down when the Esc key is pressed at the System Password prompt.
  • The computer password is not prompted when the computer resumes from standby mode.

Dell Technologies recommends using the computer password in situations where it is likely that a computer may be lost or stolen.

M.2 PCIe SSD-0 Sets, Changes, or deletes the SSD password.
Password Configuration The Password configuration page includes several options for changing the requirements of BIOS passwords. You can modify the minimum and maximum length of the passwords and require passwords to contain certain character classes (upper case, lower case, digit, special character).

Dell Technologies recommends setting the minimum password length to at least eight characters.

Upper Case Letter Enables or disables the requirement for at least one upper case letter.

Default: OFF

Lower Case Letter Enables or disables the requirement for at least one lower case letter.

Default: OFF

Digit Enables or disables the requirement for at least one-digit number.

Default: OFF

Special Character Enables or disables the requirement for at least one special character.

Default: OFF

Minimum Characters Specify the minimum number of characters allowed for the password.

Default: 4

Password Bypass The Password Bypass option allows the computer to reboot from the operating system without entering the computer or hard drive password. If the computer has already booted to the operating system, it is presumed that the user has already entered the correct computer or hard drive password.
NOTE:This option does not remove the requirement to enter the password after shutting down.

By default, the Password Bypass option is enabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Password Bypass option enabled.

Password Changes
Enable Non-Admin Password Changes The Allow Non-Admin Password Changes option in BIOS setup allows an end user to set or change the computer or hard drive passwords without entering the administrator password. This gives an administrator control over the BIOS settings but enables an end user to provide their own password.

By default, the Allow Non-Admin Password Changes option is disabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Allow Non-Admin Password Changes option disabled.

Admin Setup Lockout
Enable Admin Setup Lockout The Admin Setup Lockout option prevents an end user from even viewing the BIOS setup configuration without first entering the administrator password (if set).

By default, the Enable Admin Setup Lockout option is disabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Admin Setup Lockout option disabled.

Master Password Lockout
Enable Master Password Lockout The Master Password Lockout setting allows you to disable the Recovery Password feature. If the computer, administrator, or hard drive password is forgotten, the computer becomes unusable.
NOTE:When the owner password is set, the Master Password Lockout option is not available.
NOTE: When an internal hard drive password is set, it must first be cleared before Master Password Lockout can be changed.

By default, the Enable Master Password Lockout option is disabled.

Dell does not recommend enabling the Master Password Lockout unless you have implemented your own password recovery computer.

Allow Non-Admin PSID Revert
Enable Allow Non-Admin PSID Revert Controls access to Physical Security ID (PSID) revert of NVMe hard drives from the Dell Security Manager prompt.

Default: OFF

Table 10. System setup options—Update, Recovery menu

The following table describes the Update, Recovery menu options in the System setup program.

Update, Recovery
UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates
Enable UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates Enables or disables BIOS updates through UEFI capsule update packages.
NOTE:Disabling this option blocks the BIOS updates from services such as Microsoft Windows Update and Linux Vendor Firmware Service (LVFS).

By default, the Enable UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates option is enabled.

BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive Enables or disables the user to recover from certain corrupted BIOS conditions from a recovery file on the user primary hard drive or an external USB drive.
By default, the BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive option is enabled.
NOTE:BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive is not available for self-encrypting drives (SED).
NOTE:BIOS recovery is designed to fix the main BIOS block and cannot work if the Boot Block is damaged. In addition, this feature cannot work in the event of EC corruption, ME corruption, or a hardware issue. The recovery image must exist on an unencrypted partition on the drive.
BIOS Downgrade
Allow BIOS Downgrade Controls flashing of the computer firmware to previous revisions.

By default, the Allow BIOS Downgrade option is enabled.

SupportAssist OS Recovery Enables or disables the boot flow for SupportAssist OS Recovery tool in the event of certain computer errors.

By default, the SupportAssist OS Recovery option is enabled.

BIOSConnect Enables or disables cloud Service operating system recovery if the main operating system fails to boot with the number of failures equal to or greater than the value specified by the Auto operating system Recovery Threshold setup option and local Service operating system does not boot or is not installed.

By default, the BIOSConnect option is enabled.

Dell Auto OS Recovery Threshold Allows you to control the automatic boot flow for SupportAssist System Resolution Console and for Dell operating system Recovery Tool.

By default, the Dell Auto OS Recovery Threshold value is set to 2.

Table 11. System setup options—System Management menu

The following table describes the System Management menu options in the System setup program.

System Management
Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.
Asset Tag Creates a computer Asset Tag that can be used by an IT administrator to uniquely identify a particular computer.
NOTE:Once set in BIOS, the Asset Tag cannot be changed.
AC Behavior
Wake on AC Enables or disables the computer to turn on and go to boot when AC power is supplied to the computer.

By default, the Wake on AC option is disabled.

Wake on LAN Enables or disables the computer to turn on by a special LAN signal.

By default, the Wake on LAN option is disabled.

Auto On Time Enable to set the computer to turn on automatically every day or on a preselected date and time. This option can be configured only if the Auto On Time is set to Everyday, Weekdays, or Selected Days.

By default, the Auto On Time option is disabled.

Intel AMT Capability
Enable Intel AMT Capability When enabled, MEBx is available through F12 menu and users can provision AMT.

Default: Restrict Preboot Access

First Power On Date
Set Ownership Date Enables you to set the ownership date.

Default: Disabled

Diagnostics
OS Agent Requests When enabled, Dell OS agents are capable of scheduling onboard diagnostics on a subsequent boot which can help in the prevention and resolution of hardware-related issues.

Default: ON

Power-on-Self-Test Automatic Recovery
Power-on-Self-Test Automatic Recovery When enabled, if the computer becomes unresponsive before completing the BIOS Power-On-Self-Test (POST), the BIOS attempts to automatically recover the computer.

Default: ON

Table 12. System setup options—Keyboard menu

The following table describes the Keyboard menu options in the System setup program.

Keyboard
Fn Lock Options Enables or disables the Fn Lock option.

By default, the Fn Lock option is enabled.

Lock Mode By default, the Lock Mode Secondary option is enabled. With this option, the F1-F12 keys scan the code for their secondary functions.
Keyboard Illumination Configures the operating mode of the keyboard illumination feature.

By default, the Bright option is selected. Enables the keyboard illumination feature at 100% brightness level.

Keyboard Backlight Timeout on AC Sets the timeout value for the keyboard backlight when an AC adapter is connected to the computer.

By default, the 5 minute option is selected.

Keyboard Backlight Timeout on Battery Sets the timeout value for the keyboard backlight when the computer is running only on the battery power. The keyboard backlight timeout value is only effective when the backlight is enabled.

By default, the 5 minute option is selected.

Device Configuration HotKey Access Allows you to control whether you can access device configuration screens through hotkeys during computer startup.
By default, the Device Configuration HotKey Access option is enabled.
NOTE:This setting controls only the Intel RAID (CTRL+I), MEBX (CTRL+P), and LSI RAID (CTRL+C) Option ROMs. Other preboot Option ROMs, which support entry using a key sequence, are not affected by this setting.
Table 13. System setup options—Pre-boot Behavior menu

The following table describes the Pre-boot Behavior menu options in the System setup program.

Pre-boot Behavior
Adapter Warnings
Enable Adapter Warnings Enables the warning messages during boot when the adapters with less power capacity are detected.

By default, the Enable Adapter Warnings option is enabled.

Warnings and Errors Enables or disables the action to be taken when a warning or error is encountered.
By default, the Prompt on Warnings and Errors option is selected. Stop, prompt, and wait for user input when warnings or errors are detected.
NOTE:Errors deemed critical to the operation of the computer hardware stop the functioning of the computer.
Extend BIOS POST Time Sets the BIOS POST (Power-On Self-Test) load time.

By default, the 0 seconds option is selected.

MAC Address Pass-Through Replaces the external NIC MAC address (in a supported dock or dongle) with the selected MAC address from the computer.

By default, the System Unique MAC Address option is selected.

Sign of Life
Early Logo Display Display Logo Sign of Life.

By default, the Early Logo Display option is enabled.

Early Keyboard Backlight Keyboard Backlight Sign of Life.

By default, the Early Keyboard Backlight option is enabled.

Table 14. System setup options—Virtualization Support menu

The following table describes the Virtualization menu options in the System setup program.

Virtualization Support
Intel Virtualization Technology
Enable Intel Virtualization Technology (VT) When enabled, the computer can run a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM).

By default, the Enable Intel Virtualization Technology (VT) option is enabled.

VT for Direct I/O
Enable Intel VT for Direct I/O When enabled, the computer can perform Virtualization Technology for Direct I/O (VT-d). VT-d is an Intel method that provides virtualization for memory map I/O.

By default, the Enable Intel VT for Direct I/O option is enabled.

Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) is a set of hardware extensions to Intel processors and chipsets. It provides a hardware-based root of trust to ensure that a platform boots with a known good configuration of firmware, BIOS, virtual machine monitor, and operating system. The following must be enabled in order to enable Intel TXT -
  • Intel Virtualization Technology - X
  • Intel Virtualization Technology - Direct

By default, the Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) option is enabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) option enabled.

DMA Protection
Enable Pre-Boot DMA Support Allows you to control the Pre-Boot DMA protection for both internal and external ports. This option does not directly enable DMA protection in the operating system.
NOTE:This option is not available when the virtualization setting for IOMMU is disabled (VT-d/AMD Vi).

By default, the Enable Pre-Boot DMA Support option is enabled.

For additional security, Dell Technologies recommends keeping the Enable Pre-Boot DMA Support option enabled.

NOTE:This option is provided only for compatibility purposes, since some older hardware is not DMA capable.
Enable OS Kernel DMA Support Allows you to control the Kernel DMA protection for both internal and external ports. This option does not directly enable DMA protection in the operating system. For operating systems that support DMA protection, this setting indicates to the operating system that the BIOS supports the feature.
NOTE:This option is not available when the virtualization setting for IOMMU is disabled (VT-d/AMD Vi).
By default, the Enable OS Kernel DMA Support option is enabled.
NOTE:This option is provided only for compatibility purposes, since some older hardware is not DMA capable.
Table 15. System setup options—Performance menu

The following table describes the Performance menu options in the System setup program.

Performance
Multi-Core Support
Multiple Atom Cores Enables to change the number of Atom cores available to the operating system. The default value is set to the maximum number of cores.

By default, the All Active option is selected.

Active Multiple Performance Cores (P-Cores) Enables to enter the number of active multiple performance cores.

Default: 03

Active Efficient Cores (E-Cores) Select Enables you to change the number of processor E-Cores available to the operating system.

Default: All Active

Active Efficient Cores (E-Cores) Number Enables to enter the number of active efficient cores.

Default: 07

Intel SpeedStep
Enable Intel SpeedStep Technology Enables the computer to dynamically adjust processor voltage and core frequency, decreasing average power consumption and heat production.

By default, the Enable Intel SpeedStep Technology option is enabled.

C-State Control
Enable C-State Control Enables or disables the ability of the CPU to enter and exit low-power state. When disabled, it disables all C-states. When enabled, it enables all C-states that the chipset or platform allows.

By default, the Enable C-State Control option is enabled.

Intel Turbo Boost Technology
Enable Intel Turbo Boost Technology Enables the Intel TurboBoost mode of the processor. When enabled, the Intel TurboBoost driver increases the performance of the CPU or graphics processor.

By default, the Enable Intel Turbo Boost Technology option is enabled.

Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
Enable Intel Hyper-Threading Technology Enables the Intel Hyper-Threading mode of the processor. When enabled, the Intel Hyper-Threading increases the efficiency of the processor resources when multiple threads run on each core.

By default, the Intel Hyper-Threading Technology option is enabled.

Table 16. System setup options—System Logs menu

The following table describes the System Logs menu options in the System setup program.

System Logs
BIOS Event Log
Clear BIOS Event Log Allows you to select option to keep or clear BIOS events logs.

By default, the Keep Log option is selected.

Thermal Event Log
Clear Thermal Event Log Allows you to select option to keep or clear Thermal events logs.

By default, the Keep Log option is selected.

Power Event Log
Clear Power Event Log Allows you to select option to keep or clear Power events logs.

By default, the Keep Log option is selected.


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