Earlier models of the Dell XPS 13 had a few issues, one of which was either a blank screen on boot or random black screens during operation. With the release of the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1, we are preparing these tutorials just in case the same thing happens. If you do experience no video or a blank screen on the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1, try the tricks below.
In earlier models, the device would boot normally but the screen would not flicker or turn on. The fans would run as normal, HDD light flicker as it boots and the battery light stays lit. For all intents and purposes, the laptop is working normally but there is no display. Sometimes the screen would flicker or show the Dell boot screen and then go black again.
If your Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is new, or recent, you can take it back to where you bought it or to a Dell service center and have them check it out. You can also perform a few quick checks yourself and maybe fix it.
Fix blank screen issues on the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
If your XPS seems to load normally, there are a couple of things you can do to troubleshoot.
1. Allow the laptop to boot as normal and wait until the hard drive activity light has calmed down.
2. Press Ctrl and enter your login password if you have one set up and hit Enter.
3. Hopefully, your screen should come to life and load the Windows desktop
If this works for you, this is a known issue with Windows 10. Right click on the desktop, select Display settings and make sure the correct monitor is selected and that there is nothing selected under Multiple displays.
Another fix is to disable Fast Startup. While great in theory, Fast Startup is known to interfere in a few elements of Windows 10 so is definitely worth trying. You need the screen to work at least intermittently to configure this though.
1. Right click the Windows Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Select Power Options and the Choose What the Power Buttons Do text link.
3. Select ‘Change Settings That are Currently Unavailable’ near the top center of the window.
4. Uncheck the box next to Fast Startup.
You can also try installing updated graphics drivers if you can load the XPS into the desktop. You might also want to try disabling the setting in the Windows Power Plan that turns off the screen too just in case.
The Dell support website also has some useful information on fixing black screen issues.
If none of these tricks work and your Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is still under warranty, get it fixed under that warranty. While the screen is reliable, faults can happen. If the 2-in-1 has the same inline capacitor as older XPS 13 and 15, it is a known area of weakness. It can be changed at home, but a warranty claim is preferable if you can make one.
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