This article discusses the boot process on Dell XPS 15 laptops through a device attached to a USB port.
Among the items detailed are how you get your Dell XPS to boot from the USB and how to enable this option through UEFI boot mode.
Dell XPS Boot With USB
The boot process for a Dell XPS 15 laptop is the same as the computers of other manufacturers.
Upon powerup, a Power On Self Test (POST) is conducted to ensure everything is in working order.
Two of these are the basic input/output system (BIOS) and Read-Only Memory (ROM).
Together, they initiate the startup of peripherals and systems needed to run the laptop’s operating system (OS). These are comprised of the hard drive, random access memory (RAM), and central processing unit (CPU).
As long as all the internal steps are properly processed the user is prompted for a login.
Unfortunately, there are circumstances where the POST detects an issue that prevents the Dell XPS from moving forward. The most serious of these is an error that reports “No boot device detected.” This means the files and/or mechanisms needed to bring the system up aren’t available.
This could be due to software corruption or a hardware failure.
These difficulties do not mean the system is completely dead.
There is a way to boot the Dell XPS and restore the files required for a successful startup.
The process is done via a thumb drive inserted into an external USB port.
How Do I Get My Dell XPS To Boot From USB?
To get your Dell XPS laptop to boot from the USB you first need to load the storage stick with the appropriate files.
You can find the recovery & restore items from the Dell support site Once this is done, you insert the drive into an open and active USB port on your laptop.
Since you aren’t able to get into the OS if a boot device isn’t detected, you need to kick the process off through the portable storage device.
This means accessing the BIOS and System Setup menus from the Dell logo screen. These are accessible from the F12 function key once it appears.
Once you access these menus follow the prompts to change the boot device and their order. You need to switch it to USB so it works with the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UFEI).
A restart calls the portable drive with the necessary recovery files.
How Do I Boot My Dell XPS 15 7590 From USB?
You boot your Dell XPS 15 7590 from a USB the same way mentioned above. The port where you install the portable storage device must be active.
If there is an issue with it, then the Master Boot Record (MBR) and loader won’t recognize the location.
How Do I Enable Boot From USB option With UEFI Boot Mode Enabled Dell?
First, restart your Dell XPS laptop with the USB plugged in. When the Dell logo appears hit the F12 button. This brings up the boot menu.
Don’t select the thumb drive yet if it’s seen. Instead. go to Bios Setup then Boot Sequence. Verify that the BIOS is set to UEFI and secure boot is enabled.
Next, disable the ROMS legacy option. Return to the Boot Sequence main menu. The Add Boot Option window should appear.
Type Ubuntu in the provided field to represent the USB component. Click the button to the left of this area for the EFI Boot Selection window.
From the drop-down menu choose FS0 and EFI. Use the directories section to navigate to the SHIMx64 EFI option. This creates a new option at the top of the boot menu. Save all options and exit.
The Dell XPS laptop restarts automatically. Again, press F12 when the logo screen comes up. Select the name you entered in the previous step from the boot menu.
A graphical user interface (GUI) for the installer appears. Select the option to run the recovery programs.
Can I Boot From USB In UEFI mode?
Yes, you can boot from USB in UEFI mode. However, you must make sure you select the right option mentioned above to activate this option.
Don’t select the USB port that initially pops up when you enter the system menu.
Final Thoughts
When no boot device is detected during startup there’s a way to recover & restore the needed information.
It’s done through a thumb drive or other device inserted into a USB port.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t happen automatically.
You must engage this type of boot device from the setup menu, which is done by pressing the F12 key at the Dell logo screen.
The proper setup allows you to make the USB the primary boot outlet in UEFI mode.