In this video, we will introduce the new Dell power button sync feature, common use cases and detailed examples of how this feature works. The Dell power button sync is a bidirectional power button sync feature that allows a user's PC power state to be controlled using the monitor's power button and vice versa. Compatible with select Dell products. The sync is enabled via USB type C connection. When active Dell power button sync places easy control over your connected productivity devices, a button press or cable connection away for this feature to work. There are a few conditions first, both the laptop and monitor must support Dell power button sync.
Also the connection between the laptop and monitor must be made via USB C. Let's go into more detail on how the monitor power button behaves according to different connection types between the laptop and one or more monitors. There are three distinct scenarios. In scenario one, a single monitor is connected directly to a laptop via USB C. In this case, the monitor will mimic the behavior of the laptop's power button. In scenario two multiple monitors are connected directly to a laptop via USB C. In this case, all of the monitors will mimic the behavior of the laptop's power button. In scenario three, multiple monitors are connected to a laptop via Daisy chaining with only one monitor connected directly to the laptop via USB C.
In this case, only the directly connected monitor will mimic the behavior of the laptop's power button. The second monitor will not be affected by Dell power button sync. Now let's delve deeper into how different user actions influence the behavior of Dell power button sync based on varying monitor and laptop power states. There are four types of user actions that can activate Dell power button sync. These include connecting the monitor to the laptop via USB C cable, a quick power button press pressing and holding the power button for four seconds, pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds. Firstly, simply connecting the monitor to the laptop via USB C will wake the laptop on connection as long as the monitor is switched on or is in standby mode.
Wake on connection will put both the monitor and the laptop in a working state. When the cable is plugged in that said wake on connection does not work if the monitor is turned off for the second user action. A quick press of the power button while the monitor is connected to the laptop via USB C cable. This case is simple pushing either power button will have the same expected result as if one were to push the power button on their laptop. For example, if both devices are switched off or are in sleep or hibernate mode, a quick press of the power button will turn both devices on at once the same as you would be used to with your laptop's power button. Likewise, if your laptop and monitor are both running a quick press of the power button will send the laptop into an idle state and the monitor into standby mode. Note that these are both default scenarios and Dell power button sync will mimic the behavior of the laptop's power button depending on user defined power button behavior on windows.
Finally, we take a look at the 3rd and 4th user actions pressing and holding the power button for either four or 10 seconds. Again, this action works as one would expect it mimics the behavior of the host laptop. However, the user has it set up, for example, by default pressing and holding the power button for four seconds will prompt a laptop shutdown or shut off the computer from sleep mode. Likewise pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds will force a full laptop shutdown and also switch off the monitor. Now, let's explore a couple of real world scenarios to learn how Dell power button sync can be useful for users to start with.
Let's look at a wake on connection use case. Sam prefers to work with only his monitor connecting his laptop to the monitor and working with the lid of the laptop shut. Usually Sam would need to open the lid of the laptop to turn it on and close it again to resume work. Only on the monitor with wake on connection. Sam can simply connect his laptop with the lid close to a powered on monitor and he easily powers on both devices at once with the connection. Active SAM can also turn on, turn off or awake his laptop from sleep mode via the monitor power button.
Here's a use case for the button press or hold scenarios getting the most out of your all in one PC. Samantha uses a Dell Optiplex ultra 7090, which is a micro PC that is concealed within the monitor stand, creating a clean desktop experience. Dell power button sync allows users like Samantha to utilize a single power button on the monitor to power on power off or put her computer into sleep hibernate or soft off mode with ease. This creates a seamless all in one PC experience without Dell power button sync. Samantha would have needed to reach to the back of the monitor stand to access the Dell Optiplex Ultra then switch the monitor on separately using the monitor power button. This might not be intuitive for users who are not familiar with hot desking setups and there we have it Dell power button sync. Please be sure to check back on Dell support pages for the latest Dell power button, sync compatible monitors and laptops.
