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Dell Active Pen PN579X Support Center

Summary: Explore Dell Active Pen PN579X support - setup guide, troubleshooting tips, FAQs, and compatible computers.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Symptoms

No symptoms information.

Cause

No cause information.

Resolution

Table of Contents:

  1. Compatible Computers
  2. Setup
  3. Drivers
  4. Inking Mode
  5. Troubleshooting
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. Informational Video

Compatible Computers

The following computers are compatible with the PN579X Dell Active Pen.

 
  • Latitude 3390 2-in-1 #
  • Latitude 5285 2-in-1
  • Latitude 5289 2-in-1
  • Latitude 5300 2-in-1
  • Latitude 5300 2-in-1 Chrome *
  • Latitude 5310 2-in-1
  • Latitude 5320 2-in-1
  • Latitude 5420 2-in-1
  • Latitude 7200 2-in-1
  • Latitude 7210 2-in-1
  • Latitude 7285 2-in-1
  • Latitude 7310 2-in-1
  • Latitude 7320 2-in-1
  • Latitude 7320 Detachable**
  • Latitude 7389 2-in-1
  • Latitude 7400 2-in-1
  • Latitude 7410 2-in-1
  • Latitude 7410 2-in-1 Chrome Enterprise *
  • Latitude 7420 2-in-1
  • Latitude 9410 2-in-1
  • Latitude 9420 2-in-1
  • Latitude 9510 2-in-1
  • Latitude 9520 2-in-1
     
  • Inspiron 5482 2-in-1
  • Inspiron 5485 2-in-1
  • Inspiron 5490 2-in-1
  • Inspiron 5491 2-in-1
  • Inspiron 5582 2-in-1
  • Inspiron 5591 2-in-1
  • Inspiron 7386 2-in-1
  • Inspiron 7579 2-in-1
  • Inspiron 7586 2-in-1
  • Inspiron 7620 2-in-1
     
  • Precision 5530 2-in-1
     
  • XPS 7390 2-in-1
  • XPS 9310 2-in-1
  • XPS 9575 2-in-1

* ChromeOS does not support Bluetooth pairing with the Dell Active Pens.
** The recommended pen for this computer is the Dell Latitude 7320 detachable Active Pen PN7320A.
# Only select configurations with pen-enabled displays offer Active Pen support.

 
Note: "In the case of a discrepancy with the information listed in this Compatibility section, the "Designed For" Version should be used."

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Setup

Download the PN579X User Guide and follow the instructions to setup your Dell Active Pen.

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Drivers

The Active Pen Control Panel can be downloaded on the Dell Support Site.

 
Note: The Active Pen Control Panel can only be installed on compatible computers using the Active Electrostatic (AES) inking mode. If your computer uses the Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP) inking mode, the Active Pen Control Panel is not required, and does not install.

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Inking Mode

The PN579X Dell Active Pen supports two inking modes: AES and MPP.

 
Note: The default inking mode of the pen is AES. If your computer uses MPP, you must switch the pen from AES to MPP inking mode.

See 'Inking Mode Switching' in the PN579X User Guide for the steps.

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Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions
Pen does not write when used for the first time. The computer is not compatible. See the list of Compatible Computers.
Operating System is not supported. Supported Operating Systems are Win 10 RS2 (Creators update) and above.
The AAAA battery is not installed correctly. Ensure that the AAAA battery is inserted with the positive side facing out.
Top cover is loose. Ensure that the top cover is tightened into the pen body.
The pen inking mode does not match the computer inking mode. Check the current inking mode of the pen (see 'Mode Checking between AES and MPP' in the User Guide). If the inking modes do not match, switch the pen inking mode (see 'Inking Mode Switching' in the User Guide).
Cannot pair pen with a device using Bluetooth. The computer is not compatible. See the list of Compatible Computer.
Bluetooth is not enabled on the device. Turn on Bluetooth on the device.
The bluetooth driver on the device is outdated. Install the latest Bluetooth driver on the device.
Pen writes intermittently or stops writing, or barrel buttons stop working. The AAAA battery is out of charge. Replace the AAAA battery.
Pen is not writing smoothly. Nib is worn out. Remove the existing nib and then replace it with the new nib that shipped with your active pen, see 'Tip replacement' in the User Guide.
Default functions for the barrel buttons do not work. Functions are not supported by application. Test the barrel buttons in OneNote or another application that supports these features.
Top button stops working. The pen is not paired correctly with the device. Remove the pen from the Bluetooth list in the device and pair it again.
The AAAA battery is out of charge. Replace the AAAA battery.
Pressing the top button once, twice, or for 1.5 seconds does not open the desired application. The desired application is not installed or not supported. Ensure that the desired application is installed and in the list of available applications in the Active Pen Control Panel. See 'Using Active Pen Control Panel' in the User Guide.
Pen is not paired with your device. Ensure that the pen is paired with your device. For more information, see 'Pairing with a Bluetooth device' in the User Guide.
Tilt support function does not work. Function not supported by application. Tilt support function is application-dependent. Use another application that supports this function.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • I installed the Active Control Panel but got an error message: "A supported tablet was not found." What is the issue?
    The Active Control Panel found in the Dell support page is required ONLY for computers that use the AES inking mode. If your computer is using the MPP inking mode, there is no driver installation that is required and you get this error message if you try to install the driver. To find the inking mode of your computer, see the list of compatible computers.

     
  • What is the default inking mode of the pen?
    The default inking mode of the pen is AES. If your computer uses MPP, you must switch the pen from AES to MPP inking mode. See 'Inking Mode Switching' in the User Guide for the steps.

     
  • What is the recommended battery type?
    Alkaline battery is recommended for this pen. The pen uses one AAAA battery.

     
  • How do I preserve battery life?
    To preserve battery life, ensure that the tip is not pressed when the pen is not in use. For example: When storing the pen, ensure that the pen is secure so that the tip is not accidentally pressed. Pressing the tip is equivalent to writing and drains the battery.

     
  • Does the pen have a power off option?
    The pen does not have a power off option. If the tip or side buttons have not been pressed for 10 minutes, the pen goes to sleep mode where the power consumption is lower. To switch the pen to active mode again, press the tip or any side button.

     
  • My tip is worn out. How do I get a replacement?
    The pen package comes with a spare tip and tweezers.
    Dell Active Pen PN579X Replacement Tip
    See 'Tip replacement' in the User Guide for more details. Alternatively, you can contact Dell Tech Support to get a replacement tip.

     
  • Why is the tilt function of the pen not working on my computer?
    Your computer does not support the tilt function. Features such as pressure sensitivity and tilt vary depending on computer capabilities.

     
  • What information is required when contacting Dell Tech Support?
    Before contacting Dell Tech Support, get the following information ready:
    1. Order Number.
    2. System Service Tag.
    3. The PPID is found on the box or on the label inside the pen. The PPID starts with CN.

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Informational Video

Dell Premium Active Pen - PN579X

Duration: 00:47
Closed captions: English only

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Affected Products

Dell Active Pen - PN579X, Inspiron 7386 2-in-1, Inspiron 5482 2-in-1, Inspiron 14 5485 2-in-1, Inspiron 5490, Inspiron 5491 2-in-1, Inspiron 15 5582 2-in-1, Inspiron 5591 2-in-1, Inspiron 15 7579 2-in-1, Inspiron 7586 2-in-1, Inspiron 16 7620 2-in-1 , Latitude 5285 2-in-1, Latitude 5289 2-in-1, Latitude 7200 2-in-1, Latitude 7210 2-in-1, Latitude 7285 2-in-1, Latitude 3390 2-in-1, Latitude 5300 2-in-1 Chromebook, Latitude 5300 2-in-1, Latitude 5310 2-in-1, Latitude 5320, Latitude 7310, Latitude 7320, Latitude 7389 2-in-1, Latitude 7400 2-in-1, Latitude 7410 Chromebook, Latitude 7410, Latitude 7420, Latitude 9410, Latitude 9420, Latitude 9510, Latitude 9520, Latitude 5420, Precision 5530 2 in 1, XPS 13 7390 2-in-1, XPS 13 9310 2-in-1, XPS 15 9575 2-in-1 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000133440
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 26 Sept 2024
Version:  10
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