Dell Alienware X17 R2 keyboard backlit, battery, gpu question

jk22 · Aug 19, 2023

Hey,

I have 3 questions

1st Question: I want to know why backlit auto on when Windows 11 boots up. Is there any way to turn off and on it when I need it.

2nd Question: Is there any option in Alienware software or any other where we can charge battery upto 80% only and charger always plugged in.

3rd Question: How do I reduce GPU performance from Windows as I dont play games much.

Regards.

glasskuter · Aug 19, 2023

Question #1- First make sure you have latest bios. Then look in UEFI bios (F2 at boot) under System Configuration. Look for Keyboard Illumination or something similar.

Question #2 Dell instructions at the bottom of this list. How to Extend Your Windows Laptop's Battery Lifespan With a Battery Charge Threshold

Questions #3-There are settings in Windows, in GPU software, and in Alienware Command Center that affect this.
In Windows I suggest changing your power plan to Balanced. Search Power, select choose a power plan from search results.

This article explains how to increase gaming performance but maybe it can give you other ideas how to go the opposite direction and disable these enhancements within the GPU and Alienware software.. Maximizing your Gaming Performance | Dell US

jk22 · Aug 19, 2023

glasskuter said:
Question #1- First make sure you have latest bios. Then look in UEFI bios (F2 at boot) under System Configuration. Look for Keyboard Illumination or something similar.

Question #2 Dell instructions at the bottom of this list. How to Extend Your Windows Laptop's Battery Lifespan With a Battery Charge Threshold

Questions #3-There are settings in Windows, in GPU software, and in Alienware Command Center that affect this.
In Windows I suggest changing your power plan to Balanced. Search Power, select choose a power plan from search results.

This article explains how to increase gaming performance but maybe it can give you other ideas how to go the opposite direction and disable these enhancements within the GPU and Alienware software.. Maximizing your Gaming Performance | Dell US

Ok I will check it out.

I can only see this:

glasskuter · Aug 19, 2023

That article did say "While the Dell Power Manager Utility is compatible with all Dell computers, the Primarily AC Use feature may not be available for all devices."

In your screenshot, I do notice although it recognizes the battery and it charges, it says "unknown-the battery setting cannot be detected." Is that a genuine Dell battery?
Why I ask is like a lot of other Dell Proprietary stuff that cause problems for a user, Dell batteries have a sensor built in that might be the cause of that message. I say "might" as I can't say that for sure.

I'm sorry but I am not familiar with using the Alienware app myself, so don't know what all it can do. Hopefully an Alienware user can step in and help out with that. I do know there is a different Command Center version for every Alienware computer, and each version enables different features depending on the computer model.

I know this is not much help to answering your questions. If your laptop is new enough to be under warranty. I would take these questions straight to the source, Dell Support.

jk22 · Aug 20, 2023

glasskuter said:
That article did say "While the Dell Power Manager Utility is compatible with all Dell computers, the Primarily AC Use feature may not be available for all devices."

In your screenshot, I do notice although it recognizes the battery and it charges, it says "unknown-the battery setting cannot be detected." Is that a genuine Dell battery?
Why I ask is like a lot of other Dell Proprietary stuff that cause problems for a user, Dell batteries have a sensor built in that might be the cause of that message. I say "might" as I can't say that for sure.

I'm sorry but I am not familiar with using the Alienware app myself, so don't know what all it can do. Hopefully an Alienware user can step in and help out with that. I do know there is a different Command Center version for every Alienware computer, and each version enables different features depending on the computer model.

I know this is not much help to answering your questions. If your laptop is new enough to be under warranty. I would take these questions straight to the source, Dell Support.

Yeah its new and in warranty and I am thinking to ask directly from Dell support.

Flashorn · Aug 20, 2023

jk22 said:
Yeah its new and in warranty and I am thinking to ask directly from Dell support.

Hey JK!
If you're to access the Delldotcom support page, you'll have to create an account to have
any kind of support as is required by most sellers sites.

Support | Dell US

You should have some kind of app that you can access in order to make all kinds of changes
on your notebook as is the case with HP, MSI , Razer and so on. I have a MSI Raider and the
program (app) I have will allow to switch from balanced mode to extreme mode along with
overclocking and choosing a fan profile.

jk22 · Aug 20, 2023

Flashorn said:
Hey JK!
If you're to access the Delldotcom support page, you'll have to create an account to have
any kind of support as is required by most sellers sites.

Support | Dell US

You should have some kind of app that you can access in order to make all kinds of changes
on your notebook as is the case with HP, MSI , Razer and so on. I have a MSI Raider and the
program (app) I have will allow to switch from balanced mode to extreme mode along with
overclocking and choosing a fan profile.

Yeah you are right. My main focus is to fix the %% while AC Adapter is connected.