If your Dell PC is stuck on the pre-boot system performance check, read this post to learn how to fix the issue. The pre-boot system performance check is a feature of Dell SupportAssist, integrated into the system firmware (UEFI/BIOS) as part of Dell’s diagnostic and recovery environment. It activates automatically if the system detects an issue during startup (or the boot process is interrupted), to check the hardware components for errors or failures.
While the check normally proceeds to load the operating system, it may get stuck during the scan if critical issues are detected.
Dell stuck on pre-boot system performance check
To fix your Dell PC if it is stuck on the pre-boot system performance check, use these solutions:
- Perform a hard reset
- Check for hardware issues
- Disable the Dell SupportAssist pre-boot system performance check
- Enable Secure Boot and change Boot Mode to Audit
Before you proceed, restart your PC once and see f the problem goes away.
1] Perform a hard reset
Many users have resolved the issue by performing a hard reset on their devices. It resets hardware components and clears any temporary glitches that cause the device to get stuck.
If you have a Dell laptop, power it off and disconnect all external devices. Remove the power adapter and battery (if removable). Hold the power button for at least 30 seconds to drain residual power. Reconnect the battery and adapter, then turn the laptop back on.
If you have a Dell desktop PC, shut down the desktop and unplug the power cable from the outlet. Disconnect all peripherals and hold the power button for 15-30 seconds to clear residual power. Plug the power cable back in and restart the system.
2] Check for hardware issues
Faulty components like the SSD, RAM, or peripherals can cause the system to hang during the pre-boot check. Isolate and test them as needed. A few users have resolved the issue by swapping out their keyboards.
3] Disable the Dell SupportAssist pre-boot system performance check
Restart your system. When the Dell logo is displayed, press the F2 key repeatedly to access the BIOS Setup.
In the left pane, navigate to SupportAssist System Resolution or SupportAssist or Update,Recovery depending on your BIOS version.
In the right pane, clear the SupportAssist OS Recovery check box or toggle off the SupportAssist OS Recovery switch.
Press F10 to save changes and exit the BIOS.
After disabling the setting, your system will skip the pre-boot check on future startups unless you trigger it manually.
4] Enable Secure Boot and change Boot Mode to Audit
This solution might help bypass the issue if your Secure Boot settings are misconfigured.
Restart your system and press F2 repeatedly during startup to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. Navigate to the Boot or Security tab (depending on your system) and locate the Secure Boot option. Ensure that Secure Boot is set to Enabled.
Under the Secure Boot settings, look for the Secure Boot Mode option and change it to Audit mode.
Press F10 to save changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.
I hope this helps.
Read: An unexpected error occurred in Dell SupportAssist
How to exit Dell pre-boot system assessment?
If the assessment is already running, allow it to be completed. It will display the test results once done. To manually cancel the assessment, press the Esc key during the test to cancel it. Then press and hold the power button to reboot your system. Press F12 repeatedly to access the Boot Menu. From there, select Exit or boot into the operating system manually.
Read: Dell SupportAssist has detected a failing component
How long does a pre-boot system performance check take?
The time depends on the hardware configuration (e.g., number of drives, RAM size) and the type of scan (quick vs. full diagnostics). On average, a quick scan takes a few minutes (2-5 minutes) while an extended or full diagnostics can take 10 minutes to several hours, especially for detailed hard drive tests.
Read Next: Dell SupportAssist keeps popping up in Windows.