The Dell XPS 13 9340 is a premium ultrabook with two Thunderbolt 4 ports that provide USB-C charging, data transfer, and display output. When USB-C charging stops working on Windows 11, the laptop may only charge through one port, charge intermittently, or fail to charge at all. This guide covers every cause and fix.
Why Dell XPS 13 9340 USB-C Charging Is Not Working
Thunderbolt Firmware or Intel Controller Driver Issue
The XPS 13 9340 uses Intel Thunderbolt 4 controllers managed by Thunderbolt firmware and the Intel Thunderbolt Controller driver on Windows 11. When the Thunderbolt firmware is outdated or the Intel Thunderbolt driver is replaced by a generic driver through Windows Update, USB Power Delivery negotiation fails on one or both ports. The charger may show as connected in Device Manager but delivers no power or only trickle charges at a very low wattage.
Power Delivery Wattage Too Low for XPS 13 9340
The Dell XPS 13 9340 requires a USB-C charger with at least 45W Power Delivery to charge while in use. A charger rated below 45W may not be recognised as a valid power source or may only slow-charge when the laptop is under load. Signs this is the cause include:
- Battery percentage decreases even when the charger is connected
- Notification says “plugged in, not charging” or “plugged in, charging slowly”
- Third-party charger works on other devices but not the XPS 13 9340
- Original Dell 60W or 65W USB-C charger works correctly while the third-party one does not
BIOS Battery Settings Limiting Charge Rate
Dell BIOS on the XPS 13 9340 includes a Custom Charge option that limits maximum battery charge to 80 percent for long-term battery health. When this setting is active and the battery is at 80 percent, charging stops and the laptop appears to have a broken USB-C charging port. The BIOS also includes an Express Charge option that some users accidentally disable, reducing charge rate significantly.
How to Fix Dell XPS 13 9340 USB-C Charging Not Working
Step 1: Check Dell BIOS Battery Charge Settings
- Restart the XPS 13 9340 and press F2 at the Dell logo to enter BIOS.
- Go to Power, Battery Settings.
- Verify Custom Charge is disabled or set to Standard (100% maximum) unless you intentionally use it.
- Enable Express Charge if it is disabled.
- Save and exit BIOS with F10.
- Connect your USB-C charger and verify charging resumes normally.
Step 2: Update Intel Thunderbolt Firmware and Driver
Go to the Dell support website and search for XPS 13 9340. Under Drivers and Downloads, filter by Chipset or Thunderbolt. Download and install the Intel Thunderbolt Firmware Update and the Intel Thunderbolt Controller driver for Windows 11. Install the firmware update first, restart, then install the driver. After both are installed, test USB-C charging on both Thunderbolt 4 ports with a 60W or higher Power Delivery charger.
Step 3: Test with Dell 60W or 65W USB-C Charger and Reset Power
If a third-party charger is not working, test with the original Dell 60W USB-C charger or a USB-C charger rated at 65W or higher with Power Delivery. If the original charger works, the third-party charger does not meet the wattage requirement. For a complete power reset, shut down the XPS 13 9340, disconnect all cables including the USB-C charger, hold the power button for 30 seconds, then reconnect the charger before pressing the power button.
My XPS 13 9340 stopped charging via USB-C on one port. The Intel Thunderbolt firmware update from Dell support fixed the port that had stopped working. Both ports now charge correctly with a 65W PD charger. — Aisha R., Dell XPS 13 9340 user
Frequently Asked Questions
How many USB-C ports does Dell XPS 13 9340 have?
The Dell XPS 13 9340 has two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, both located on the left side of the laptop. Both ports support USB-C charging via Power Delivery, data transfer at up to 40Gbps, and display output for up to two external monitors. There is also a USB-A port and a microSD card reader. Either Thunderbolt 4 port can be used for charging with a compatible USB-C Power Delivery charger.
What wattage charger does Dell XPS 13 9340 need?
Dell recommends a 60W or 65W USB-C Power Delivery charger for the XPS 13 9340. A 45W charger can power the laptop but may not charge the battery when the processor is under heavy load. The included Dell charger is 60W. Third-party chargers must support USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) protocol, not just USB-C connector compatibility, for reliable charging on the XPS 13 9340.
Can I charge Dell XPS 13 9340 with a phone charger?
A standard phone charger is rated at 5W to 25W, which is below the 45W minimum for reliable XPS 13 9340 charging. The laptop may show as connected but the battery will drain during use. Some phone chargers with USB-PD at 45W or higher will charge the XPS 13 9340 slowly. For reliable charging, use a charger that specifies USB Power Delivery at 60W or above.
Why does XPS 13 9340 USB-C charging work on one port but not the other?
Port-specific charging failure usually means one Thunderbolt 4 controller is not functioning correctly due to a firmware or driver issue. Update the Intel Thunderbolt firmware and driver from Dell support as described in the fix steps above. If only one port works after the firmware update, the non-working port may have a hardware fault and Dell support should be contacted for a warranty repair.
Conclusion
Dell XPS 13 9340 USB-C charging not working on Windows 11 is most often caused by outdated Intel Thunderbolt firmware, a charger below the required 45W Power Delivery minimum, or a BIOS Custom Charge setting limiting the battery to 80 percent. Check BIOS battery settings, update Intel Thunderbolt firmware and driver from Dell support, and test with a 60W or higher USB-C Power Delivery charger. These steps resolve USB-C charging failures on the XPS 13 9340 in most cases.
Ryan holds a Computer Science degree and has over 20 years of hands-on experience with PC hardware, software, and driver troubleshooting. He is the author behind softwaredriverdownload.com, where he helps everyday users fix driver issues quickly and accurately.
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