I have a Dell Precision 7510 with a USB-C port.
If I don't have a cable to test it with, is there a way to determine if my computer can charge through this port?
If I do have a USB-C cable that I can connect to a power source and I plug it into my laptop, will simply plugging it in give me a definitive answer, or is it possible that it won't charge through it until I configure it on my computer?
Best Answer
Most certainly, you won't. Although you won't get any confidence unless asking the dell support or trying it out, since I couldn't find any information regarding USB-C charging in the manual of your laptop. But here's how I come to my conclusion:
At first, if your laptop was enabled to be charged over USB type C, it most certainly would be mentioned in the manual. But the only two hits when searching the manual for "USB C" mention USB C for data transfers.
Then, Charging over USB type C is done using the USB type C Power Delivery specification. According to that specification, the maximum power that may be supplied over USB type C is 100 Watts (5 Ampere at 20 Volts). The output of your laptop's power supply is way higher than that, 180 Watts. Not surprising, regarding the hardware of your laptop. So you definetly won't be able to charge your laptop over USB type C while using it. And while it might be possible to charge your laptop over USB type C while turned off, the manufacturer probably didn't include this feature: If you can't charge your laptop using USB type C while in use, manufacturers tend to leave this feature out, even for the shut-down mode.
Furthermore, your laptop isn't listed in the list of USB type C chargeable laptops on wikipedia, which, of course, is not complete, but a good indicator.
Of course, you'll only get confidence by trying out or asking the dell support hotline. But don't be surprised to get a no.