How to Set Up GPS on Dell Latitude Rugged Laptops

If you’ve purchased a Dell Latitude rugged laptop with GPS from RevivedIT (models 5420, 5424 or 7424), this guide will help you understand how the GPS works and how to set it up for your navigation software.

We test every GPS module using u-blox u-center before shipping, so your GPS hardware is confirmed functional. If you’re having trouble getting a location fix, it’s usually just a matter of configuring your software correctly.

Understanding the u-blox M8 Neo GPS

These Dell Latitude rugged models use u-blox M8 Neo GPS hardware. Here’s what you need to know:

• The GPS appears in Windows as a Sensor (Windows Sensor API), not a traditional COM port
• Most modern mapping and navigation apps read location data automatically through the Windows Location Service
• Some specialized navigation, marine, or mapping software requires a COM port instead of the Sensor API
• If your app can’t see the GPS, it likely expects a COM port rather than a sensor

Step 1: Confirm Your GPS is Detected

1. Open Device Manager (right-click the Start button → Device Manager)
2. Expand the Sensors category
3. Look for u-blox GNSS Location Sensor or similar
4. If it’s listed, your GPS hardware is detected and ready to use

Step 2: Check if Your Navigation App Sees the GPS

Open your navigation or mapping software and check its GPS/location settings:

• Look for an option to use Windows Location, System Location, or Sensor API
• If your app has this option, enable it and you should be good to go
• If your app only offers COM port selection, continue to Step 3

Step 3: If Your App Needs a COM Port

Some navigation software (especially specialized tools, marine software, or older programs) requires a GPS device on a serial COM port. The u-blox M8 Neo doesn’t create a COM port by default, but you can create a virtual COM port that reads data from the Windows Sensor API.

Recommended Solution: GPS Complete

1. Download and install GPS Complete from https://www.gpssensordrivers.com/
2. GPS Complete includes a utility called GPS Reverse, which creates a virtual COM port from the Sensor API
3. Once installed, configure GPS Reverse to create a COM port (e.g., COM3, COM4, etc.)
4. Open your navigation software and point it to the COM port you just created

Note: There are other tools that can do the same thing, but GPS Complete is what we’ve tested and know works reliably. Refer to your navigation software’s documentation for specific COM port configuration steps.

GPS Placement Tips

GPS requires a clear view of the sky to get a location fix. For best results:

• Use your laptop near a window or outdoors with a clear view of the sky
• Avoid using the GPS indoors in the center of buildings or under heavy cover
• Allow 30–60 seconds for the GPS to acquire satellite lock when first turned on
• The internal GPS antenna is located in the display bezel—keep the screen open and angled toward the sky when possible

Quick Troubleshooting

GPS sensor not showing in Device Manager?

• Right-click the sensor in Device Manager → Uninstall device
• Restart your laptop and let Windows reinstall the driver automatically
• If it still doesn’t appear, contact us for driver support

GPS showing in Device Manager but no location fix?

• Check your antenna placement (see above)
• Make sure Windows Location Services are enabled: Settings → Privacy → Location → ensure “Location service” is On
• Try moving near a window or outdoors

Still having trouble?

• Double-check your navigation software’s documentation to confirm whether it uses Windows Location Service or requires a COM port
• If you’re still stuck, get in touch—we’re here to help

Tip: Most modern navigation apps work automatically with Windows Location Service. Only specialized software typically requires the COM port workaround described above.