Laptop computer doesn't turn on

Note: If this is a desktop computer, follow the POST troubleshooting steps

Troubleshooting a laptop that does not turn on or boot can be a lot harder than a desktop because of the inability to remove hardware from the laptop. Below are troubleshooting steps to help identify what may be keeping your laptop from turning on.

Connect the power cable

AC adapterIf your laptop is only running on battery power, connect the AC adapter to make sure a dead battery is not the cause of the problem. Ensure the adapter cord is correctly plugged in on both ends.

Also, if your laptop is using an AC adapter, make sure the cord going into it and the cord coming from it are securely connected.

Disconnect from docking station

If your laptop is connected to a docking station, disconnect it and try turning the laptop on to verify the docking station is not the cause of the issue.

Remove any external peripherals

While troubleshooting this issue, disconnect any external devices or peripherals, such as an external mouse or a USB device, to make sure they are not the cause of the issue.

Remove and reconnect battery

The laptop can also be in a power state preventing it from booting properly. Try disconnecting the power cable and then removing the battery from the laptop. Once done, leave both disconnected from the laptop for at least a minute. After you wait, put the battery back into the laptop, connect the power cable, and try turning the laptop on again.

Drain the computer of electricity

Sometimes a residual electrical charge can keep your laptop from turning on. You can think of it as an "electricity clog." By performing the following steps, you effectively drain your laptop of any electricity and start over, which can result in it powering up.

  1. Disconnect the AC adapter and remove the battery.
  2. Hold down the power button for at least fifteen seconds.
  3. Without replacing the battery, plug the AC adapter back into the laptop.
  4. Press the power button to turn on your laptop.

Note: If this process did not work for you, repeat and hold the power button for one minute or longer at step two.

Bad hardware

If you have gone through all of the sections above and your laptop continues to not turn on, it is likely a hardware component inside the laptop has failed. We suggest contacting the manufacturer of the laptop for recommendations on how to get it repaired.

You can also take your laptop to a computer repair shop and have them diagnose the hardware problem. The computer repair shop may be able to repair the laptop by replacing the bad hardware.