If your laptop does not turn on, or gets stuck and does not boot when powered on, there are things you can try and resolve the issue.

Below are troubleshooting steps to help identify what may be preventing your laptop from turning on. We recommend going through each of them for the best results.

Connect the power cable

Although it may seem obvious, if your laptop is running on battery power only, connecting the AC adapter may solve the problem. Ensure the adapter cord is correctly plugged in on both ends securely. If the laptop works with the adapter plugged in, your battery is dead or defective.

These steps are specific to laptop computers. For a desktop computer, see: Why won’t my computer turn on?

Before following these troubleshooting steps, disconnect any peripherals connected to your laptop, such as a mouse or a USB thumb drive.

Check AC adapter and power port for a bent pin

Some AC adapters have a pin in the end of the adapter that plugs into the laptop. Examine the adapter’s connector that plugs into the laptop and check if there is a bent or broken pin. If there is, the laptop is not receiving any power from the AC adapter. To fix the problem, the AC adapter needs to be replaced.

Some laptops have a pin inside the power port that helps make a solid connection to the AC adapter. If the pin is bent or broken, the laptop is not receiving any power. To fix the problem, the power port on the laptop needs to be repaired or replaced. However, depending on the type of laptop, this solution may demand a full motherboard replacement.

Disconnect from the docking station

If your laptop uses a docking station, disconnect it and try connecting the power cord directly to the laptop. Then, try turning on the laptop.

Remove and reconnect the battery

The laptop can also be in a power state that prevents it from booting. Disconnect the power cable and then remove the battery from the laptop. Leave both disconnected from the laptop for at least a minute. Then, put the battery back in the laptop, connect the power cable, and try turning on the laptop.

Many new laptops (especially MacBooks) are utilizing an architecture that does not allow their batteries to be removed. If your laptop does not have a removable battery, skip to the next section.

  • How to remove a laptop battery.

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 often results in it powering up.

  • Disconnect the AC adapter and remove the battery (if possible).

  • Hold down the power button for thirty seconds to drain any residual power from the laptop.

  • Without replacing the battery, plug the AC adapter back into the laptop.

  • Press the power button to turn on your laptop and verify that it boots correctly.

  • If the laptop powers on, shut down the laptop normally.

  • If you were able to remove the laptop battery, put the battery back in the laptop.

  • Power on the laptop again, and verify that it boots correctly.

Bad hardware

After going through the suggested troubleshooting steps above, if your laptop still does not turn on, the problem is likely a hardware failure. The most likely component to be at fault is the motherboard or processor. Unfortunately, more in-depth troubleshooting is required to determine the cause for the laptop not working. If faulty hardware is the culprit, repair or replacement is necessary.

If your laptop’s battery is not removable, still plug in the AC adapter.

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

  • How to test for hardware failures in a computer.

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, as they can diagnose the issue and replace the faulty hardware.

  • Why does my Laptop AC adapter not work?
  • See the boot and power up definition for further information and related links.
  • Laptop help and support.