Laptop Won't Turn On or Won't Charge

Laptop Won't Turn On or Won't Charge

A laptop that will not power on or is not charging can be caused by a drained battery, a faulty power adapter, a display issue, or a hardware failure. These steps will help you identify the problem before contacting the helpdesk.

If the Laptop Will Not Turn On

  1. Connect the charger. Plug in the power adapter and make sure the charging light on the laptop or charger is on. Leave it connected for at least 15 minutes before trying again, as a completely drained battery may not power the laptop immediately.
  2. Try a hard reset. With the charger disconnected, press and hold the power button for 15 seconds. Then reconnect the charger and press the power button normally.
  3. Check for signs of life. Listen for fan noise, check if any LEDs light up, and look closely at the screen (it may be on but very dim). If you can hear the laptop running but the screen is black, the issue may be the display, not the system. Try connecting an external monitor.
  4. Try a different power outlet. Rule out a dead outlet or power bar by plugging the charger into a different wall socket.

If the Laptop Will Not Charge

  1. Check the charger. Inspect the cable for damage, kinks, or fraying. Make sure the connection to the laptop is secure and fully seated.
  2. Try a different charger if one is available. If the laptop charges with a different adapter, the original charger is faulty.
  3. Check the charging port. Look for debris, lint, or damage in the laptop's charging port. Gently clean it with a dry, soft brush if needed.
  4. Check battery health. Click the battery icon in the system tray. If Windows displays a message like "plugged in, not charging" or "consider replacing your battery," the battery may need replacement.

When to Contact Support

If none of the steps above resolve the issue, submit a ticket with:

  • Your laptop make and model
  • What happens when you press the power button (nothing, lights but no screen, etc.)
  • Whether the charging light is on when plugged in

Laptop still dead? Submit a ticket and a CMO IT Services technician will assist you.

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