We face dozens of issues with technology every day. Swollen batteries, faulty routers, overheating, data security etc., the list goes on. One issue we’ve all faced is the laptop that won’t turn on.You turn it off, but it simply refuses to power back on no matter how many times you press the power button. Maybe it shut off on its own, or perhaps you restarted it to fix another issue, either way the screen is dark and the panic is setting in. Don’t worry, there’s a few reasons for why this happens, and a few tricks that might help bring your computer back to life.
Problem: There are several reasons why a computer may not power on properly. First and foremost it could be a dead battery. The computer may have overheated, the hard drive may be failing due to age or a general fault, a specific software may not be compatible with the device, or it may be a power fault due to a storm producing a power surge.
Solution: Fortunately, there are several things to try before you give up and retire the device. First, though it might have been the first thing you tried, plug it into a power source to ensure it’s not a dead battery. Try multiple power sources to make sure it’s not just a faulty outlet, and if your outlet is connected to a lightswitch double check that the switch is on.
For PCs, it could be a problem with the monitor. If the computer itself is starting and just the monitor is dark, it may be a display issue. Make sure all cables/cords are plugged in correctly and receiving power. You can also plug your computer into a different monitor altogether to pinpoint whether or not it’s your display specifically causing problems. Interference from other devices may also cause issues. Try unplugging all other devices such as printers, webcams or external hard drives from your device. Some computers make faint noises or beeps when they’re turned on to indicate if things are working properly or if something’s gone wrong. Check the device’s manual for what the sounds could mean.
PCs have a safe mode which only loads a limited amount of programs. Some other tricks to try work for laptops as well such as restoring the device to previous settings, or forcing a restart which may be different for each device/brand. Check the manufacturer’s website or manual for force restart or restoration instructions.
Another possible solution for any device is to make sure it’s getting proper air supply. Devices may overheat when vents are covered, which can lead to a number of issues. If you’re using a laptop try propping it up on a sturdy surface like a book or a box to provide more air flow. If you are a PC user, make sure all vents/airways are unobstructed.
Technology can be frustrating at times, but more often than not there’s a reason for the malfunction, and sometimes the solutions are simple. Other times they’re not. If none of these solutions seem to work, contact the manufacturer or a third party repair professional for further assistance.