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4 min fix 3 min read Recently reviewedBeginner

By , IT support technician

Quick Answer

Unplug everything, plug in the power adapter directly to the wall, and hold the power button down for 30 seconds to perform a hard reset.

How to Fix a Laptop That Won't Turn On or Wake Up ​

Applies to: Windows 11, Windows 10, macOS
Article Type: Troubleshooting
Last Updated: 2026-07-10

Summary ​

This article guides you through troubleshooting a laptop that refuses to power on, wake up from sleep, or show anything on the screen.

Symptoms ​

  • Pressing the power button does nothing.
  • The screen remains black, but the keyboard or power lights turn on.
  • The laptop beeps or the fans spin, but the screen stays blank.

Prerequisites ​

  • Access to the laptop's original power adapter.

Instructions ​

Stop here if a drink was spilled on it. A hard reset is the wrong first move after a spill — powering the board on while it is still damp is what causes the permanent damage. Follow What to Do If You Spill Liquid on Your Laptop instead, then come back to this guide once the laptop has dried for 24 to 48 hours.

1. Perform a hard reset ​

  1. Disconnect all external devices, including monitors, mice, keyboards, and USB hubs.
  2. Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds to drain residual power from the motherboard.
  3. Release the button, wait 5 seconds, and press it once to turn the laptop back on.

2. Verify the power source ​

  1. Plug the laptop directly into a wall outlet, bypassing any power strips or docking stations.
  2. Check if the laptop's charging indicator light turns on.
  3. Wait 15 minutes to let a completely dead battery charge before attempting to turn the laptop on again.

3. Check for external monitor issues (Windows only) ​

  1. Check if the keyboard lights up or you hear fans spinning.
  2. Press the Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B. This restarts the graphics driver and can fix a black screen.

Troubleshooting ​

WARNING

If your laptop has a swollen battery (the bottom looks bulging, the laptop wobbles on a flat surface, or the trackpad is popping out), stop using it immediately and unplug it. This is a fire hazard.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Black screen with loud beeping noisesHardware failure (RAM or Motherboard)This requires a physical repair. Submit an IT support ticket.
Laptop turns on but immediately shuts offOverheating or completely dead batteryEnsure the vents are clear and it is plugged in directly to the wall outlet.