What does your laptop do when you press power
The first signs can point towards the part of the laptop that needs attention. Look and listen for a moment before repeatedly pressing the power button.
Quick checks before deeper diagnosis
Work through these simple checks before opening recovery tools or looking for replacement parts. Test the power button again after each relevant check.
Test the wall socket
Plug another device into the socket to check that it is supplying power. If you are using an extension lead or power strip, connect the laptop charger directly to the wall temporarily.
Check the charger and cable
Look for cuts, bent connectors, loose joins or a damaged adapter. Make sure the charger is connected firmly to the laptop and the socket.
Check the charging indicator
If the laptop has a charging light, note whether it comes on, changes colour or flashes when the charger is connected.
Disconnect accessories
Remove USB devices, memory cards, docks, external displays, drives and other accessories. A faulty accessory or connection can interfere with startup.
Check the display brightness
If you hear a fan or startup sound, the laptop may be running with a blank or very dim display. Try the brightness controls and disconnect any external display.
Allow time for charging
If the battery is fully flat, leave the laptop connected to its correct charger for a while before testing the power button again.
Step-by-step laptop power diagnosis
These checks help separate a power problem from a display or startup problem. If a step produces a new sign, follow the matching platform section below.
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Remove power and accessories
Disconnect the charger and all accessories, including USB hubs, memory cards, external screens and docking equipment. This gives you a simple starting setup.
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Reconnect the correct charger
Connect the charger designed for the laptop to a working wall socket, then connect it to the laptop. Check for a charging light or another sign that power is reaching the device.
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Try a power reset from the manufacturer
Check the support guide for your exact laptop model and follow its power-reset instructions. Do not open the case or disconnect an internal battery unless the manufacturer specifically provides a safe procedure for that model.
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Press the power button once
After the power-reset step, press and release the power button normally. Watch for lights, a fan, keyboard activity, a logo or an error message.
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Decide whether it is a display issue
If the laptop makes sounds, shows lights or responds to the keyboard but the screen is blank, treat it as a display or graphics problem rather than a completely dead laptop.
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Follow the operating system route
If a logo or recovery screen appears, choose the section for Windows, macOS or ChromeOS. If there are still no signs of power, the laptop may need manufacturer or repair support.
What to do if a Windows laptop powers on but will not start
If the laptop reaches a Windows logo, shows a blank screen or starts loading before stopping, Windows recovery tools may help. These steps are for a laptop that shows some response, not one with no power signs at all.
Blank screen
Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver. You may hear a sound or see the screen flicker.
Windows recovery
After repeated failed starts, Windows may enter recovery. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options to see the available tools.
Startup Repair
In Windows Recovery Environment, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
BitLocker reminder Windows may ask for a BitLocker recovery key when you enter recovery tools. If the laptop is encrypted, find the key through the Microsoft account or organisation that manages the device.
What to do if a MacBook will not turn on
Apple recommends checking the power connection, holding the power button and disconnecting accessories before arranging service. The process varies slightly between Apple silicon and Intel-based Mac computers.
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Check the cable, adapter and socket
Make sure the power cable is undamaged and firmly connected to the MacBook and a working socket. If you have another compatible Apple power cable or adapter, you can test it.
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Hold the power button
Press and hold the power button, or Touch ID button on a MacBook with Touch ID, for about 10 seconds. Release it, then press and release the button normally.
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Disconnect all accessories
Unplug drives, hubs, phones, printers, external displays and other accessories, then repeat the power-button step.
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Check whether the Mac is on with no picture
A blank display, flashing question mark or other screen can mean the Mac is powered on but not starting macOS normally. Follow Apple's startup guidance for the message shown.
If the Mac still does not turn on Apple says it may need service. Check the guidance for your model before opening the case or attempting an internal repair.
What to do if a Chromebook will not turn on
Google recommends checking the charger, socket and charging indicator first. If the Chromebook is charging but does not start, allow it to charge before trying further recovery steps.
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Check the charger and socket
Make sure the charger is fully connected to the Chromebook and wall. Unplug it from both, reconnect it to the Chromebook first and then reconnect it to the wall.
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Leave it connected to power
If the charging light appears, leave the Chromebook connected for at least 30 minutes before trying the power button again.
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Try a hardware reset
If it still will not start, follow Google's hardware-reset guidance for your Chromebook model. Avoid removing parts or attempting an internal battery repair yourself.
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Consider recovery only as a later step
ChromeOS recovery can remove local files and reinstall the operating system. Back up what you can first, and contact an administrator before working on a school or workplace Chromebook.
Chromebook storage reminder Files in Google Drive remain online, but files in the Downloads folder are local. Recovery can erase local data, so check Google's instructions before continuing.
When should you get further help
If the laptop still shows no signs of power after the socket, charger, accessories and model-specific power-reset checks, it may have a battery, charging-port, motherboard or other hardware fault. A laptop that powers on but has no picture may need display or graphics support instead.
No response after charging
Record the charger and indicator-light behaviour, then contact the laptop manufacturer or a qualified repair service with the exact model details.
Lights but no display
Disconnect external displays, try the platform display checks and arrange support if the screen remains blank.
Repeated startup failure
Use the Windows, macOS or ChromeOS recovery guidance for the message on screen. Do not erase the device before backing up important files.
Laptop power questions, answered
Why will my laptop not turn on even when it is plugged in?
The socket, charger, charging port, battery or internal hardware may be involved. Check the socket and charger, disconnect accessories and look for charging indicators before following the guidance for your operating system.
How can I tell if my laptop is on but the screen is blank?
Look for a power light, fan activity, keyboard lights, startup sounds or a response to keyboard controls. If you see any of these, disconnect external displays and follow the blank-screen steps for your operating system.
Should I keep pressing the power button?
No. Press it once after checking the power connection and following the model-specific power-reset instructions. Repeated forceful shutdowns can interrupt startup or recovery processes.
Can a flat battery stop a laptop from turning on?
Yes. Leave the laptop connected to its correct charger and check for a charging light. If it still shows no response after charging, the charger, port, battery or another component may need attention.
Should I factory reset a laptop that will not turn on?
Not as a first step. A factory reset will not repair a failed charger, battery, screen or other hardware, and recovery options can remove personal data. Diagnose the power and startup symptoms first.