Skip to main content
Acima Leasing Logo

Why Won't My Laptop Turn On?

Feb 25, 2022

Sometimes life can be hard — but why does it have to be so hard on our laptops? For those of us who rely heavily on our laptops, having a computer that won't turn on can bring our work — and even our lives — to a halt.

Your laptop may not be turning on for any number of reasons, but that reason shouldn’t remain a mystery. Read on to find out why your laptop won't turn on, and what you can do about it.

What to Check First

Before you start panicking, there are a few things you should check first. Run through this checklist to see if any of these common culprits explain why your laptop won't turn on.

Check Power Supply

One of the first things to check when your laptop suddenly won't turn on is the power supply. Many laptops run off an AC adapter, which gets its power from a wall outlet. This may seem obvious, but sometimes the most obvious solution is the right one: First, check to make sure your laptop is plugged in and switched on. Also, if there has been some serious damage to the wire, it might be time to invest in a new one.

Unplug All Devices

The next thing to check is whether other devices are having an effect on your laptop. Make sure all USB gadgets and other cords are removed from the computer. After this, try plugging in a different mouse or keyboard to see if your machine will start up with a new input device.

Do a Hard Restart

If your laptop doesn't turn on after completing all these tasks, you might need to do what’s known as a “hard restart.” To do this, hold the power button until the laptop shuts off completely. Then, press it again to power on your device. If this doesn't work, you might need to replace other parts, but make sure to check other possibilities first.

Listen for Sounds

During the hard restart process, listen to the sounds your laptop is making. This will help you determine whether the device is just taking a long time to turn on — or if it isn't powering up at all.

Check the Cooling Vents

You'll also want to check the cooling vents on your laptop. If they're blocked, this could prevent your laptop from turning on because of overheating. With compressed air or a brush, clean out any debris or hair that's stuck in the fan tray.

Replace the Battery

If your laptop still won't turn on, it may be time to consider replacing the battery. If you find that it's not working, order a replacement battery and remove yours before installing the new one.

See if the Screen Is the Issue

Oftentimes, your laptop screen will need to be replaced if it isn't turning on. This is why it's important to check other parts first. If you feel confident that it could be a part other than the screen, plug in your laptop and take out your laptop's battery to see if the computer will turn on without it.

Identify Recent Changes

Occasionally, if your laptop won't turn on, there may have been recent changes to the machine. Make note of any new hardware or software that has been installed or updated, to see if one of them is interfering with the startup process.

Find an Expert

If none of the above solutions work, you may need to take it to a pro for repair. Finding a reputable repair center can be a headache, but it's worth the effort. If you're not sure how to find one, check online for repair centers in your area and give them a call to see if they offer free estimates and what their prices are for their consultation services.

Avoid Laptop Breakdowns

Repairs can be expensive. Unfortunately, our laptops don't usually have a lifetime warranty, so you need to prepare yourself for the possibility of an unexpected repair bill. Take some time now to save up so that when your laptop breaks down, you won't have as many sleepless nights worrying about how you're going to pay for repairs.

You also may want to plan for what computer you’ll use in any downtime that is caused by your computer not working. Even if you're able to get it fixed quickly, there may be a few days before your laptop is up and running again. Make sure you have access to another computer or device during this time.

How Can Acima Help?

If your laptop has broken down and can't be repaired, it may be time to shop for a new one. If you're not prepared for the additional expense of getting a new computer, Acima can help make it easier with increased shopping power from thousands of merchant retailers. We can help you get the laptop you need with flexible lease-to-own* terms that put you in control.

Common Questions About Laptops

How can I take a screenshot on a laptop?

The steps needed to take a screenshot depend on the type of computer you’re using. With a Windows computer, you might use the Snipping Tool or the print-screen button to capture a screenshot and save it to your computer. To use the print-screen function, press the Cntrl+PrtScn keys. With a Mac® computer, the easiest way would be to either press Command+Shift+3 (to capture the entire screen) or Command+Shift+4 (to capture a specific portion of screen).

If you're having trouble figuring out what method works best for your computer, we recommend a simple Google search to see what’s best for you.

How can I connect AirPods® to a laptop?

AirPods work like any other Bluetooth® device. Typically, you can go to the settings section of your computer and enable Bluetooth connectivity. Once your Bluetooth is activated, place the AirPods in their case, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the light flashes white. Once you do this, the AirPods should show up on your computer, allowing you to connect.

How can I clean a laptop screen?

One simple way you can clean your laptop screen is to use a microfiber cloth and dampen it with water. It's important to note that you should only use the cloth on the outside of your laptop since you don't want any liquid to get inside your device.

Why is my laptop so slow?

There may be several reasons your laptop is running slow. One of the most common causes is that you're low on disk space and need to clean up some files. To do this, we recommend first backing up your computer with an external hard drive or a cloud-based app, then deleting old pictures and videos, then running a disk cleanup app. If you find that your computer is still running slowly even after doing this, it might be time to look into getting it repaired.

How long do laptops last?

The life of a laptop varies from computer to computer. If you use your laptop heavily, it's typically going to last around four years before you should consider getting a new one. However, if you only use the computer for lighter tasks such as checking email and browsing social media websites, then it can last upwards of six years.