Laptop won't turn on? Step-by-step tests before you pay for a repair
Start with the simplest thing
When a laptop "won't turn on", the problem is often smaller than it looks. Run this sequence in order.
1. Confirm power is getting in
- Plug in the charger and see if any light comes on at the laptop.
- Try another socket and, if you have one, another compatible charger.
- See our guide if the laptop won't charge.
2. Do a power drain (fixes many cases)
- Unplug the charger.
- If the battery is removable, take it out.
- Hold the power button for 30 seconds.
- Plug just the charger back in and try to power on.
This drain ("hard reset") clears power trapped in the components and brings many "dead" laptops back to life.
3. Powers on, but the screen stays black?
- Hear the fan and see lights, but nothing on screen? Connect an external monitor over HDMI.
- If a picture shows on the monitor, the problem is the laptop's screen — see the cracked screen guide.
- If nothing shows on the monitor either, it could be the RAM or the board.
4. Powers on and straight back off?
Usually poorly seated RAM or overheating. If you know how to open the cover, remove and firmly reseat the RAM modules. If the laptop is very hot and shutting itself down, it may be dust packed in the fan.
5. Beeping or flashing lights in a pattern?
Many laptops signal the fault with beeps or a pattern of flashing lights. Note the pattern (for example 3 flashes, pause, 3 flashes) — it helps us identify the part before we even open it.
When to bring it in
If you've been through all this and the laptop still shows no sign of life, it's most likely the charging port, the RAM, the drive or the board — and that needs a diagnosis. Don't force it or keep hitting power: if there's a short circuit, you can make it worse.
At our shop in Entrecampos we run the diagnosis and tell you what it is before going ahead. Laptop repair in Lisbon.
Rather we did it for you?
We do this work every day at our shop in Entrecampos (Rua de Entrecampos 34A, Lisbon — right by the Entrecampos metro and train station). Over 8,000 devices repaired since 2023 and 4.9★ on Google.
New parts come with a 3-year legal guarantee (Portuguese law DL 84/2021). Tell us the model and we'll give you the price on the spot.