Laptop Won’t Power On or Is Frozen – What to Do
If your laptop won’t turn on or has become unresponsive, follow the steps below before submitting a ticket. These steps often resolve the issue without needing IT intervention.
⚡ Step 1: Check the Power Source
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Ensure the power adapter is plugged in securely
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Try a different wall socket
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Inspect the power cable for any signs of damage
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Use a known working charger (if available)
🔋 For laptops with removable batteries:
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Remove the battery
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Hold the power button for 15–20 seconds
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Reinsert the battery and try powering on
🔄 Step 2: Perform a Forced Restart
If the laptop is on but frozen or stuck:
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Hold the power button for 10–15 seconds until the device shuts off
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Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on
✅ This works for most unresponsive Windows laptops and Chromebooks.
💡 Step 3: Remove External Devices
Disconnect everything:
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USB drives
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External monitors
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Docking stations
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Mouse/keyboard
Then try powering the laptop back on. External devices can sometimes block boot-up.
🖥️ Step 4: Check for Display Issues
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Check screen brightness
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Connect the laptop to an external monitor to test for a display issue
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Listen for fan noise or keyboard lights—if those are on but there’s no display, the screen may be the issue
🧼 Step 5: Clean the Vents (Overheating)
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Overheating can cause automatic shutdowns
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Ensure vents aren’t blocked or dusty
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Use compressed air to clean the vents if available
🆘 When to Contact IT
If your laptop still doesn’t power on or is unresponsive after trying the above steps, please submit a ticket and include:
Submit your ticket via the IT Help Desk Portal.
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