Troubleshooting a laptop that won’t turn on can be an infuriating experience, so if you’re struggling to get your Acer laptop up and running again – we got the easy way out! We’ll show you sixsteps that are easy to follow and will help diagnose the issue.
Fixing your device doesn’t always have to mean disassembling parts or spending money at the repair shop; with a bit of guidance, you can troubleshoot the problem yourself using our helpful tips.
Reasons Acer Laptop Won’t Turn ON
The most common reason why an Acer laptop won’t turn on is because of a dead battery. Some other reasons could be due to an issue with the laptop’s hardware or software, corrupted BIOS settings, or even spilled liquids on the device. Make sure of the following points:
- Power Source: Sometimes your AC Adapter is plugged in but not properly connected to the laptop, making it unable to turn on. Check if your AC Adapter is plugged in correctly and firmly connected to the laptop, with no signs of damage or loose connections.
- Battery: The laptop battery is a key factor when it comes to power on the laptop. Check if your battery is charged and working properly. If not, try charging your battery for a few hours before attempting to turn it on again.
- Hardware Malfunction: Sometimes hardware malfunctions can also cause an Acer laptop not to power up; in this case, you must check for any physical damage or loose parts, such as a loose wire connection.
- Overheating: Overheating is another common issue that can prevent your laptop from turning on. Check if there are any obstructions blocking the vents, and make sure the laptop isn’t placed in direct sunlight or near a heat source such as a radiator.
- External Hardware: Any new element on the laptop which did not come with the laptop at the time of purchase, such as hard drives, RAM memory, and Wi-Fi adapters, can cause the laptop to not turn on by interfering with its normal operations.
Fixes for Acer Laptop Won’t Turn ON
Here are some simple, tried, and tested ways to solve this common computing hiccup and save time (as well as plenty of frustration!) while getting back out into the digital world.
Disclaimer: Be aware that opening up your laptop may void its warranty, so proceed with caution and at your own risk. It is recommended to take professional help if you are not sure about what to do. The writer of this article will not be responsible for any damages caused due to following the instructions mentioned in this article.

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Fix 1: Ensure the Laptop Charger Is Working
Even something as insignificant as a drained laptop battery can be the culprit behind your computer refusing to power up. Make sure the charger is plugged in securely and that the cable connecting it to your laptop is in good condition.
To check if the charger is working correctly, either plug your charger into another device or try using a different charger if you have one.
Note: On average, a standard computer power supply can retain its efficacy for up to five years. Once this duration has been reached, the device may begin to lose potency and potentially lead to an unstable system operation.
Fix 2: Replace the CMOS Battery
Your laptop’s CMOS (or Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) is a tiny button-like battery that helps to keep your system’s BIOS settings intact when the power is switched off. If this device is malfunctioning, it can cause various issues, such as preventing your computer from turning on. The usual life span of the battery is anywhere around ten years, and you can easily replace it.
If you’re looking to switch out the CMOS battery yourself, here’s how you can do it:
- Remove the battery of your laptop and start unscrewing the screws of the back cover using a screwdriver.
- After unscrewing the screws, carefully detach the back cover using a scale or similar object.
- Look for the CMOS battery panel at the corner of the motherboard area.
- Carefully remove the current CMOS battery from its slot. Remember to be very careful as the slot is fragile, and you may break it.
- After removing the battery, leave the slot empty for 15-20 minutes.
- Now, after the break, insert the new CMOS battery, and screw the back cover properly.
- Power your system and check if the laptop is turned on.
Note: If you are not tech-savvy or amateur with computers, it is recommended to take the help of experts as the following steps are too technical, and even a minor mistake can be fatal for your laptop.
Fix 3: Clean Your Laptop and the Keyboard
Sometimes the dirt, dust, or other substances that pile up on your laptop can cause it to malfunction. Use a compressed air spray (or an electric duster) to clean out all the dirt from the vents of your laptop as well as from its keyboard. A thorough cleaning can do wonders for your computer’s performance and help you avoid any unexpected shutdowns.

You can clean your laptop an average of once in four to 6 months; however, if you’re an avid user and your laptop is regularly exposed to dust or dirt, we suggest cleaning it at least once a month.
Note: If you are not tech-savvy or amateur with computers, it is recommended to take the help of experts as the following steps are too technical, and even a minor mistake can be fatal for your laptop.
- Open up your laptop and clean any dust that has accumulated inside it using a soft brush or canned air.
- Make sure to disconnect the power cable before opening up the laptop to avoid any electric shock.
- Once you have cleaned the dust out of your laptop, plug it back in and try turning it on.
Fix 4: Try Connecting an External Display
If your laptop fails to power up, it may be due to an issue with its internal display. Try connecting an external display, such as a larger monitor or TV. This will help identify if the issue is with your laptop’s display or something else, such as a radiator. If the external monitor works, there may be an issue with your laptop’s display, and you may need to replace it.
Fix 5: Inspect Any Loose Cables
If nothing else seems to work, it is likely that the issue may be due to a loose cable. Open up your laptop and check for any cables or wires which have become loose, and make sure all the connections are secure.
Before you begin, ensure the laptop is shut off and unplugged from its power source. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can be avoided by contacting a metal object or by wearing an ESD wrist strap.
- Open up the laptop and carefully inspect all cables for any potential looseness or damage.
- Be sure to carefully inspect the power cable linking the PSU and motherboard. Make certain it is firmly connected at both points.
- Should you spot any cables that have come undone, carefully attach them to their rightful port and ensure they are fastened in properly.
- If you don’t feel confident tinkering with the inner workings of your laptop, it’s advisable to find an expert to take a look at it for repair.
Once you have followed all these steps, try turning on your laptop and see if the issue is resolved.
Fix 6: Hard Reset Your Laptop
If nothing else seems to work, you can try a hard reset of your laptop. Hard resetting will completely erase all the data on your laptop and set it back to its original factory settings. Though this can be tedious, it is often the only solution for some laptops.
To perform a hard reset:
- Remove all external hardware components from your laptop and disconnect the laptop charger.
- Now press and hold down the “Alt” and “F10” keys for about 15-30 seconds to see the Acer logo appear on the screen.
- You will be taken to the ‘Choose an Option’ Screen where Troubleshoot should be chosen.
- To begin the troubleshooting process, select ‘Reset this PC’ from the Troubleshoot window.
- Choose ‘Remove Everything’ to fully reset your laptop.
- The laptop will be turned on, and you will see the manufacturer’s logo (in this case, Acer)
- Finally, you will get the option to Start Windows Normally.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to take good care of your laptop and keep it in top condition. If something goes wrong, the above steps can help you identify and fix the issue. While some of these fixes are simple enough to do on your own, such as hard resetting the device, connecting it to an external display, and making sure the charger is properly connected, other solutions may require professional help.
If you are not confident in your technical abilities or don’t have the right tools (like an ESD wrist strap), it’s best to take your laptop to acer professional technician for repair.
Is it dangerous to tinker with the inner workings of my laptop?
Not necessarily, but it is important to take all necessary precautions. Be sure to ground yourself before you begin, and never touch any areas that may have electricity running through them, such as capacitors or other components on the motherboard. If in doubt, it’s always best to take your laptop to a professional technician for repair.
What should I do if my laptop is still not working after trying all these fixes?
If none of the above solutions seem to work, it may be necessary to seek help from professional technicians. They will be able to identify and diagnose any hardware or software issues with your laptop and recommend the best course of action to remedy any damages.