HP Laptop Won’t Turn ON? Here Is How to Fix

If your HP laptop doesn’t turn on, it can be frustrating, specifically when you need it urgently for work. However, there’s no need to worry – it’s a common problem, and there are ways to fix it.

In this post, we’ll explore possible causes and some of the most effective solutions to this issue. We’ll also share some tips on preventing this problem in the future. So let’s get started and find out how to revive your laptop!

Why My HP Laptop Won’t Turn On?

There could be several grounds why your HP laptop won’t turn on. Here are some possible causes:

1. Battery issues: If your laptop is not charging or the battery is dead, it may prevent your HP laptop from turning on. Ensure the laptop is correctly connected to a power source. Try removing the battery and reinserting it to see if that helps.
2. Power supply issues: The power supply unit or charger may be faulty, or the power outlet may not work. Try a different power outlet or charger to see if that solves the problem.
3. Hardware issues: There may be an issue with your HP laptop’s hardware components, such as a faulty motherboard or a damaged hard drive. If you hear unusual noises, such as clicking or grinding sounds, it may indicate a problem with the hard drive.
4. BIOS issues: If the BIOS is corrupted or not configured correctly, it could prevent your HP laptop from turning on.
5. Software issues: Your HP laptop’s operating system or software may be causing the problem. This could be due to a corrupted operating system, a virus, or outdated drivers.

How to Fix an HP Laptop Which Isn’t Turning On?

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.

Fix 1: Check the Power Supply and Battery

1. Check the power supply if your HP laptop won’t turn on even when plugged in.
2. Several issues could be causing the problem, including having the wrong charging cord or a failed power supply. 
3. To determine if the power supply is the issue, remove the laptop battery and plug the laptop into a functioning outlet.
4. Confirm the outlet is functioning correctly by plugging another device into it. If it works, the issue is different from the outlet.
5. If you can power your laptop without the battery installed, the issue isn’t the power supply. It’s your battery.
6. You’ll need to buy a new battery, but you can still use your laptop without it by using AC power only.

Fix 2: Change CMOS Battery

HP laptops use a type of memory called CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) to store necessary configuration settings, including BIOS settings and time/date information. Unfortunately, if the CMOS battery is not functioning correctly, it can prevent your laptop from turning on.

Suppose you’ve already checked that the power outlet, battery, and charger are all working correctly. In that case, it’s possible that the CMOS battery needs to be replaced. You can do this by opening up your laptop and replacing the drained battery with a new one. CMOS batteries are readily available in laptop repair shops or online stores like Amazon.

However, replacing the CMOS battery involves technical steps, so it’s recommended to seek help from experts if you’re unfamiliar with computer hardware. Here are the steps to change the CMOS battery:

1. Remove your laptop’s battery and start unscrewing the screws of the back cover using a screwdriver.
2. After unscrewing the screws, carefully detach the back cover using a scale or similar object.
3. Look for the CMOS battery panel at the corner of the motherboard area.
4. Carefully remove the current CMOS battery from its slot. Remember to be very careful as the slot is fragile, and you may break it.
5. After removing the battery, leave the slot empty for 15-20 minutes.
6. After the break, insert the new CMOS battery, and screw the back cover properly.
7. Power your system and check if the laptop is turned on.

Fix 3: Diagnose Screen Issues

If your power supply is working, but your laptop screen is not displaying anything, you will need to troubleshoot further.

1. Disconnect all nonessential external display devices, such as projectors and monitors, to prevent them from interfering with your laptop’s startup processes.
2. If your laptop’s power button is lit and you can hear fans or noises, but there is no image displayed on the screen, turn off the lights in the room to check if there is a very faint image.
3. If there is a very faint image, it means the screen’s inverter has failed and needs to be replaced.
4. Alternatively, the brightness button may be broken, causing the screen to appear dark.
5. The LCD panel may be broken if your laptop starts up but has no image. While it is possible to fix a broken screen, replacing the entire laptop may be more practical, especially if it is an older model.

However, if the problem persists, it may be best to seek the assistance of a professional or consider replacing your laptop altogether.

Fix 4: Remove All Devices From Your Laptop

If you have a memory card, DVD, or USB drive plugged into your HP laptop, it could be why your laptop is not turning on.

The BIOS may be attempting to boot from the external device, causing the laptop to become stuck. Therefore, it is recommended to remove all external devices, including USB drives and memory cards, and attempt to power on your laptop again.

Fix 5: Use a Rescue Disc

Using a rescue disc lets you boot up your HP laptop and resolve any Windows operating system issues you may be experiencing. In the case of a virus causing problems on your computer, the rescue disc can identify it using scanning tools, enabling you to eliminate the malicious software from your system. One way to do it is via System Rescue CD.

The System Rescue CD, aptly named for its purpose, is a rescue disk based on Linux intended to diagnose issues with Linux and Windows systems and servers. This disk is loaded with various tools that facilitate managing or repairing partitions, backing up data, or cloning drives in case of a malfunction. It supports many file systems, including network files like NFS, which means you can work with any file on any drive anywhere. Additionally, the disk includes the following:

• Alternative bootloaders.
• System file editors.
• Network diagnostic and troubleshooting tools.
• Disc burning tools that allow you to burn data while using the disc.

Furthermore, it features anti-virus, anti-malware, and rootkit detection and removal tools.

Fix 6: Boot in Safe Mode 

If your HP laptop fails to power on, there’s a possibility to troubleshoot it by starting it in safe mode. Safe mode allows you to remove any new programs or drivers that may interfere with your laptop’s operation. Additionally, it enables you to establish a new user account if the original one has been corrupted.

To access safe mode, you must first enter the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE) by following these steps:

1. Hold the power button for around 10 seconds to turn off your device.
2. Turn on your HP device by pressing the power button.
3. When you see the initial sign that Windows has started, hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device.
4. Turn on your device by pressing the power button.
5. Hold the power button for almost 10 seconds to turn off your device once Windows restarts.
6. Turn on your device by pressing the power button.
7. Allow your device to start again into Automatic Repair and choose Advanced options to enter winRE.

Once you’re in winRE, perform the following steps to enter the safe mode:

1. Select Troubleshoot. 
2. Then Advanced options.
3. Then Startup Settings. 
4. Finally, Restart.
5. After your device restarts, choose option 5 from the list or press F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

Fix 7: Check the Hardware

The ultimate step to diagnosing power problems involves inspecting your hardware. If you have recently installed new hardware like a RAM kit, it could cause booting issues. You may need to remove and reinstall the latest hardware and try booting again.

Unfortunately, the hardware in your laptop, such as your hard drive, could malfunction, and there may be no straightforward solution. For example, if you hear a clicking noise or your drive spins and then powers down, it is a sign that your hard drive has failed. Typically, this means that you will need to replace your hard drive.

In such circumstances, having an external hard drive is smart since you can back up any critical files you may require.

Fix 8: Hard Reset Your Laptop

To fix the problem of your HP laptop not turning on, you can try doing a hard reset. This will reset your laptop settings back to their original state and remove any errors that might be causing the issue. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Power off your laptop and carefully remove the battery.
2. Remove all external hardware components from your laptop and disconnect the laptop charger.
3. Now press and hold down the power button for about 15-30 seconds to completely drain any electricity (residual electric charge) inside the laptop.
4. Insert the battery in the laptop and reconnect the charger. DO NOT connect any external peripherals right now.
5. Press the power button to turn your laptop on.
6. The laptop will be turned on, and you will see the HP logo.
7. Finally, you will get the option to Start Windows Normally.

Note: If your HP laptop has a battery that cannot be removed, you can still perform the steps above. However, you won’t need to remove the battery. Remember that because the battery cannot be detached, it may take longer for your laptop to entirely run out of power.

Fix 9: Get Professional Help

If you’ve tried everything and the problem persists, it may be caused by a hardware issue with your HP laptop, such as faulty parts or poor connections. If that’s the case, you must bring your laptop to an authorized repair shop to diagnose and fix it professionally. It’s also important to remember that taking preventive measures is the best way to avoid such issues in the future. So, please take good care of your HP laptop and use it carefully.

Summing Up

If your HP laptop isn’t turning on, there could be several reasons behind it. You can follow the steps outlined in this article to troubleshoot this issue. However, if none of the solutions work, it is recommended to seek professional help from a nearby repair shop or HP’s official service center. To avoid such issues in the future, it is crucial to take proper care of your HP laptop and handle it with caution.

When working on your HP laptop, it is essential to exercise caution and take the necessary precautions. It is only recommended to open or manipulate your laptop’s internal components if you are a professional with the required knowledge and skills. If you need clarification on any of the steps mentioned in this article. In that case, it is always better to seek professional help rather than risk damaging your HP laptop permanently.

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