Surface Laptop Won’t Turn ON

The Microsoft Surface Laptop is a popular and reliable device for personal and professional use. However, as with any electronic device, there may be times when you encounter issues, such as the Surface Laptop not turning on. This can be frustrating, as it can prevent you from accessing your data and using your device.

This issue has several potential causes, ranging from a dead battery to a hardware malfunction. Fortunately, you can take several troubleshooting steps to diagnose and resolve the problem and preventative measures to avoid it altogether. By familiarizing yourself with these troubleshooting steps and preventive measures, you can help ensure that your Surface Laptop remains in good working condition and that you can use it whenever you need to without any problems. 

In the following sections, we’ll explore some common reasons why a Surface Laptop may not turn on and provide tips for avoiding and resolving this issue.

Why My Surface Laptop Won’t Turn On?

There could be several reasons why your Surface Laptop won’t turn on. Some common causes include:

1. Dead battery: If wholly drained, your Surface Laptop may not turn on. Make sure it’s plugged in and charging.
2. Power supply issue: If the power supply is damaged or insufficient, your Surface Laptop may not turn on. Try using a different power supply or outlet.
3. Hardware issue: There could be an issue with the hardware, such as a faulty power button or motherboard.
4. Graphics card issue: If your Surface Laptop has a dedicated graphics card, it could be causing the device not to turn on. Check to make sure the graphics card is properly installed and functioning correctly.
5. Overheating: If your Surface Laptop overheated, it may have shut down to prevent damage. Let it cool down before attempting to turn it on again.
6. Driver issue: If there is an issue with the graphics card driver, it could prevent the Surface Laptop from turning on. Make sure the graphics card driver is up-to-date and functioning correctly.

How to Fix a Surface Laptop Which Isn’t Turning On?

Disclaimer: Be aware that opening up your laptop may void its warranty, so proceed cautiously and at your own risk. It is recommended to take professional help if you are still trying to figure out 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

If your Surface laptop won’t turn on even when plugged in, the first step is to check the power supply. A number of potential issues could be causing the problem, such as using the wrong charging cord or a failed power supply.

To determine whether or not the power supply is the issue, begin by removing the laptop battery and plugging the laptop into a functioning outlet. You can verify that the outlet functions correctly by plugging another device into it. If the outlet works, the issue is unrelated to the outlet.

If you can power your laptop without the battery installed, then the problem is not with the power supply. Instead, it’s a battery issue, and you’ll need to purchase a new one. However, you can still use your laptop by connecting it to AC power only, without using the battery.

Fix 2: Check the Laptop Charger

Suppose both the power outlet and battery are functioning correctly. In that case, your Surface laptop’s battery may have depleted. If so, you must charge the battery to get your laptop back up and running. However, if your laptop charger isn’t working, you won’t be able to charge the battery.

To verify whether or not your laptop charger is functioning correctly, try plugging it into another device to see if it powers on. If it doesn’t, you must replace the charger with a new one from the official store.

Fix 3: Plug Out External Hardware Components

If your Surface laptop has a memory card, DVD, or USB drive inserted, this could be the reason why your laptop isn’t turning on. The BIOS may be attempting to boot from the external device, causing the laptop to become stuck.

To resolve this issue, it’s advised to remove all external devices, including memory cards and USB drives, and try to power on your laptop once more.

Fix 4: Check the Graphics Card

A failed graphics card can also be a reason for your Surface laptop not turning on. The graphics card is accountable for rendering pictures on your laptop’s screen. If it fails, it can cause your laptop to freeze or not start up.

The signs of a failed graphics card include distorted or flickering images, frequent freezing or crashing of the system, and blank screens. Sometimes, the laptop may produce beeping sounds or show error messages during the boot-up process.

Connect your laptop to an external monitor to diagnose if the graphics card is the issue. If the external monitor works fine, the problem is likely with your laptop’s graphics card.

If you have confirmed that the graphics card is the issue, you may need to replace it. This process can be complicated, and it is recommended to seek professional assistance to avoid damaging other components of your laptop. In some cases, if the graphics card is integrated with the motherboard, you may need to replace the entire motherboard.

Fix 5: Change CMOS Battery

Surface laptops utilize a form of memory known as CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) to store basic configuration settings, including time/date information and BIOS settings. Regrettably, if the CMOS battery isn’t functioning correctly, it can prevent your laptop from powering on.

Suppose you’ve already confirmed 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 accomplish this by opening up your laptop and exchanging the drained battery for a new one, easily obtained from laptop repair shops or online retailers like Amazon.

However, it’s crucial to remember that changing the CMOS battery entails technical procedures, so if you’re unfamiliar with computer hardware, you should seek assistance from professionals. Here are the instructions for changing 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 6: Check for Drivers

Outdated drivers can also cause your Surface laptop not to turn on or function properly. Drivers are software that helps your laptop’s hardware intercommunicate with the operating system. If the drivers are outdated, deteriorated, or corrupted, they can prevent the hardware from functioning correctly, causing issues like the laptop not turning on.

If your Surface laptop is not turning on, it may not be possible to update drivers using the traditional method, installing from the internet. However, you can still try the following options:

1. Boot into Safe Mode: If your laptop is not turning on properly, try booting into Safe Mode. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and services and may allow you to access your system and update the drivers.
2. Use a bootable USB drive: You can create a bootable USB drive with the necessary drivers and try booting your laptop from it. This will allow you to update drivers without having to boot into Windows.
3. Remove the hard drive and update the drivers on another computer: If it is removable, you can remove it from your laptop and connect it to another computer as an external drive. From there, you can update the drivers and reinstall your laptop’s hard drive.

Fix 7: Hard Reset Your Laptop

To resolve the problem of your Surface laptop not turning on, you can perform a hard reset. This will reset your laptop to its default settings and eliminate any errors that may be causing the issue. To accomplish this, you’ll need to follow these instructions:

1. Power off your laptop and carefully remove the battery.
2. Remove all of the 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 out 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 manufacturer’s logo (in this case HP).
7. Finally, you will get the option to Start Windows Normally.

Please remember that if your Surface laptop has a built-in battery, you can still follow the instructions above. However, since the battery is not removable, it may take longer for the laptop to fully discharge its power.

Fix 8: Get Professional Help

Suppose you’ve tried all the above steps, and your Surface laptop is malfunctioning. For example, a hardware problem may be, such as defective components or faulty connections. In this situation, it’s recommended that you bring your laptop to a professional repair shop to have it thoroughly examined. Additionally, it’s important to remember that taking preventative measures is the most effective way to avoid encountering similar problems in the future. Therefore, taking good care of your laptop and using it carefully is essential.

Tips to Avoid the ‘Surface Laptop Won’t Turn On’ Issue

Here are some suggestions to help you avoid the issue of your Surface Laptop not turning on in the first place:

1. Keep your Surface Laptop up to date: Regularly install updates to the operating system and other software to help ensure your device functions properly.
2. Avoid overheating: Keep your Surface Laptop in a cool, well-ventilated area to help prevent overheating. Don’t block the vents; consider using a cooling pad if necessary.
3. Use high-quality power supplies: Use the power supply with your Surface Laptop or a high-quality replacement. Don’t use a cheap or low-quality power supply, which could damage your device.
4. Avoid power surges: Use a surge protector to help protect your Surface Laptop from power surges or fluctuations in voltage.
5. Keep your Surface Laptop clean: Dust and debris can build up inside your device and cause problems. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean your Surface Laptop regularly, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

By pursuing these tips, you can help prevent the issue of your Surface Laptop not turning on and keep your device running smoothly.

Final Words

In the end, there could be several reasons your Surface Laptop doesn’t turn on. Some common causes include a dead battery, power supply issues, hardware or software issues, overheating, graphics cards, or driver issues. However, you can often resolve the issue by following basic troubleshooting steps, such as checking the battery and power supply, performing a hard reset, and updating drivers.

Additionally, by taking preventative measures, such as keeping your device up to date, avoiding overheating, and using high-quality power supplies, you can help prevent the issue altogether. Doing so can help ensure that your Surface Laptop runs smoothly and reliably. However, if the problem persists despite these efforts, it’s best to seek professional assistance from Microsoft Support or a certified repair center to diagnose and resolve the issue.

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