Laptop Not Turning On

Laptop Not Turning On? Here’s a Complete Checklist Before You Bring It In

Ramin

11/19/20251 min read

a laptop computer sitting on top of a white counter
a laptop computer sitting on top of a white counter

A dead laptop is stressful — especially when you need it for work or school. At Computer 101 (Vancouver & Lower Mainland), we troubleshoot every type of power failure, but here’s a longer guide you can follow at home before visiting a technician.

⚡ Step 1: Check the Charger

Try these quick checks:

  • Does the charging light turn on?

  • Does the adapter feel warm?

  • Try a different outlet

  • On MacBook: Hold power button for 15 sec to force reset

  • On PC: Remove battery (if removable) and hold power for 20 sec

If there’s no response, the charger or port may be faulty.

🔋 Step 2: Check the Battery Behavior

Common signs of battery failure:

  • Laptop only works while plugged in

  • Battery stays stuck at 0%

  • Laptop shuts off immediately after disconnecting charger

  • Battery health showing “Service recommended”

If your laptop isn’t turning on at all, a dead battery or power IC can be the cause.

🔌 Step 3: Inspect the Charging Port

Gently wiggle the charger tip:

  • If it disconnects easily → Port is loose

  • If you see burn marks → Port may be damaged

  • No click or connection → Internal power board issue

Liquid damage can also silently kill the charging system.

🧠 Step 4: Look for Invisible Issues

Even if the laptop shows no signs of life, the underlying issue may be:

  • Faulty power IC

  • Damaged logic board

  • Corrupted firmware

  • Short circuit on the motherboard

  • Failed SSD/RAM (common in sudden shutdowns)

These issues require board-level diagnostics.

🛠 What Computer 101 Does

We run a complete power circuit test to identify exactly why the laptop isn't turning on. Our service includes:

✔ Power IC & logic board diagnostics
✔ Battery & charging system testing
✔ SSD/RAM inspection
✔ Firmware recovery
✔ Honest pricing before repair
✔ 90-day warranty

Whether your laptop is completely dead or intermittently turning on, we can diagnose it accurately with professional tools.
Computer 101
(604) 901 9799