Skip to main content

Windows Laptop Won’t Turn On

Updated
If your HP EliteBook will not turn on (no lights, no fan noise, no screen at all), don’t worry. These safe steps can often get the laptop to power back on without losing any files.

 

What You'll Need

  • Your Campus-issued Windows laptop
  • Your Campus-provided charger

  • A working power outlet

     

Symptoms: No response when pressing Power, no charging light, or the laptop appears completely dead.

 

Step 1: Check the Charging Light

Plug the charger into the laptop and into a wall outlet. Look for the small charging light next to the port:

  • Amber = charging
  • White = fully charged

  • No light = possible charging malfunction

     

Note: If there is no light at all, the charger may not be connecting or the device may require a power reset.

 

Step 2: Perform a Power Reset

This clears the laptop’s internal power state and often fixes devices that appear to be completely off.

  1. Unplug the charger from the laptop.
  2. Press and hold the Power button for 15 seconds.
  3. Release the button.
  4. Plug the charger back in.

  5. Press Power once to try turning it on.

     

Note: This does not erase anything on your computer. It simply removes leftover electrical charge.

 

Step 3: Check for a Black or Dim Screen

Sometimes the laptop is actually on, but the screen is dark. Try these:

  • Shine a flashlight at the screen to look for a faint image.
  • Press the brightness up key a few times. Alternatively, adjust the brightness in Display Settings if you can.
  • Connect the laptop to a TV or monitor using HDMI to check if it displays somewhere else. If it does display somewhere else, let us know — this typically means the laptop screen is having an issue.

 

Step 4: Try a Different Outlet or Cable

If the laptop still shows no signs of life:

  • Try a different wall outlet.
  • Ensure the charger is firmly connected to the laptop.

  • If possible, test with another compatible HP charger that meets the required wattage for your EliteBook model. Lower-watt or phone chargers will not provide enough power for the laptop.

     

 

Need Help?

If you run into any problems, Student Technology Support (STS) is here for you:

Related articles