A laptop not working can point to several unlike faults: it does not switch on, it starts but shows a black screen, it works but one part fails, or it runs so slowly that it feels dead. The right fix depends on which of these you are facing, so the first job is to describe the problem exactly.
This page helps you sort that out, covers the checks that solve the most common cases (power, charger, a stuck state and settings), and links to a separate guide for each failing part, from the keyboard and touchpad to sound, camera, screen and WiFi. You do not need special tools for the early steps. If the laptop has had a fall, a liquid spill or a swollen battery, skip ahead to the repair section.
Common causes
1Charger or power socket fault
How to tellNo charging light, battery stays low, works only when the cable is held
What fixes itTry another socket and check the plug end for bent pins or heat marks
2Drained battery or stuck power state
How to tellNothing happens on pressing the button, even when plugged in
What fixes itDo a hard reset: remove charger and hold power for 30 seconds, then charge
3Software or update trouble
How to tellStuck on the logo, slow start, restart loop after an update
What fixes itWait for updates to finish, then use Startup Repair or Safe Mode
4Driver or setting problem
How to tellOne part fails (touchpad, sound, WiFi) while the rest work
What fixes itCheck the key or setting for that part, then update the driver
5Overheating
How to tellHot base, loud fan, sudden shutdowns during heavy use
What fixes itClean air vents from outside and use it on a hard flat surface
6Hardware fault or physical damage
How to tellHappened after a fall or liquid, or beeps and lights show a pattern
What fixes itStop using it and get it checked by authorised repair staff
Where to start
Find out if it has power at all
Plug in the charger and look for the charging light on the laptop or the charger. Try a different wall socket and a different extension. If a light appears, power is reaching the laptop and the fault is further inside.
Check the charger and cable closely
A laptop charger not working is the most common reason a laptop will not start. Look for a frayed cable, a loose tip, a hot brick or a burnt smell. If you can borrow a matching charger from a friend, test with it. Do not buy a random replacement, because wrong voltage can harm the board.
Do a power reset
Unplug the charger, switch off, and if the battery is removable take it out. Hold the power button for about 30 seconds, put everything back, plug in and wait a few minutes before pressing the power button once. This clears a stuck power state.
Disconnect everything extra
Remove pen drives, external drives, dongles and the docking station. A faulty USB device can stop a laptop from starting.
Look at the screen again
If lights and fan show life but the screen is black, press Fn with the brightness up key, and try an external monitor through the HDMI port. If the picture shows there, the problem is the laptop's own screen or brightness, so see the black screen guide.
Start in Safe Mode or Recovery
If Windows starts the logo but never loads, force switch-off three times during the logo to enter recovery options. Choose Startup Repair, or Safe Mode from Startup Settings. Remove any program installed just before the trouble.
Update the system and drivers
For a laptop that works but one part fails, install pending Windows updates, then check Device Manager for a yellow mark next to the failing part. Use Update driver or uninstall and restart.
Back up and decide on repair
If the laptop starts only sometimes, copy your important files now. When none of the steps help, get it checked by an authorised centre instead of opening it yourself.
Why your laptop is not working: sort the symptom first
Technicians sort faults by the first thing you see. Use this to jump to the right guide and avoid trying fixes that cannot help.
| What you see | Likely area | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| No lights, no fan, no sound | Charger, battery or board power | Steps 1 to 3 above |
| Lights on, screen black | Display, brightness or graphics | See the black screen guide |
| Starts, then freezes or restarts | Software, heat or memory | Safe Mode, update, clean the vents |
| Keys type nothing | Keyboard, driver or setting | See keyboard not working |
| Cursor will not move | Touchpad disabled or driver | See touchpad not working |
| No internet but phone has it | WiFi switch, driver or router | See WiFi on laptop |
Laptop power button not working and laptop not working without charger
If the laptop power button not working is your complaint, first confirm that the laptop is really off and not sleeping, then do the power reset above. A power button that clicks but nothing happens usually means no power is reaching the board, so test the charger. If the button feels loose or stuck, the button board or its ribbon cable may be faulty, which needs a technician. Likewise a laptop not working without charger often just means a worn battery that can no longer hold charge; it runs when plugged in and dies when unplugged. Battery health shows in the manufacturer's tool or in a Windows battery report, and a worn battery is a simple, common repair.
All laptop part guides
Open the guide for the part that fails. Each one starts with checks you can do in minutes.
| Guide | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Laptop keyboard not working | The whole keyboard does not type, or types the wrong characters. |
| Some keyboard keys not working | A few keys dead or sticky while the rest work. |
| Laptop touchpad not working | Cursor frozen, touchpad disabled or clicks ignored. |
| Two finger scroll not working | Touchpad scrolling gesture that has stopped. |
| Mouse not working | Wired, wireless or Bluetooth mouse that does not move the pointer. |
| Mouse scroll not working | Wheel that jumps, sticks or does nothing. |
| Laptop screen not working (black screen) | Black or blank display, flicker, or an image only on an external screen. |
| Laptop brightness not working | Brightness keys or slider that will not change the level. |
| Laptop sound not working | No sound from speakers or headphones. |
| Microphone not working on laptop | Voice not picked up in calls or recordings. |
| Laptop camera not working | Webcam black, missing or blocked in meetings. |
| WiFi not working on laptop | Laptop sees no WiFi or connects with no internet. |
| Laptop fan not working | Noisy, silent or always-loud fan and overheating. |
Signs it needs a workshop, and what changes the bill
Go to an authorised service centre if there has been a liquid spill, a fall, a swollen or hot battery, a bulging case, beep codes at start or a smell of burning. Do not open the back cover or battery yourself, as it can end the warranty and is risky with lithium cells.
If liquid was spilled, switch off, unplug, tip it so the keyboard faces down and do not try to start it. Drying alone does not clear the sticky residue that damages the board.
Repair cost depends on the part, whether the model is still common, and whether the board needs repair or replacement. Ask for the fault in writing and a quote before work begins, and keep the old part if you want to check it was changed.
Keeping a laptop healthy
Charge with the original or a matching charger, keep air vents free of dust, do not use it on beds and cushions, and let updates finish before shutting down. Back up files regularly. If you need Windows specific code help, the Windows error codes hub covers update, boot and driver codes.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my laptop not working even though it is charged?
The charge light only shows that power flows in. The fault may be a stuck power state, a damaged screen cable, a software loop or a faulty part. Do the power reset and test with an external screen.
How do I fix my laptop charger not working?
Try another socket, check the cable and tip for damage, and compare with a matching charger if you can. A charger that heats up, buzzes or flickers should be replaced with the correct rated one.
Why is my laptop not working properly and very slow?
Common causes are low storage, too many start-up programs, pending updates, heat and an ageing hard drive. Free space, restart, install updates and clean the vents before suspecting hardware.
Can I use a laptop without a charger?
Only as long as the battery holds charge. If it shuts off the moment you unplug, the battery is worn and needs replacing. If it will not start without the charger at all, the battery or its connection is the usual cause.
Is a laptop not working worth repairing?
Usually yes for a charger, battery, keyboard or screen. For an older model with a damaged board the repair may cost close to a new machine, so ask for a quote first.