Laptop Not Turning On?
8 Common Reasons and How to Fix Them

It’s frustrating when your laptop isn’t turning on — especially if you’re in the middle of something important. We know that a laptop can have your life, memories, and more inside of it, but don’t panic just yet! Many of the causes behind this issue are more common (and fixable) than you think.

At AKLwide, we handle laptop repair jobs across Auckland every day — and these are the 8 most common reasons we see.

8 reasons why your laptop isn't turning on

1.  Power Supply Issues

The problem might be as simple as a faulty charger or outlet.

What to try:

  • Swap chargers or borrow one that matches your laptop’s brand.

  • Plug into a different power outlet.

  • Check if the power jack feels loose.

📍 Still not working? We can test your laptop’s power input and supply.


2. Dead Battery

If your laptop turns on only when plugged in (or not at all), the battery could be completely dead.

Quick test: Remove the battery (if it’s removable) and try powering it on with just the charger.

💡 AKLwide offers battery replacements for most laptop models 


3. Overheating Shutdown

Laptops have thermal protection that shuts them down when they overheat. If it won’t power on afterward, it may need to cool down or be cleaned internally.

What to do:

  • Let the laptop rest for 30 minutes.

  • Clean the vents with compressed air.

  • Use it on a flat, hard surface — not a bed or couch.


4. Faulty Display

Sometimes the laptop is on — the screen just isn’t showing anything.

Signs to check:

  • Lights or fan noise with a black screen.

  • Shine a flashlight on the screen to see if there’s a faint image.

  • Try connecting to an external monitor.

📌 Screen or display cable issues? We fix those too.


5. RAM Issues

Faulty or improperly seated RAM can prevent a laptop from booting.

DIY test: If you’re confident, open the back panel and reseat the RAM sticks. Otherwise, call us — we can test this in minutes.


6. Hard Drive Failure

If your hard drive has failed, your laptop might not start at all — or it might show error messages like “No bootable device.”

Symptoms:

  • Clicking or grinding noises

  • Repeated restarts or crashes

  • Black screen with blinking cursor

🛠️ We can replace hard drives and recover your data safely.


7. Motherboard or Power Circuit Damage

If nothing happens — no lights, no sound — the issue might be deeper. Power surge, liquid damage, or aging components can all lead to motherboard failure.

⚠️ This one’s best left to professionals — we’ll run full diagnostics to confirm.


8. Water or Liquid Damage

Spilled coffee? Water damage might not show signs right away but can cause corrosion over time.

Act fast: Unplug, power off, and do not try to turn it back on. Bring it to us ASAP for a full clean and repair.


Get Your Laptop Repaired by Auckland’s Trusted Laptop Technicians

At AKLwide, we diagnose and repair laptop issues fast — whether it’s a dead battery, faulty screen, or motherboard problem. Enquire or book a service today and get your device back up and running.

📍 Based in Auckland | Expert laptop repairs | Fast turnaround

➡️ Need help right now?

Call us on 0800 020 000 or email us at info@computerrepairsauckland.co.nz