If your computer turns off immediately or even within a few seconds after it is turned on, there could be several possible issues. To proceed, we recommend going through each section below to help find a solution to your problem.
Note- On the Properties screen, select the Power Management tab and disable Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option. Click on OK to save this setting on your computer. Now your computer won’t be able to Turn OFF the WiFi Adapter, which should fix the problem on your computer. Disable Hotspot 2.0 Networks.
- WATCH THE UPDATED VERSION based on viewer comments: If the standard instructions in this video do not work for you, troubleshoot.
If the computer has no power or doesn't turn on, see: Why won't my computer turn on? If the computer stays on for several minutes before it turns off, see: Why does my computer turn off without warning?
The computer automatically powering off is quite a common issue these days. Your PC will automatically turn off without any warning. The turn off can happen at any time but mostly there is something that triggers it. Sometimes your computer might turn off automatically after playing a specific game or after a certain task.
CautionSome of the steps below require you to open the computer case. While working in your machine, always be aware of the dangers of ESD.
Loose cable
Make sure all cables inside the computer case are firmly attached to the motherboard and each component. Check the IDE cables and SATA cables, which are connected to the hard drive, CD or DVD drive, and floppy drive (if present). Check both ends of each cable and make sure they are firmly attached to the component and the motherboard. Turn on the computer and test to see if this resolves the issue.
TipSometimes the best way to verify a cable is not loose is to disconnect and reconnect the cable on both ends.
Surge protector issues
Surge protectors and battery back-up units can go bad over time, causing reduced power flow to the computer. As computers require a specific amount of power to operate, too great a reduction can force the computer to shut down.
If this situation applies to your computer, unplug its power cord from the surge protector or battery back-up unit, and plug it directly into a wall outlet. Turn on the computer to see if the problem persists. If the computer stays powered on, the surge protector or battery back-up unit is bad and needs to be replaced.
Electrical short
An electrical short in a computer, which may cause power issues, happens when pieces of metal cause a path for electricity to flow through that shouldn't exist. Computers are full of screws, as they hold nearly every internal component in place, and from time to time, they can come loose. Lift your computer and gently rotate it while gently shaking it from side to side. If you hear what sounds like small rocks banging around, you likely have loose screws inside the case. Open the computer up and remove them.
Memory issue
Verify the memory modules are properly seated in the memory slots on the motherboard. To do this, open the computer, remove the memory modules from their slots, and gently reseat them. It also is important to note that memory modules are installed in pairs, and sometimes in matching slots, which are designated by matching colors. Make sure the modules are firmly seated and the clamps on both sides of the modules snap into place. Plug in the power cord and turn the computer on to see if the issue is resolved.
Power supply issues
Power supply voltage switch
The power supply voltage switch, a small red switch on the back of the power supply, may be on the wrong setting. If this switch's setting is not correct for your country, your computer may automatically power down. The first thing to do is to consult the Voltage Valet website to discern your country's correct voltage settings. Then, make sure your power supply voltage switch is set accordingly.
Possibly defective power supply
Verify the power supply is functional. A faulty power supply can result in not enough, if any, power getting to the motherboard, causing the computer to shut off immediately or not turn on at all. Many online computer retailers sell power supply testing units for under $20. In the event of a bad power supply, the only remedy is to replace it with a new one. Fixing a power supply is not an economical solution, if possible at all.
Overheating
If your computer is new or the motherboard was recently replaced, make sure the thermal compound is properly applied to the processor. If the heat is not being properly transferred from the processor to the heat sink, it can overheat very quickly.
Motherboard issue
The last thing to check is the motherboard; however, this can be rather difficult since the issue could be anywhere in the circuitry. A faulty circuit or malfunctioning component (e.g., capacitor) can cause the computer to shut off immediately or not turn on at all. If none of the recommendations above help to resolve the issue, we suggest sending the computer to a repair shop or replacing the motherboard.
Additional information
- See our power supply definition for further information and related links.
Laptops like most products deteriorate over a period of use; therefore when a part like the power button stops working, don’t be surprised. It is difficult to know offhand how to turn on/ off a laptop without a power button and our guide covers tips on how to work around this.
To turn on/off a laptop without the power button you can use an external keyboard for Windows or enable wake-on-LAN for Windows. For Mac, you can enter clamshell mode and use an external keyboard to wake it up.
Turning On Laptop Without a Power Button [Step By Step]
There might be several reasons why your laptop fails to come on after tapping the power button several times. In such a scenario, you have to confirm that it is a hardware fault of the button itself.
Below, we explain some methods to try and if none of them work, then there might be something else wrong with the system.
Turn On a Windows Laptop Without Power ButtonUsing An External Keyboard
Making use of a keyboard to power on a laptop is a setting that most laptops have. However, by default, this is always disabled. Prior to the power button developing faults, the user or owner should have taken preventive measures by enabling this feature to ensure the use of this method.
Enabling the use of an external keyboard to power on the laptop
To enable the use of an external keyboard to power on the laptop, you need to first access the BIOS settings. The steps are explained below:
Step 1a: Enter BIOS settings using F2 during startup
When you boot your PC, you will see the option to enter the advanced menu by either pressing the “F2” key or “DEL” key
Or
Step 1b: Enter BIOS settings using F2 during startup
You may already have your system on so instead of shutting down again to access the BIOS Setting, use the steps below:
Step 1b.1: Go to the “Settings” option in the “Start” menu
Step 1b.2: Select the option for “Update & Security”
Step 1b.3: Read through the options on your left and select “Recovery”
Step 1b.4: You will see a tab open with two sections.
Step 1b.5: Select “Restart Now” under “Advanced Setup”
Step 1b.6: A new window will pop up
Step 1b.7: Choose “Troubleshoot”
Step 1b.8: Select the “Advanced Options”
Step 2: Go to the “Power Management” or “ACPI Management” tab and press “Enter”
Step 3: Check for a setting “Power On By Keyboard” or “Wake On Keyboard” or something similar
Step 4: Use the “+” or “-” minus key to enabling the option
Step 5: Select a preferred key to power on the laptop
Step 6: Save and exit using the F10 key.
After carrying out the above steps, the next thing to do is to test that the settings will actually work.
Testing if the Keyboard Works
Step 1: Shut down the windows system
Step 2: Once it is off, press the selected key to power it back on.
Enabling Wake-On LAN for Windows 10
Just like waking up a laptop using a keyboard, using the LAN option requires prior enabling on BIOS.
How to activate Wake-On LAN with BIOS
Step 1a: Enter BIOS settings using F2 during startup
When you boot your PC, you will see the option to enter the advanced menu by either pressing the “F2” key or “DEL” key
Or
Step 1b: Enter BIOS settings using F2 during startup
You may already have your system on so instead of shutting down again to access the BIOS Setting, use the steps below:
Step 1b.1: Go to the “Settings” option in the “Start” menu
Step 1b.2: Select the option for “Update & Security”
Step 1b.3: Read through the options on your left and select “Recovery”
Step 1b.4: You will see a tab open with two sections.
Step 1b.5: Select “Restart Now” under “Advanced Setup”
Step 1b.6: A new window will pop up
Step 1b.7: Choose “Troubleshoot”
Step 1b.8: Select the “Advanced Options”
Step 2: Go to the “Power Management” or “ACPI Management” tab and press “Enter”
Step 3: Check for a setting “Power On LAN” or “Wake On LAN” or something similar
Step 4: Use the “+” or “-” minus key to enable the option
Step 4: Select a preferred key to power on the laptop
Step 5: Save and exit using the F10 key.
After carrying out the above steps, the next thing to do is to configure the network card to ensure it can power on the system.
Configuration of the Network Card
Step 1: Right-click the “Start” button
Step 2: Select the “Device Manager” option
Step 3: Wait for the “Device Manager” menu to open up
Step 4: Look out for “Network adapters”
Step 5: Right-click the menu
Step 6: Click the “Properties” option
Step 7: Go to the “Power Management” tab
Step 8: Tick the box for “Allow this device to wake the computer”
Testing if the Wake-on LAN Works
Step 1: Shut down the windows system
Step 2: Once it is off, plug in the LAN to power it back on.
It is important to note that the wake-on LAN configuration and ability to configure the network depends on your motherboard setting.
How Does a Laptop Power Button Work?
..the power button prevents the electricity from going beyond a certain point…
To power on a laptop, you need to ensure there is a battery present or the system is connected to a power source. The power from either of these two sources produces electricity that flows through the circuits within the laptop.
But, the power button prevents the electricity from going beyond a certain point.
However, when the power button is pushed, the outlet opens allowing electricity to flow to the rest of the laptop. When the same button is pushed, the laptop goes back to sleep.
Can I Install a New Power Button?
Yes, you can install a new power button on your laptop once you notice that the previous one has developed a fault. If you want to carry out the installation yourself, follow these steps:
![Laptop Turns On And Off Laptop Turns On And Off](/uploads/1/1/9/8/119876204/600706085.jpg)
Step 1: Take out the battery, AC adapter, and back panel
Step 2: Remove the hard drive and RAM
Step 3: Remove the keyboard bezel
Step 4: Take out the keypads
Step 5: Remove the top frame and look for the power switch
Step 6: Remove the old switch and insert the new one
Step 7: Reassemble the laptop
What Does It Mean When My Laptop Fails to Come On?
..If your laptop fails to come on, then it must be facing a hardware fault…
If your laptop fails to come on, then it must be facing a hardware fault. However, this hardware fault maybe as a result of power supply to the system or a fault in other components of the hardware.
Sony Laptop Turns On And Off
Therefore, the first thing you should do is check the power sources (battery and charger) before examining other components.
Laptop Turns On And Off Repeatedly Acer
Conclusion
If after several attempts to turn on or off your laptop with the power button results in failure, it may be time to consider other alternatives. Try out any of the two methods explained above. However, in the event that none of them work out, then the problem might go beyond the power button.
Laptop Turns On And Off Immediately
It may very well be that your computer has other hardware problems which may include the ability to store power or a fault in the CPU. In such a situation you may have to seek expert technicians to diagnose the problem.