Laptop won’t power on (Laptop/Desktop)

Applies to: Windows 10/11, macOS (Intel and Apple silicon), corporate-issued devices Symptoms:

Symptoms:

• No power/LEDs, black screen, or power LED blinking
• Fan briefly spins then stops
• Works only on dock vs. direct power (or vice versa) 

Pre-checks:

• Confirm power outlet works (try another outlet)
• Remove from dock/port replicator
• Unplug all peripherals (USB, HDMI, printers) 

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Power and cable check
   • Inspect charger/cord for damage
   • Try a known-good outlet and charger if available
   • For laptops: check the charger brick LED (if present)
2. Power drain reset
   • Laptops (Windows): unplug charger; hold power button 15–30s; plug in and try again
   • Desktops: switch off PSU/unplug; hold power 15s; reconnect and try again
3. Screen/brightness/monitor
   • Increase brightness; try external monitor
   • Windows: press Windows+P to cycle display modes
   • macOS: connect an external monitor and check for output
4. Safe boot/recovery
   • Windows: if it briefly powers, hold Shift and select Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options
   • macOS (Apple silicon): press/hold power until “Options,” then Continue; (Intel): hold power 10s, then try Safe Mode (hold Shift after login)
5. Battery/SMC-like reset (macOS)
   • Apple silicon: fully power off; wait 30s; then press/hold power to startup options
   • Intel: shut down; unplug power; wait 30s; reconnect; try again
6. If still no power
   • Likely faulty adapter, battery, or system board

   • Escalate as “hardware swap needed” 

     Validation:

Escalation:

• Collect: serial number, asset tag, model, adapter part number, LED status, what steps were attempted
• Submit a ticket using the IT Request form