Are you stuck in a situation where your Windows laptop is not working or refusing to start, do not fret. There can be several root causes and some of those can be detected and fixed without calling tech support. You can use the below-listed methods to troubleshoot and fix laptop issues without delay and hassles. These methods work on Windows laptops made by brands like Asus, Acer, HP, Dell, and more.
Here are the top laptop troubleshooting methods:
Check the laptop power supply
You should start with the AC adapter and check its wires for damage. If the adapter is worn out or damaged, replace it.
Also, ensure you are using the AC adapter with apt wattage power supply. Using an underpowered AC adapter may lead to start-up issues and other problems. Get a branded or compatible AC adapter with the right wattage power supply. This can be done for home and office laptops.
Check for screen issues
If the power supply and AC adapter are working fine but the laptop still does not run, check for screen issues. To check it:
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Try powering on the laptop.
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See if its power indicator LED is active.
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Find if the fan inside is running.
If you can hear the laptop fan and other sounds but the screen is blank, it may require a replacement. You may contact the brand or opt for a third-party entity if the warranty period is over.
Check for incompatible hardware
An incompatible hardware can make the best home laptop to encounter booting issues. To check this, remove the attached external accessories first. Then boot the laptop in safe mode. On most laptops, this can be done while booting by using the F8 key. Those using the new and top laptops can also invoke safe mode. In fact, if the laptop fails three consecutive booting efforts, Windows will initiate safe mode.
To ensure it, press the laptop’s power button for at least 10 seconds while turning it off. When you see the company logo while startup, again press the power button for the same time. Do this twice more and then the PC will boot into safe mode.
If safe mode fails to turn on the laptop, you may have to reinstall Windows. If you find the laptop giving BSOD errors continuously, the root cause may be an unsupported RAM stick.
Replace laptop battery
A dead laptop battery may also lead to laptop booting woes. Try replacing the battery with a new one. Sometimes, there can be connector issues too.
CMOS battery issue
Sometimes, the best microsoft laptops and other laptops fail to boot owing to CMOS battery issues. It is what keeps the BIOS settings stored. Try replacing the CMOS battery.
No bootable media
If the laptops 2023 cannot boot and show the message ‘No bootable media error’ the issue is with the HDD or SSD, in the laptop. The boot order may have been changed. Most new laptops with Windows will go to the Automatic Repair screen when 3 consecutive booting efforts fail. You need to follow the provided on-screen instructions to boot usually.
If you do not get the screen for Automatic Repair, opt for the Windows startup repair. You will need to use a Windows installation media or a recovery media. Then restart the laptop and you will see Advanced Options. Next, follow the instructions on-screen to enable Startup repair. When you use a Windows installation media, the Repair your computer option can be used.
If you still not get Advanced Options screen selection option during the start-up, get into the BIOS settings manually and then set booting order correctly. Here is how to proceed.
- Press the Esc key several times during the boot up.
- Once in the BIOS, select the boot order.
- Then you can recover the disc.
- Windows crashing during startup
If you find Windows crashing during start-up, it can be caused by drivers or a newly installed update. To fix that:
Boot into safe mode.
Then try uninstalling any newly installed Windows update patches.
You may also Go to the Settings> Windows Update> Update history.
Then choose Uninstall updates.
Then pick the desired update patch from the displayed list.
To remove rogue Windows drivers, try the same safe mode and look for the available driver updates. Updating the installed drivers may resolve the issue.
