Wi-Fi slow: home checks
Find out whether the problem is your plan, your router or your room, before you pay for a faster plan.
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Laptop won't turn on: checks before repair
Most dead laptops are a power, screen or stuck-state problem. Try these first, and save your files before any repair.
Check power (6)
- If it got wet, do not try to turn it onUnplug it, leave it open and upside down to drain, and take it to a repair shop soon. Skip the rice.
- Try a different wall socket, and remove any extension
- Look for the charger light or a charging light on the laptop
- Check the cable for damage and the plug for a loose fit
- Leave it charging for 30 minutesA fully drained battery can take a while before it responds.
- Try another compatible charger if you can borrow one
Clear a stuck state (4)
- Unplug everything: USB drives, docks, SD cards, mouse
- Hold the power button for 15 to 30 seconds, then press it onceThis forces a full shutdown.
- Removable battery? Take it out, hold power for 30 seconds, and start on the charger alone
- Check for a small reset hole on the base, and see your model's manual
Is it only the screen? (4)
- Listen for fans, and look for keyboard lights
- Press the brightness keys
- Connect an external monitor or a TV with HDMIIf a picture appears, the laptop works and the screen or its cable is at fault.
- Note any beeps or blinking light patternYour maker's support page explains the codes for your model.
It starts, but stops or errors (3)
- Windows: let it try Automatic Repair, or use Safe ModeForce shutdown during start-up three times to open recovery.
- Mac: try macOS Recovery, using your model's key combination
- Back up your files as soon as it runs
Before you go to repair (5)
- Find your receipt, warranty date and serial number
- Check your maker's warranty page
- Ask how they will protect your filesA failed laptop's disk can often still be read.
- Ask for a written quote and compare it to the laptop's value
- Still runs? Back up and sign out of your accounts