If your computer’s power button is not working or if your laptop does not have a power button, you might be wondering how to turn it on. There are several effective methods you can use to power up your machine without needing the physical button. This guide will introduce you to various alternative techniques, such as enabling a feature in your computer’s BIOS that starts the machine when it receives power or using a keyboard shortcut for laptops that support it.
With laptops, a broken power button is much more serious and could take your laptop completely out of commission. Sometimes there are simple keyboard shortcuts or advanced BIOS settings (which you would have had to set before the power button stopped working) that can get your device started. Sometimes, you can also turn on your computer via Wake-on-LAN, which allows you to start it remotely over a network. For desktop computers, there’s an option to directly interact with the motherboard. You could use the pins that connect the power switch to the motherboard to manually bridge the connection and power up your PC.
When Your Computer’s Power Button Won’t Cooperate
A faulty power button can stop you from using your computer. Luckily, there are a few ways to power your computer on even with a broken button.
Bypass the Power Button Entirely
- Locate Power Switch Header: Look at your motherboard’s manual to find the power switch pins. These are usually a group of small pins labeled things like “PWR_SW” or something similar.
- Short Pins with a Screwdriver: Carefully touch a metallic screwdriver to both power switch pins simultaneously. This simulates pressing the power button, triggering the computer to start.
- Alternative: Use a pen or another conductive object (with caution) if you don’t have a screwdriver.
Additional Approaches
- Power Supply Switch: Some computer cases or power supplies have a secondary power switch on the back. Flip this to the “On” position. This alone won’t always turn the computer on, but it’s a necessary step.
- Wake-on-LAN: If supported by your motherboard, you can configure your BIOS to allow powering on the computer over the network. This requires another device on your network to send the “wake up” signal.
- Keyboard Shortcut: Some motherboards allow you to turn on the computer using a specific keyboard shortcut. Check your manual for this functionality.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Unplug before working inside: Always shut down and unplug your computer before touching internal components.
- Ground Yourself: Ground yourself to prevent electrostatic discharge, which could damage components. Touch a metal object before working inside your computer.
- Consult Motherboard Manual: Refer to your motherboard’s manual for specific pin layouts and instructions.
Table: Quick Reference
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Short Power Switch Pins | Simulate pressing the power button by bridging the corresponding pins on your motherboard. |
| Use Power Supply Switch | Flip the secondary switch on your power supply (if available). |
| Wake-on-LAN | Use another device on the network to send a power-on signal (requires BIOS configuration). |
| Keyboard Shortcut | Trigger computer startup with a keyboard combination (check your motherboard manual). |
Important Note: For safety and to avoid further damage, consult a technician if you’re uncomfortable with these methods.
Powering Up Your Laptop Without a Power Button
BIOS Settings (Advanced)
This won’t help you if your laptop is already off, but if you want to do preventative work (or if you notice your button is failing but it works from time to time) you can setup your laptop to be turned on without the power button by tweaking the BIOS settings. Look for options like “Power On By Keyboard” or “Wake On LAN” and enable them. Be cautious, as BIOS settings can be tricky.
Keyboard Shortcut
Some laptops have a keyboard shortcut to turn them on. This is usually a function key (e.g., F1, F2) or the Delete key. Check your laptop’s manual or search online for the specific key combination.
External Keyboard
If your laptop’s built-in keyboard isn’t working, you can try connecting an external USB keyboard. Some external keyboards have a dedicated power button that might work.
Lid Open Method
Simply opening the laptop’s lid can sometimes turn it on. This usually works if you have set the lid open action to wake or boot the device from sleep mode.
BIOS Battery Removal (Caution)
As a last resort, you can try removing the CMOS battery from the motherboard. This resets the BIOS, and in some cases, can trigger the laptop to start. However, this should only be done if you are comfortable working with computer hardware.
| Method | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BIOS Settings (Advanced) | Enable “Power On By Keyboard” or “Wake On LAN” in BIOS settings. | Requires technical knowledge, use with caution. |
| Keyboard Shortcut | Press a specific key combination (e.g., F1, F2, Delete) to turn on the laptop. | Check your laptop’s manual for the exact combination. |
| External Keyboard | Connect a USB keyboard and try pressing its power button (if available). | Some external keyboards have dedicated power buttons. |
| Lid Open Method | Open the laptop’s lid to trigger the wake or boot-up process (if configured). | Check power settings to see if the lid open action is set to wake or boot the device. |
| BIOS Battery Removal (Caution) | Remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard to reset the BIOS. | This is a last resort and should only be attempted if you are comfortable working with computer hardware. |
Key Takeaways
- You can start a computer without a power button using BIOS settings or keyboard shortcuts.
- Wake-on-LAN allows you to switch on a computer remotely if the feature is enabled.
- Directly connecting the power switch pins on a motherboard can also turn on a desktop computer.
Alternative Power-Up Methods
Having a laptop or a computer that won’t turn on because the power button is not working can be frustrating. Luckily, several methods are available to power on these devices without the need for the power button. Each technique uses a different part of the computer’s hardware or software to get things started.
Using BIOS Settings
Most laptops have BIOS settings that allow users to manage power-on features. You can access the BIOS by pressing a key during startup, often F2, Del, or Esc. Once inside the BIOS, look for options like Power Management or AC Recovery. These options may include Wake on LAN or settings enabling the laptop to power on automatically when connected to a charger.
Keyboard and Peripheral Tricks
Some computers can start up by using a keyboard shortcut or a special feature. Check if your laptop or desktop supports Power on by Keyboard in the BIOS settings. If it does, you can press a specific key or combination of keys, like pressing the spacebar or ‘Fn’ key plus the power key on an external keyboard for Windows to turn on the device.
Internal Circuit Techniques
For those who understand computer hardware, the motherboard can be used to trigger the startup process. The motherboard usually has a power switch header where the power button connects. By briefly connecting the two power switch pins with a conductive tool like a screwdriver, you can start the computer. Also, a method involving the clock battery allows for resetting BIOS settings that can include power management.
Software and Network Solutions
Another approach involves software that interacts with the computer’s network adaptor. Features such as Wake-on-LAN (WoL) enable a user to start a computer via a network message. Programs like TeamViewer can also be set up to send WoL signals to a remote computer, provided the network card is configured correctly and the BIOS settings are correct.
Physical Lid Manipulations
For laptops, opening the lid can be set to turn them on, a concept often referred to as clamshell mode. This setup can be configured within the Power Management options in the operating system. You can set your laptop to power on when the lid is opened, avoiding the use of the physical power button. It’s essential to check if the laptop model supports this feature and then proceed to configure it based on that compatibility.
