Welcome
Sign In / Register
Returns
& Orders

TROUBLESHOOTING · STEP BY STEP · WINDOWS 10 & 11

Laptop won’t turn on

If your laptop won’t turn on, the most common causes are a flat battery, a loose power connection, or a minor system fault that a forced restart will clear. Work through these steps in order — most users fix it within the first three.

Plain language8 steps12-month warranty
STEP-BY-STEP

Follow these steps in order.

Most problems are resolved within the first few steps. Work through them one at a time.

Step 1
Check the power cable. Unplug and replug the charger at both ends. Check for damage — fraying, kinks, bent pins. A loose charger is the most common cause.
Step
STEP 1 of 8
Step 2
Try a different wall outlet. Plug directly into the wall, not a power board. Some surge protectors cut power silently.
Step
STEP 2 of 8
Step 3
Look for a charging light. Most laptops have an LED near the charging port. If it lights up, leave it charging for 15–20 minutes before trying to start.
Step
STEP 3 of 8
Step 4
Forced restart. Hold the power button for 15–20 seconds. Release, wait 10 seconds, press briefly. This clears stuck power states. Safe on any Windows laptop.
StepKEY STEP
STEP 4 of 8
Step 5
Remove & reseat battery. If your model has a removable battery, slide it out, wait 30 seconds, reseat it. Plug charger back in. Skip if sealed.
Step
STEP 5 of 8
Step 6
Try AC power only. Remove the battery (if removable), plug in charger, try to boot. If it works, the battery has failed.
Step
STEP 6 of 8
Step 7
Check for signs of life. Fan spinning? LED flash? Keyboard backlight? Any sign means power is reaching the board but startup is failing. Note what you see.
Step
STEP 7 of 8
Step 8
Contact CLS Support. If none of the above worked, the fault requires professional diagnosis. Do not open the laptop yourself — this can void your warranty. Phone 1300 724 968.
StepWARRANTY
STEP 8 of 8
WHEN TO CONTACT CLS

Still not working?

Contact CLS Support

If you’ve worked through all 8 steps and your laptop still won’t turn on, the fault is likely hardware-related. Phone 1300 724 968, email [email protected], or visit Unit 25, 16 Loyalty Road, North Rocks NSW 2151 (Mon–Sun 10am–6pm).

Under warranty?

If your device is under CLS warranty, do not attempt to open or repair it yourself. Contact us and we’ll guide you through the assessment process. CLS pays shipping both ways for warranty claims.

CLS SUPPORT

We stand behind every device.

Every refurbished laptop from CLS comes with a 12-month warranty and is backed by our North Rocks, Sydney support team. 210,000+ devices sold since 2011.

Contact support

CLS

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Why won’t my laptop turn on even when plugged in?
Most likely a faulty charger, failed battery, or firmware fault. Work through the steps above starting with checking the charger.
Is it safe to hold the power button for 15 seconds?
Yes. It performs a forced power cycle. Does not damage your laptop or delete files.
My laptop shows a light but won’t start — what does that mean?
The laptop is receiving power but failing to complete startup. Could be a software or hardware fault. Note what you see and contact CLS support.
Could a Windows update cause this?
Yes. A failed update can cause a boot loop. Mention this to our support team as it changes the diagnosis.
Should I open the laptop to check inside?
Not if under warranty. Contact CLS first. Opening a warranted device without authorisation may void cover.
What warranty does my CLS laptop have?
12-month hardware warranty. CLS pays shipping both ways for claims. Full warranty details.
How do I contact CLS support?
Phone 1300 724 968, email [email protected], or visit Unit 25, 16 Loyalty Road, North Rocks NSW 2151.
Is this guide for Windows 10 or 11?
Both. All steps work on Windows 10 and Windows 11 laptops.

Related

Laptop Running Slow — how to fixBattery Draining Fast — how to fixHelp Centre — all guidesWarranty — 12 months, CLS pays shipping

LAST UPDATED · MAY 2026 · CLS TEAM

★ Need help? Call us

· Verified purchase