Laptop Troubleshooting Guide
Did your laptop take a shit? Not good. But don´t worry, this guide is going to save you.
Laptops pack all the essential components of a desktop into a compact, portable form factor, which makes them convenient but also more challenging to troubleshoot. With limited space for airflow, integrated parts, and a reliance on batteries, laptops have their own set of common problems that can appear over time. Some of these issues, like a dead battery or clogged cooling system, are relatively easy to fix, while others may require specialized tools or professional repair.
Unlike desktops, most laptop components are not easily swappable, which means accurate diagnosis is critical. Replacing the wrong part can be costly and, in some cases, impossible without voiding the warranty or damaging the system. A methodical approach to troubleshooting can help you isolate the cause of the problem before deciding whether to repair it yourself or take it to a technician.
This guide covers five of the most common laptop problems; power and charging issues, overheating, keyboard malfunctions, screen problems, and slow performance. If you are having trouble with your desktop PC, check out our other PC Troubleshooting Guide for help.
General troubleshooting approach for laptops
Troubleshooting a laptop starts with ruling out the simplest possible causes before opening the case or replacing parts. Begin with external checks—verify that the power adapter is firmly plugged into both the wall and the laptop, the outlet is working, and the adapter’s indicator light is on. If the laptop is removable-battery compatible, reseat the battery or try powering the system with the battery removed and the charger connected.
Disconnect all external devices such as USB drives, docking stations, or peripherals that could cause conflicts or prevent booting. If the laptop powers on but behaves abnormally, boot into safe mode to help determine if the issue is hardware-related or caused by software or drivers.
Use built-in diagnostics where available. Many manufacturers include boot-time tests for memory, storage, and battery health—consult your laptop’s manual or support site for instructions. Keep in mind that laptops have more delicate and tightly packed components than desktops, so avoid unnecessary disassembly unless you’re confident in the process and have the right tools.
Hold your horses, cowboy.
If your laptop is still under warranty, avoid opening it entirely and contact the manufacturer or where ever you got it from for support. Cracking that puppy open will probably take a dump all over that sweet sweet warranty that might have paid for the repair.
No warranty? Then let ‘er rip. For out-of-warranty systems, follow a methodical, step-by-step approach, changing one variable at a time until you isolate the cause. This will save time, prevent accidental damage, and ensure you only replace what’s actually faulty.
Laptop won’t charge or power on
If your laptop shows no signs of life—no lights, no fan noise, and no display—it’s often a power delivery problem. Start with the charger: check for frayed wires, bent connectors, or damage to the adapter brick. Test the outlet with another device and try a different compatible charger if possible. Many laptops have a charging indicator LED—if it doesn’t light up, the issue could be the adapter, charging port, or battery.
For laptops with a removable battery, take it out and try powering the system directly from the charger. If it turns on, the battery is likely dead or failing. If it still won’t start, press and hold the power button for 10–15 seconds to discharge residual power, then try again. Some models also have a small reset pinhole on the bottom for a similar power reset, but this is a bit uncommon.
If the laptop powers on with the charger but not on battery alone, the battery may need replacing. Conversely, if it won’t power on at all, the problem could be with the charging circuit or motherboard, which usually requires professional repair (of course, you could do your own motherboard replacement if you feel adventurous).
Laptop overheating and shutting down
Overheating is one of the most common laptop issues, especially in thin models with limited airflow. High internal temperatures can cause the system to throttle performance, shut down unexpectedly, or feel uncomfortably hot to the touch. Prolonged overheating also shortens component lifespan.
Start by checking for dust buildup around the cooling vents. Blocked airflow can quickly raise temperatures, so clean the vents using short bursts of compressed air while holding the fan blades still to prevent damage. Make sure the laptop is on a hard, flat surface—using it on a bed or couch can block vents entirely.
Monitor internal temperatures with software like HWMonitor, Core Temp, or the manufacturer’s own utilities. Under normal workloads, CPU and GPU temperatures should generally stay under 85°C. If temperatures are higher, the thermal paste between the CPU/GPU and heatsink may have degraded and need replacement, though this is an advanced procedure best left to experienced users or technicians.
You can also improve cooling by elevating the laptop slightly or using a cooling pad with built-in fans. If fan noise is loud but temperatures remain high, the fan itself could be failing and may require replacement.
For a detailed tips on fixing a crashing PC, check out our Guide on Fixing Random Crashes.
Laptop keyboard not working properly
A laptop keyboard that stops responding, types the wrong characters, or registers intermittent input can be caused by anything from software glitches to physical damage. Start with the basics—restart the laptop and check if the problem persists in the BIOS or pre-boot environment. If keys work there but not in the operating system, the issue is likely driver or software related.
For software fixes, update or reinstall the keyboard driver from Device Manager, and ensure no accessibility settings (like Sticky Keys) are causing unexpected input behavior. If certain keys are stuck or unresponsive, debris under the keycaps could be the culprit. Use compressed air to blow out dust, or carefully remove the affected keycaps for a more thorough cleaning, if the keyboard design allows.
Liquid spills often cause short circuits or corrosion, leading to permanent damage. If this happens, power off the laptop immediately, disconnect it from all power sources, and seek professional cleaning or replacement. Internal ribbon cable connections can also come loose, particularly if the laptop has been dropped or opened for servicing.
Laptop screen flickering or not displaying
A laptop screen that flickers, intermittently turns off, or shows no image can be caused by anything from a loose cable to a failing display panel. Start with the simplest checks—connect the laptop to an external monitor or TV using HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA. If the external display works normally, the problem is likely with the laptop’s internal screen, backlight, or display cable rather than the GPU.
If both displays show the same issue, update or reinstall the graphics drivers from your laptop manufacturer or GPU vendor. Screen flickering can also occur after major OS updates, so rolling back to a previous driver version or adjusting the refresh rate in display settings may help.
Physical issues such as a loose or damaged LVDS/eDP display cable are common in laptops that have been dropped or opened for servicing. In some cases, pressing gently around the display’s bezel while the laptop is on can cause the image to return, confirming a cable connection issue. Repairing this typically requires partial disassembly of the display assembly.
If the screen remains blank but the laptop powers on, shine a flashlight at the display—if you can faintly see an image, the backlight or inverter may have failed.
Laptop running slow or freezing
A laptop that feels sluggish, takes too long to open programs, or freezes during use can be slowed down by both hardware and software issues. Start by checking the Task Manager to see if CPU, memory, or disk usage is consistently maxed out. If RAM usage is near 100% with only a few apps open, an upgrade may be needed.
Background processes, unnecessary startup programs, and outdated drivers are common culprits. Disable unneeded startup apps in the system settings, run a malware scan, and make sure all drivers and the operating system are up to date. Clearing temporary files and ensuring your storage drive has at least 15–20% free space can also improve performance.
On older laptops, a mechanical hard drive can become a major bottleneck. Upgrading to a SATA or NVMe SSD can dramatically reduce boot and load times. If the laptop still freezes despite these fixes, overheating or failing hardware—such as RAM or storage—may be to blame. Run built-in diagnostics or tools like CrystalDiskInfo to check drive health.
If your boot time specifically is slow, check out our Guide on Fixing Slow Boot Times. You will also find some more detailed tips on speeding up your system in general there.
Preventive maintenance for laptops
Keeping a laptop in good condition reduces the likelihood of many common problems. Start with regular cleaning—use compressed air to clear dust from vents and fans every few months. This helps maintain proper airflow and prevents overheating. Avoid using the laptop on soft surfaces like beds or couches, which can block ventilation and trap heat.
Battery care is also important. Avoid leaving the laptop plugged in constantly if it’s not in use, and try to keep the battery charged between 20% and 80% to slow wear over time. For models with removable batteries, store them partially charged if the laptop won’t be used for an extended period.
Keep your software environment healthy by installing OS and driver updates promptly. Many updates include security patches and bug fixes that prevent stability issues. Use reputable antivirus software, and avoid unnecessary background apps that can slow performance.
Physical protection matters too—use a padded case for transport and avoid exposing the laptop to extreme temperatures or moisture. Simple habits like these can add years to your laptop’s life and reduce the frequency of troubleshooting.