If you’ve been using your laptop or computer for a long time, it’s quite possible that some of its parts may start to fail over time. This includes not only the main internal components but also smaller items like ports, keyboard keys, and even the power button.
As expected, a broken power button can be extremely frustrating, especially since turning on your laptop can become a challenge. To assist you with this, we’ve put together a complete guide on how to turn on a laptop without using the power button. This guide will explore multiple methods to start your laptop without the power button.
Methods to Power On Your Laptop Without the Power Button:
- Using the Keyboard
- Using the Motherboard
- Using the CMOS Battery
- Using the Wall Socket
- Using the Laptop Lid
- Using Wake on LAN
1: Power On Laptop Using the Keyboard
A simple way to turn on your laptop without the power button is by using the keyboard. This can be enabled through the BIOS settings of your laptop as follows:
- While starting your laptop, press F2, F10, or DEL (depending on your laptop model) to access the BIOS instead of booting into Windows.
- Navigate to the Power Management settings, where you’ll find an option like “Power On by Keyboard” or something similar.
- Enable this option and save changes by pressing F10.
- Now, even with the laptop off, you can power it on by pressing any key on the keyboard.
2: Power On Laptop Using the Motherboard
If you’re unable to turn on your laptop to access its BIOS and change settings, you can try a hardware-based method. Although this is not practical for everyday use, it can be a viable option in some cases, as shown here:
- Open the bottom cover of your laptop and remove the motherboard using the appropriate tools.
- Ensure all other connections are still intact once the motherboard is removed.
- Disconnect the power button connections from the motherboard, then short pins 1 and 3 using a metal screwdriver or wire to power on your laptop.
- Afterward, you can access the BIOS and change settings as needed once the motherboard is reinstalled.
3: Turn On Laptop Using CMOS/Clock Battery
Another hardware method to turn on your laptop without the power button is the CMOS or clock battery method. While this may reset your BIOS settings, it’s faster than the motherboard method, as outlined here:
- Open your laptop by removing the bottom cover with a screwdriver and prying tools.
- Disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard (distinct from the laptop’s charging cable).
- Remove the CMOS or clock battery from the motherboard.
- Reconnect the battery, which will automatically turn on your laptop, allowing you to access the BIOS if needed.
4: Power On Laptop Using Wall Socket
Similar to the clock battery method, some laptops can be forced to start using the wall socket laptop charger. This method also requires opening the laptop and following these steps:
- Open the laptop and remove the bottom cover to access the motherboard.
- Disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard and connect your laptop charger.
- Once the laptop receives power from the wall, it will turn on immediately, allowing easy access.
5: Power On Laptop Using the Laptop Lid
The laptop lid, which is usually used to put the laptop to sleep, can also be configured to turn on your laptop even when it’s completely off. You will need to adjust the BIOS settings as follows:
- Power on your laptop using the power button or another method outlined above, then press F2, F10, or DEL to access the BIOS.
- Navigate to the Power Management or Power Settings section.
- Find and enable the “Power on with Open Lid” option, then save your settings by pressing F10.
- Now, opening the laptop lid will automatically turn on the laptop without needing the power button.
6: Power On Laptop Using Wake on LAN
Similar to using the keyboard or lid, you can also turn on your laptop using its LAN connection. This feature needs to be enabled in the BIOS:
- Access the BIOS using one of the methods discussed earlier.
- Go to the Power Management section and enable the “Wake on LAN” option, then save changes by pressing F10.
- Next, open Device Manager in Windows by pressing Windows Key + X.
- Find your network adapter, open its Properties, and select “Allow this device to wake the computer” under the Power Management tab.
- Enable the “Wake on Magic Packet” option under the Advanced tab.
- Finally, you can use any supported router or network app on another device in your network to turn on your laptop using its LAN connection.
FAQ’s
Can I still turn on my laptop if the power button is broken?
Yes, it is possible to turn on your laptop without the power button. There are multiple methods you can try, including using the keyboard, motherboard, CMOS battery, wall socket, laptop lid, or Wake on LAN.
How can I turn on my laptop using the keyboard?
You can enable the “Power On by Keyboard” feature in the BIOS settings. To do this, restart your laptop, access the BIOS by pressing F2, F10, or DEL (depending on your laptop model), then navigate to the Power Management settings and enable the option. After saving the settings, you can power on your laptop by pressing any key on the keyboard.
What should I do if I can’t access the BIOS and need to power on my laptop?
If you can’t access the BIOS, you can power on the laptop by manipulating the motherboard. Open the bottom cover of the laptop, remove the motherboard, and short specific pins using a metal tool like a screwdriver. This will power on the laptop, allowing you to access the BIOS and make necessary changes.
How does the CMOS battery method help in turning on my laptop without the power button?
The CMOS battery method involves removing and reconnecting the CMOS or clock battery on your laptop’s motherboard. This may reset your BIOS settings, but it will also power on your laptop automatically, allowing you to make adjustments in the BIOS if necessary.
Can I use my laptop charger to power it on if the power button is broken?
Yes, you can use the wall socket and your laptop charger to power on the laptop. To do this, disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard, then connect the charger. When your laptop receives power, it will turn on automatically, letting you access the system.
Is it possible to turn on my laptop just by opening the lid?
Yes, you can configure your laptop to turn on when you open the lid by enabling the “Power On with Open Lid” option in the BIOS. Once enabled, opening the laptop lid will turn it on without needing to press the power button.
What is Wake on LAN, and how can it turn on my laptop without the power button?
Wake on LAN is a feature that allows you to turn on your laptop using its LAN connection. To use this method, enable the “Wake on LAN” option in the BIOS and configure your network adapter in Windows to allow the device to wake the computer. You can then use a supported router or network app to turn on your laptop remotely.
Do these methods work for both laptops and desktop PCs?
Yes, most of these methods can be applied to both laptops and desktop PCs, though some options (like the keyboard or Wake on LAN) may depend on the specific hardware and BIOS settings.
Will I lose any data or settings by using these methods?
Generally, these methods should not cause data loss. However, resetting the BIOS through the CMOS battery method could reset some system settings, so it’s a good idea to back up important data if possible before attempting these methods.
Conclusion
While a broken power button can be frustrating, there are several methods available to power on your laptop without it. From using the keyboard or motherboard to utilizing the CMOS battery or Wake on LAN, each approach offers a practical solution depending on your situation. By exploring these options, you can easily get your laptop up and running again without the need for immediate repairs. However, if you’re not comfortable with hardware adjustments, seeking professional help is always a good idea to avoid any accidental damage.
