Laptop Problems
Laptop-specific faults — charging, overheating and startup problems — explained, with guidance on what's worth checking yourself.
Laptops fail differently to desktops, mostly because of how tightly everything is packed together and how much more they get moved, knocked and used on the go. Charging faults, overheating, and a laptop that won't turn on at all are some of the most common issues, and each has a slightly different set of likely causes depending on the model and how old the laptop is. Below are guides to the most common laptop problems, including what's worth checking yourself and when it's genuinely time to get it looked at properly.
Laptop Won't Turn OnNo power, or power but no display. What usually causes a laptop not to turn on, what to check yourself, and when it needs a repair.Laptop OverheatingA hot laptop with a constantly running fan. What usually causes it, what you can check yourself, and when it needs a proper clean-out or repair.Laptop Turns On but Screen Is BlackLights and fans working, but nothing on screen. How to tell whether it's the screen, the graphics, or Windows itself.Laptop Fan Always RunningA fan that never stops, even when the laptop is idle or barely being used. What usually causes it and what's worth checking.Laptop Not ChargingPlugged in but not charging, or charging inconsistently. What to check before assuming the battery or charger has failed.Laptop Battery Not Holding ChargeCharges fine but drains fast, or only lasts a fraction of what it used to. What's normal wear and what's a genuine fault.Can Files Be Recovered From a Dead Laptop?Whether your files are still accessible even if the laptop itself won't turn on.Why Does My Laptop Only Work When Plugged In?What it means when a laptop shuts off the moment it's unplugged.Can a Laptop Battery Be Replaced?Whether laptop battery replacement is realistic, and what affects cost and availability.Can a Laptop Screen Be Replaced?Whether a cracked or faulty laptop screen is worth repairing, and what affects the decision.Should I Repair or Replace My Laptop?A framework for deciding whether a laptop repair is worth it, or whether it's time to replace it.How Long Should a Laptop Last?A realistic expectation for laptop lifespan, and what typically determines it.