Hold power button laptop

Holding the Power Button Down Does Not Turn Off the Computer

The proper way to shut down a computer is by pressing the Windows "Start" button and selecting "Shut Down" from the available options. However, sometimes a computer just won't shut down gracefully and you need to turn it off by holding down the power button. When even this method doesn't work, there are some troubleshooting steps you can try.

Normal Shut Down

Whenever possible, a computer should be shut down from the operating system. This ensures open files are saved, temporary files are deleted, and applications and the operating system are properly closed. If a software problem prevents the operating system from shutting down the computer, holding the power button down for more than four seconds usually shuts down the computer hardware, but no software closing is done. When the computer starts again, the operating system may need extra time to restore files and may check or recommend checking the disks.

Pulling the Plug

Before pulling the plug or removing the battery, try and close as many programs as possible. If a desktop power cord is plugged into a power bar or uninterruptable power supply with a switch, use that switch to turn off power. If it is plugged into a wall outlet, just pull the plug quickly. Similarly, a laptop battery should be removed in one smooth motion. Hard drives are designed to safely park their heads on power loss, but electronics in the computer can be damaged by voltage spikes and the off/on cycle from wiggling plugs or batteries. Wiggling power plugs can also cause arcing, which eventually damages the receptacle.

Power Management Settings

When power has been restored and the computer has restarted, settings that control operation of the power button should be checked. Within the operating system there are settings to adjust what the computer does when the power button is pressed and the laptop lid closed. In a Windows system, these are available from the Control Panel, under Power Management or Power Options. It may be necessary to check Advanced Settings. In an Apple system, these settings are available from System Preferences, under Energy Saver settings.

BIOS Settings

BIOS settings may also affect the operation of the power button. To change BIOS settings you must press a key or combination of keys during start up. Depending on the BIOS and the computer this could be "F1," "F2," "DEL" or other keys [see Resources]. A message may flash on the screen indicating which key to press. Once the BIOS settings are displayed, check each page for power settings.

Defective Power Switch

If the computer never responds to the power button or always restarts when the power button is held down, the button may be defective. Replacing a power switch for a desktop is relatively simple. In some cases, there is a mechanical link connecting the physical switch on the outer case to the actual electrical switch inside, and this link can be repaired or replaced. A defective power switch on a laptop could be a costly repair, and may not be economically feasible on an older laptop.

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