Thankfully, most of those problems may be simple to deal with. Let’s see how.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>How Can You Lose Your Files from Your Laptop?<\/span><\/h2>\r\nThere are many reasons your laptop may have started acting dead and seemingly taking your precious files with it.<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t- 🔨 Did you bump<\/b> or accidentally drop<\/b> your laptop? This could have caused damage to its fragile Hard Disk Drive (if it’s using one).<\/li>\r\n\t
- ⚡ Was there a recent storm or other possible cause of an electric surge<\/b>? It could have “fried” some of its electronics.<\/li>\r\n\t
- ⏲ Is your laptop relatively old, or did you use its storage a lot? Storage devices aren’t immune to time and wear<\/b>. Maybe yours is close (or past) its End of Life point.<\/li>\r\n\t
- 💾 An interrupted write process can corrupt<\/b> a storage device’s file system.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
<\/span>Initial Troubleshooting<\/span><\/h2>\r\nBefore pronouncing your laptop dead, it’s worth checking why it’s not “behaving normally”.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Check Power Brick & Cord<\/span><\/h3>\r\nDoes your laptop seem completely dead, with no single LED lighting up?<\/p>\r\n
Double-check the cables connecting your laptop to its power brick<\/b>, and the power brick to the wall socket<\/b>. Are both fully plugged in?<\/p>\r\nFaulty electrical equipment can even become a fire hazard. While checking the power-related connections, check the cables and brick for damage<\/b>. If there’s any hint of wear, replace them<\/b>.<\/div>\r\n<\/span>Replace Battery (if Possible)<\/span><\/h3>\r\nDoes your laptop work fine when plugged in but not when out and around? The problem’s probably its battery<\/b>.<\/p>\r\n
With older or more user-upgradable models, you can replace<\/b> their battery. Note its serial number and other identifying markers, and use them to order an identical replacement.<\/p>\r\n
Newer laptops have their batteries seamlessly packed next to other components to save space and reduce weight. Like with other hardware problems, the only solution is to have them replaced by an expert.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Check For Display Problems<\/span><\/h3>\r\nCan you hear the laptop coming to life, but nothing appears on the screen?<\/p>\r\n
Some laptops come with a fault by design: the repeated opening and closing of their lid can damage the connection<\/b> between the monitor and the GPU. If the monitor springs to life when the cover’s at a specific angle, you’ve found the culprit.<\/p>\r\n
Another reason for a laptop not displaying anything on the screen could be the GPU<\/b>. GPUs produce a lot of heat<\/b> when in active use, especially on gaming laptops. If their cooling system or the laptop’s internal design can’t keep up with their needs for heat dissipation, GPUs can fail.<\/p>\r\n
But how can you tell if the problem’s with the GPU and not the monitor if both have the same result: a blank screen?<\/p>\r\n
Most laptops today come with an HDMI or MiniDisplay port which you can use with an external monitor. And many will detect you’re using a second screen during boot time and also show a signal on it.<\/p>\r\n
So, connect an external monitor to your laptop. Then, check for any signs of life on both screens during boot. If anything like a loading screen shows up on the external screen, it’s probably your laptop’s monitor and not the GPU to blame.<\/p>\r\n
\r\nIf you don’t have a second monitor handy, you can also use your TV<\/b>. Connect your laptop to your TV with a standard HDMI cable<\/b>, and select the correct HDMI port from your TV’s “sources” or “inputs” menu.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
Unfortunately, none of those problems are user-serviceable – and attempting to fix them would void your warranty. Sending your laptop to be serviced by experts is the only solution.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Revert Recent Changes<\/span><\/h3>\r\nDoes Windows “get stuck” while booting? Restart your laptop three more times. After the third one, you’ll reach the Windows Advanced Boot Options menu.<\/p>\r\n
Automatic Repair<\/h4>\r\n
To try to repair Windows automatically from this troubleshooting menu:<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t- Click on Troubleshoot<\/b>.
![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Windows-11-Startup-Repair-Menu.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Choose Advanced Options<\/b>.
![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Windows-11-Startup-Repair-Troubleshoot-Advanced-Options.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Click on Startup Repair<\/b>.
![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Windows-11-Startup-Repair-Option.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Give Windows some time to diagnose your laptop’s startup sequence.
![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Windows-11-Startup-Repair-Diagnosing-PC.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t - If Windows detects any problems, it will inform you that it’s attempting some repairs. After the process completes, your laptop should boot normally again.
![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Windows-11-Startup-Repair-Attempting-Repairs.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nUninstall Windows Updates<\/h4>\r\n
Did you recently install a major Windows update? It’s worth removing it to ensure it’s not behind the OS’s misbehavior.<\/p>\r\n
From the same Advanced Boot Options menu:<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t- Choose Uninstall Updates<\/b>.
![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Windows-11-Advanced-Startup-Options-Menu-Uninstall-Update.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Choose either Uninstall latest quality update<\/b> or Uninstall latest feature update<\/b> depending on what you want to remove \/ what was the newest update installed.
![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Windows-11-Uninstall-Quality-Or-Feature-Update.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Click on the Uninstall quality\/feature update<\/b> button and follow along to remove the update.
![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Windows-11-Uninstall-Update-Final-Click.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nHopefully, your laptop should boot into your desktop as usual afterward.<\/p>\r\n
Uninstall third-party software<\/h4>\r\n
Do you suspect a new driver or third-party software you installed recently as the culprit? Visit the same Advanced Boot Options menu and:<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t- Choose Startup Settings<\/b>.
![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Windows-11-Advanced-Options-Startup-Settings.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Click on Restart<\/b>.
![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Windows-11-Startup-Settings-Restart-to-Startup-Menu.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Choose to use Windows’ Safe Mode<\/b>.
![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Windows-11-Advanced-Boot-Options-Safe-Mode.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Enter your password as usual.
![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Windows-11-Login-Screen.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t - From the Start menu<\/b>, choose Settings<\/b>.
![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Windows-11-Safe-Mode-Start-Menu-Settings-Entry.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Click on Apps<\/b> from the list on the left, and when on that group of settings, choose Apps & features<\/b>.
![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Windows-11-Safe-Mode-Settings-Apps-and-Features.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Change the installed software’s sort order based on Install date<\/b> and proceed to uninstall<\/b> the top entries.
![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Windows-11-Safe-Mode-Sort-App-List-by-Install-Date.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/span>Where Do Laptops Store Your Files?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n“Saving your data” means trying to recover it. But how? The first step is knowing where<\/b> this data is stored on a typical laptop.<\/p>\r\n
![\"Laptop](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Laptop-Storage.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Hard Disks<\/span><\/h3>\r\nOld laptops relied solely on 2,5” HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) for storage. However, that wasn’t a good combination.<\/p>\r\n
HDDs are more prone to damage from bumps and drops, which are almost a given with laptops. They’re also much slower than Solid State Drives and NVME drives.<\/p>\r\n
However, they’re cheaper, so you’ll still find them in modern laptops as secondary storage for the user’s larger files.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Solid State Drives<\/span><\/h3>\r\nSSDs usually come in the same form factor as 2,5” HDDs but store data in memory chips.<\/p>\r\n
SSds are dozens of times faster than HDDs but also much more expensive. Because of that, they’re available in smaller (storage) sizes. The combination of small sizes but hyperfast speeds makes them perfect for hosting the operating system.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>NVMe Drives<\/span><\/h3>\r\nNVMe drives are the same as SSDs, but use a different connector to achieve even greater speeds. Unlike HDDs and SSDs, they resemble memory sticks.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Can You Recover Data From a Dead Laptop?<\/span><\/h2>\r\nYou can recover data from a genuinely dead laptop by “transplanting” its storage to another computer (as we’ll see below).<\/p>\r\n
If your laptop’s still booting to your Windows desktop but not performing as it should, it’s not really dead. Try one of the following solutions to get back your files.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>How Can You Recover Your Files From a Dead Laptop?<\/span><\/h2>\r\nYou have many options for recovering your files from your laptop. However, we suggest you try the following in sequence.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Save Your Precious Files With Disk Drill<\/span><\/h3>\r\nYou can reach your desktop or have “transplanted” your storage device to a secondary PC, but your files are gone? Use an advanced data recovery solution like Disk Drill to save them.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Initial Troubleshooting<\/span><\/h2>\r\nBefore pronouncing your laptop dead, it’s worth checking why it’s not “behaving normally”.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Check Power Brick & Cord<\/span><\/h3>\r\nDoes your laptop seem completely dead, with no single LED lighting up?<\/p>\r\n
Double-check the cables connecting your laptop to its power brick<\/b>, and the power brick to the wall socket<\/b>. Are both fully plugged in?<\/p>\r\nFaulty electrical equipment can even become a fire hazard. While checking the power-related connections, check the cables and brick for damage<\/b>. If there’s any hint of wear, replace them<\/b>.<\/div>\r\n<\/span>Replace Battery (if Possible)<\/span><\/h3>\r\nDoes your laptop work fine when plugged in but not when out and around? The problem’s probably its battery<\/b>.<\/p>\r\n
With older or more user-upgradable models, you can replace<\/b> their battery. Note its serial number and other identifying markers, and use them to order an identical replacement.<\/p>\r\n
Newer laptops have their batteries seamlessly packed next to other components to save space and reduce weight. Like with other hardware problems, the only solution is to have them replaced by an expert.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Check For Display Problems<\/span><\/h3>\r\nCan you hear the laptop coming to life, but nothing appears on the screen?<\/p>\r\n
Some laptops come with a fault by design: the repeated opening and closing of their lid can damage the connection<\/b> between the monitor and the GPU. If the monitor springs to life when the cover’s at a specific angle, you’ve found the culprit.<\/p>\r\n
Another reason for a laptop not displaying anything on the screen could be the GPU<\/b>. GPUs produce a lot of heat<\/b> when in active use, especially on gaming laptops. If their cooling system or the laptop’s internal design can’t keep up with their needs for heat dissipation, GPUs can fail.<\/p>\r\n
But how can you tell if the problem’s with the GPU and not the monitor if both have the same result: a blank screen?<\/p>\r\n
Most laptops today come with an HDMI or MiniDisplay port which you can use with an external monitor. And many will detect you’re using a second screen during boot time and also show a signal on it.<\/p>\r\n
So, connect an external monitor to your laptop. Then, check for any signs of life on both screens during boot. If anything like a loading screen shows up on the external screen, it’s probably your laptop’s monitor and not the GPU to blame.<\/p>\r\n
\r\nIf you don’t have a second monitor handy, you can also use your TV<\/b>. Connect your laptop to your TV with a standard HDMI cable<\/b>, and select the correct HDMI port from your TV’s “sources” or “inputs” menu.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
Unfortunately, none of those problems are user-serviceable – and attempting to fix them would void your warranty. Sending your laptop to be serviced by experts is the only solution.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Revert Recent Changes<\/span><\/h3>\r\nDoes Windows “get stuck” while booting? Restart your laptop three more times. After the third one, you’ll reach the Windows Advanced Boot Options menu.<\/p>\r\n
Automatic Repair<\/h4>\r\n
To try to repair Windows automatically from this troubleshooting menu:<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t- Click on Troubleshoot<\/b>. <\/li>\r\n\t
- Choose Advanced Options<\/b>. <\/li>\r\n\t
- Click on Startup Repair<\/b>. <\/li>\r\n\t
- Give Windows some time to diagnose your laptop’s startup sequence. <\/li>\r\n\t
- If Windows detects any problems, it will inform you that it’s attempting some repairs. After the process completes, your laptop should boot normally again. <\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Uninstall Windows Updates<\/h4>\r\n
Did you recently install a major Windows update? It’s worth removing it to ensure it’s not behind the OS’s misbehavior.<\/p>\r\n
From the same Advanced Boot Options menu:<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t- Choose Uninstall Updates<\/b>. <\/li>\r\n\t
- Choose either Uninstall latest quality update<\/b> or Uninstall latest feature update<\/b> depending on what you want to remove \/ what was the newest update installed. <\/li>\r\n\t
- Click on the Uninstall quality\/feature update<\/b> button and follow along to remove the update. <\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Hopefully, your laptop should boot into your desktop as usual afterward.<\/p>\r\n
Uninstall third-party software<\/h4>\r\n
Do you suspect a new driver or third-party software you installed recently as the culprit? Visit the same Advanced Boot Options menu and:<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t- Choose Startup Settings<\/b>. <\/li>\r\n\t
- Click on Restart<\/b>. <\/li>\r\n\t
- Choose to use Windows’ Safe Mode<\/b>. <\/li>\r\n\t
- Enter your password as usual. <\/li>\r\n\t
- From the Start menu<\/b>, choose Settings<\/b>. <\/li>\r\n\t
- Click on Apps<\/b> from the list on the left, and when on that group of settings, choose Apps & features<\/b>. <\/li>\r\n\t
- Change the installed software’s sort order based on Install date<\/b> and proceed to uninstall<\/b> the top entries. <\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
<\/span>Where Do Laptops Store Your Files?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n“Saving your data” means trying to recover it. But how? The first step is knowing where<\/b> this data is stored on a typical laptop.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Hard Disks<\/span><\/h3>\r\nOld laptops relied solely on 2,5” HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) for storage. However, that wasn’t a good combination.<\/p>\r\n
HDDs are more prone to damage from bumps and drops, which are almost a given with laptops. They’re also much slower than Solid State Drives and NVME drives.<\/p>\r\n
However, they’re cheaper, so you’ll still find them in modern laptops as secondary storage for the user’s larger files.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Solid State Drives<\/span><\/h3>\r\nSSDs usually come in the same form factor as 2,5” HDDs but store data in memory chips.<\/p>\r\n
SSds are dozens of times faster than HDDs but also much more expensive. Because of that, they’re available in smaller (storage) sizes. The combination of small sizes but hyperfast speeds makes them perfect for hosting the operating system.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>NVMe Drives<\/span><\/h3>\r\nNVMe drives are the same as SSDs, but use a different connector to achieve even greater speeds. Unlike HDDs and SSDs, they resemble memory sticks.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Can You Recover Data From a Dead Laptop?<\/span><\/h2>\r\nYou can recover data from a genuinely dead laptop by “transplanting” its storage to another computer (as we’ll see below).<\/p>\r\n
If your laptop’s still booting to your Windows desktop but not performing as it should, it’s not really dead. Try one of the following solutions to get back your files.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>How Can You Recover Your Files From a Dead Laptop?<\/span><\/h2>\r\nYou have many options for recovering your files from your laptop. However, we suggest you try the following in sequence.<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Save Your Precious Files With Disk Drill<\/span><\/h3>\r\nYou can reach your desktop or have “transplanted” your storage device to a secondary PC, but your files are gone? Use an advanced data recovery solution like Disk Drill to save them.<\/p>\r\n
Does your laptop seem completely dead, with no single LED lighting up?<\/p>\r\n
Double-check the cables connecting your laptop to its power brick<\/b>, and the power brick to the wall socket<\/b>. Are both fully plugged in?<\/p>\r\n Does your laptop work fine when plugged in but not when out and around? The problem’s probably its battery<\/b>.<\/p>\r\n With older or more user-upgradable models, you can replace<\/b> their battery. Note its serial number and other identifying markers, and use them to order an identical replacement.<\/p>\r\n Newer laptops have their batteries seamlessly packed next to other components to save space and reduce weight. Like with other hardware problems, the only solution is to have them replaced by an expert.<\/p>\r\n Can you hear the laptop coming to life, but nothing appears on the screen?<\/p>\r\n Some laptops come with a fault by design: the repeated opening and closing of their lid can damage the connection<\/b> between the monitor and the GPU. If the monitor springs to life when the cover’s at a specific angle, you’ve found the culprit.<\/p>\r\n Another reason for a laptop not displaying anything on the screen could be the GPU<\/b>. GPUs produce a lot of heat<\/b> when in active use, especially on gaming laptops. If their cooling system or the laptop’s internal design can’t keep up with their needs for heat dissipation, GPUs can fail.<\/p>\r\n But how can you tell if the problem’s with the GPU and not the monitor if both have the same result: a blank screen?<\/p>\r\n Most laptops today come with an HDMI or MiniDisplay port which you can use with an external monitor. And many will detect you’re using a second screen during boot time and also show a signal on it.<\/p>\r\n So, connect an external monitor to your laptop. Then, check for any signs of life on both screens during boot. If anything like a loading screen shows up on the external screen, it’s probably your laptop’s monitor and not the GPU to blame.<\/p>\r\n If you don’t have a second monitor handy, you can also use your TV<\/b>. Connect your laptop to your TV with a standard HDMI cable<\/b>, and select the correct HDMI port from your TV’s “sources” or “inputs” menu.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n Unfortunately, none of those problems are user-serviceable – and attempting to fix them would void your warranty. Sending your laptop to be serviced by experts is the only solution.<\/p>\r\n Does Windows “get stuck” while booting? Restart your laptop three more times. After the third one, you’ll reach the Windows Advanced Boot Options menu.<\/p>\r\n To try to repair Windows automatically from this troubleshooting menu:<\/p>\r\n Did you recently install a major Windows update? It’s worth removing it to ensure it’s not behind the OS’s misbehavior.<\/p>\r\n From the same Advanced Boot Options menu:<\/p>\r\n Hopefully, your laptop should boot into your desktop as usual afterward.<\/p>\r\n Do you suspect a new driver or third-party software you installed recently as the culprit? Visit the same Advanced Boot Options menu and:<\/p>\r\n “Saving your data” means trying to recover it. But how? The first step is knowing where<\/b> this data is stored on a typical laptop.<\/p>\r\n Old laptops relied solely on 2,5” HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) for storage. However, that wasn’t a good combination.<\/p>\r\n HDDs are more prone to damage from bumps and drops, which are almost a given with laptops. They’re also much slower than Solid State Drives and NVME drives.<\/p>\r\n However, they’re cheaper, so you’ll still find them in modern laptops as secondary storage for the user’s larger files.<\/p>\r\n SSDs usually come in the same form factor as 2,5” HDDs but store data in memory chips.<\/p>\r\n SSds are dozens of times faster than HDDs but also much more expensive. Because of that, they’re available in smaller (storage) sizes. The combination of small sizes but hyperfast speeds makes them perfect for hosting the operating system.<\/p>\r\n NVMe drives are the same as SSDs, but use a different connector to achieve even greater speeds. Unlike HDDs and SSDs, they resemble memory sticks.<\/p>\r\n You can recover data from a genuinely dead laptop by “transplanting” its storage to another computer (as we’ll see below).<\/p>\r\n If your laptop’s still booting to your Windows desktop but not performing as it should, it’s not really dead. Try one of the following solutions to get back your files.<\/p>\r\n You have many options for recovering your files from your laptop. However, we suggest you try the following in sequence.<\/p>\r\n You can reach your desktop or have “transplanted” your storage device to a secondary PC, but your files are gone? Use an advanced data recovery solution like Disk Drill to save them.<\/p>\r\n<\/span>Replace Battery (if Possible)<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
<\/span>Check For Display Problems<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
<\/span>Revert Recent Changes<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
Automatic Repair<\/h4>\r\n
\r\n\t
<\/li>\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nUninstall Windows Updates<\/h4>\r\n
\r\n\t
<\/li>\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nUninstall third-party software<\/h4>\r\n
\r\n\t
<\/li>\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/span>Where Do Laptops Store Your Files?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n<\/span>Hard Disks<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
<\/span>Solid State Drives<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
<\/span>NVMe Drives<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
<\/span>Can You Recover Data From a Dead Laptop?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
<\/span>How Can You Recover Your Files From a Dead Laptop?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
<\/span>Save Your Precious Files With Disk Drill<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
![\"Disk](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/sidebar-ban-96.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n