How to Hard Reboot a Laptop

A hard reboot of a laptop is when the computer is turned off and on without performing a shut-down procedure using the software. Hard rebooting is necessary if the software has become unresponsive or bogged down in errors and won't allow for a software reboot. A power failure is also classified as a hard reboot. A complete hard reboot will require the disengagement of all peripherals and power leads.

Instructions

1. Hold in the Power button on the laptop until the system turns completely off. Check that no lights are flashing.

2. Unplug the AC adapter from the laptop.

3. Turn the laptop over and remove the battery casing and battery. Depending on your model it may come straight out or you may need a coin or screwdriver to get it out.

4. Remove all peripheral cables and plugs that are connected to the laptop, including speakers, USB devices and printers. Turn off all Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.

5. Hold the power button in for 15 seconds to drain any remaining power from the laptop.

6. Insert the battery pack back into the laptop and reconnect the AC adapter, but do not reconnect any of the peripheral devices.

7. Press the power button to turn the laptop on.

8. Use the arrow keys to choose "Start Windows Normally" when asked if you want to start Windows in "Safe Mode." Depending on the software circumstances in which the laptop was turned off, Windows may boot normally without this option.

9. Reconnect all of your peripherals.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use a hard reboot as a last resort; it is not healthy for the system to undergo too many.

• If you are rebooting due to a software crash or error, allow Windows to run ScanDisk upon restart, then run antivirus and/or anti-spyware programs to fix the problems.

References

• HP: Use Hard Reset to Resolve Hardware and Software Issues