If your computer freezes or you are running into an issue where hardware is not detecting properly, you should attempt to power cycle your computer. This tutorial will tell you how to properly power cycle your computer as well as learning a basic understanding of when to power cycle your computer.
NOTE: This tutorial may also be applied to most printers and some other devices.
Let’s get started!
Part 1: How to Power Cycle
Example: If your computer is frozen, some hardware is not detecting.
Press and hold the power button for 10-20 seconds. You should see that your computer shuts down immediately. Once your computer is off, unplug it from the electrical outlet. Once unplugged press and hold the power button for 30 seconds. Pressing and holding the power button for 30 seconds will do is drain the computer of any remaining electricity that it may be holding onto. Once you’re done draining the computer of electricity, plug it back into the electrical outlet. Turn the computer on. The computer should turn on and run properly.
Part 2: When to Power Cycle
- When your computer freezes for no known good reason.
- If hardware does not detect when you have it plugged in. (This issue can affect Internal and External hardware)
Power cycling is an easy method to diagnose and (some of the time) fix the issues your computer might be having. If your problems persist past the power cycle, contact your system administrator for further assistance.