Laptop Repair Guide: Quick Fixes & Pro Tips

If your laptop is acting up, you don’t have to rush to a shop right away. Most issues can be diagnosed and fixed at home with a few tools and a bit of patience. Below are the most common problems and what you can do to get your machine running smoothly again.

Screen, Keyboard & Power Problems

Flickering or blank screen? First, check the connection between the display and the motherboard. On most laptops the screen cable is hidden under a small panel on the bottom. Unscrew the panel, locate the ribbon cable, and make sure it’s seated properly. If the cable looks worn, replace it – they’re cheap and easy to find online.

Keys sticking or not responding? Turn the laptop upside down and gently tap the keyboard. Dust and debris often cause keys to jam. If a specific key is still stuck, remove the key cap (use a flat tool) and clean the area with compressed air.

No power at all? Remove the battery, plug the charger in, and try to power on. If the laptop turns on without the battery, the battery may be dead and need replacement. If it still won’t start, try a different charger or check the power outlet – sometimes a faulty charger is the culprit.

Battery, Overheating & Performance Issues

Battery drains quickly? Calibrate the battery by letting the laptop run down to 0% (shut down, don’t let it sleep) and then charge it to 100% without interruption. If the battery still loses charge fast, it’s likely reached the end of its life and should be swapped out.

Overheating? Clean the air vents with a soft brush or compressed air. Dust builds up on the cooling fan and heatsink, reducing airflow. If you hear the fan running loudly, it may need a new bearing. Reapply thermal paste on the CPU and GPU if you’re comfortable opening the chassis – this can drop temperatures by several degrees.

Slow performance? Check the task manager for programs using too much RAM or CPU. Uninstall unnecessary software and disable start‑up items you never use. Running a disk cleanup and defragmenting (if you have an HDD) can also speed things up. For older laptops, consider upgrading to an SSD – it makes a huge difference in boot and load times.

Remember to back up your data before you start any major repair. A simple external drive or cloud service can save you from losing important files if something goes wrong.

With these steps you can tackle most laptop hiccups without spending a fortune. If you hit a wall – like a broken motherboard or water damage – it’s time to call a professional. Our team at Bridgewater Appliance Fixers can handle laptop repairs alongside our usual appliance work, so you get reliable service under one roof.