Jump the power pins on the motherboard to start your PC without using the button
If your power button is broken or stuck, you can start your PC by bridging two metal pins on the motherboard with a conductive object—usually a screwdriver or a paperclip. The motherboard has a set of small pins labeled PWR_SW or POWER_SW that the power button normally connects to. When you touch both pins simultaneously with metal, you complete the circuit and trigger the startup sequence, just as if you had pressed the button.
This method works on almost every desktop PC because the power button is just a straightforward switch. Laptops are different—they have firmware locks that prevent this trick, so this guide applies to desktop computers only. The process takes less than a minute and requires no special tools or technical knowledge beyond opening your case.
Key Takeaways
- The power button connects to two pins on the motherboard labeled PWR_SW or POWER_SW, and touching both pins with metal will start the PC.
- You need to open the PC case and locate the motherboard's front-panel connectors, which are usually clustered near the bottom-right corner.
- A metal screwdriver, paperclip, or coin works to bridge the pins—plastic or rubber will not complete the circuit.
- If the PC still will not start after bridging the pins, the problem is likely the power supply or motherboard, not the button itself.
Locate the front-panel connectors on your motherboard
Open your PC case by removing the side panel. Most cases have two thumb screws or a latch on the back; some slide off entirely. Once inside, look for a cluster of small pins near the bottom-right corner of the motherboard, close to where the case's front panel connects. This area holds the front-panel headers—the connectors for the power button, reset button, power LED, and hard drive activity light.
The pins are usually labeled on the motherboard itself, though the text is small. Look for markings that say PWR_SW, POWER_SW, PWRBTN, or similar. If you cannot read the labels on the board, check your motherboard's manual—you can find it online by searching the motherboard model number, which is printed on the board itself. The manual will show you exactly which two pins control power.
Identify the correct two pins
The power switch pins are typically two pins standing alone or next to a reset button pair. They are not polarized, meaning it does not matter which pin you touch first—the circuit works either way. If you see four pins in a row labeled PWR_SW, the outer two are usually the power pins, and the inner two are reset. Your motherboard manual will confirm this.
Some motherboards color-code the pins or use different heights to make them easier to spot. If you are uncertain, take a photo of the area and search for your motherboard model plus "front panel connectors" online—you will find diagrams showing exactly which pins do what.
Bridge the pins with a metal object
Once you have identified the two power pins, touch both of them simultaneously with a metal object. A flathead screwdriver works best because the tip is small enough to fit between pins without touching adjacent ones. A paperclip, coin, or even a metal pen will work. Do not use plastic, rubber, or wood—these materials do not conduct electricity and will not complete the circuit.
Hold the metal object so that it touches both pins at the same time for about one second. You should hear the PC power supply set up, the fans spin up, and the motherboard lights come on. If nothing happens, try again—sometimes you need to hold contact for a full second or make sure both pins are making solid contact with the metal.
What to do if the PC still will not start
If bridging the pins does not start the PC, the problem is not the power button—it is something else in the startup chain. Check that the power supply is plugged in and that the power supply switch on the back of the case is turned on. Look for a small rocker switch or toggle on the rear of the power supply unit itself; it should be in the ON position.
If the power supply is on and the PC still will not start when you bridge the pins, the issue is likely the power supply itself or the motherboard. Try a different power outlet to rule out a tripped circuit breaker. If that does not help, the power supply may have failed, or the motherboard may have a hardware fault. At this point, you will need to replace the power supply or have the motherboard tested by a technician.
Prevent the power button from failing again
Power buttons fail because of repeated mechanical stress—the switch inside wears out after thousands of presses. You can reduce wear by using the keyboard shortcut Alt+F4 to shut down your PC instead of pressing the button every time. This keeps the button fresh for actual emergencies.
If the button is stuck or physically broken, you have two options: replace just the button (if your case allows it) or use the motherboard bridge method as a permanent workaround. Some people install a wireless power button or use a smart plug to control the power supply remotely. For most users, bridging the pins occasionally is simpler than replacing hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will bridging the pins damage my PC?
No. The power pins are designed to handle this—that is exactly what the power button does. The circuit is low-voltage and low-amperage, so there is no risk of damage to the motherboard or components.
Can I do this with the PC powered on?
No. Only bridge the pins when the PC is completely off and the power supply is switched on. Bridging them while the system is running will force a hard shutdown, which can corrupt data or damage the file system.
What if I touch the wrong pins?
Touching the reset pins will restart the PC instead of starting it. Touching power and ground pins together could cause a short, though most modern motherboards have protection against this. If you are unsure, consult your motherboard manual before touching anything.
Can I use this method on a laptop?
No. Laptops do not have accessible front-panel connectors, and their power circuits are protected by firmware. If your laptop power button is broken, you will need to have it repaired or replaced by a technician.
Is there a permanent fix instead of bridging pins every time?
Yes. You can buy a replacement power button assembly for your case (usually $10–$30) and swap it out, or you can install a wireless power button. Some people also use a smart plug on the power supply to turn the PC on and off remotely, though this bypasses the motherboard's graceful shutdown process.