How to Start Your PC When the Power Button Doesn't Work

You can start your PC using the motherboard jumpers, keyboard, BIOS settings, or by bridging the power pins directly

If your power button is broken or unresponsive, you have several working alternatives. The fastest route depends on what you have access to: if you can open the case, the motherboard jumpers take two minutes. If you cannot open the case, a USB keyboard set to wake the PC, or a BIOS setting that powers on automatically, may work without touching hardware. The method you choose also depends on whether your PC is already on but stuck, or completely off.

Before you try any of these, check the basics: make sure the power supply switch on the back of the case is set to ON, and that the wall outlet has power. A working outlet can be tested by plugging in a lamp or phone charger. If the PC has power but will not respond to the button, the button itself may be stuck or disconnected from the motherboard.

Key Takeaways

The motherboard has two pins labeled PWR_SW or POWER_SW that control the power button; bridging them with a screwdriver or jumper cap will start the PC.
A USB keyboard set to wake the PC in BIOS can start the machine by pressing a key, if the PC is in sleep mode rather than fully off.
Some motherboards have a built-in power button on the board itself, usually near the 24-pin connector, which bypasses the case button entirely.
BIOS settings like "Power On After Power Loss" or "Restore on AC Power Loss" can make the PC start automatically when power is restored.
If the PC is completely off and none of these work, the power supply itself may be faulty and will need testing or replacement.

Finding and bridging the motherboard power pins

Open the PC case and locate the motherboard. Near the bottom-right corner, you will find a cluster of small pins labeled with text like PWR_SW, POWER_SW, or POWER. The motherboard manual will show you exactly which two pins control power; if you do not have the manual, search the motherboard model number online and read the PDF from the manufacturer's website.

Once you have found the pins, use a metal screwdriver or a jumper cap to touch both pins at the same time for one to two seconds. This mimics what the power button does electrically. The PC should start when ready. If nothing happens, check that the power supply switch is on and that the 24-pin power connector is fully seated in the motherboard.

After the PC starts, you can leave the jumper in place as a temporary fix, or reconnect the original power button cable if you want to use the button again. If the button itself is broken, you can straightforward leave the jumper on the pins and use this method each time, or install a replacement button (available cheaply online for most case models).

Using a USB keyboard to wake the PC

If your PC is in sleep mode rather than completely powered off, a USB keyboard can wake it. Plug a USB keyboard into any USB port on the back of the PC, then press any key. The PC should wake and return to the login screen.

For this to work, you must first enter the BIOS and enable "USB Wake" or "Wake on USB" (the exact name varies by motherboard). Restart the PC using the motherboard jumper method above, then enter BIOS by pressing Delete, F2, or F12 during startup (the key appears on the boot screen). Look for a setting under Power Management or Advanced, enable it, save, and exit. After that, the keyboard will wake the PC from sleep.

This method does not work if the PC is completely off, only if it is sleeping. It also requires that you can reach the BIOS at least once using another method, such as the motherboard jumpers.

Using the motherboard's built-in power button

Many modern motherboards have a small power button printed directly on the board, usually located near the 24-pin power connector or along the bottom edge. This button works independently of the case power button and can start the PC without opening the case fully or using jumpers.

To find it, look at the motherboard while the case is open. The button is usually labeled PWR, POWER, or CMOS. Press it once and hold for one to two seconds. The PC should start. If you cannot find a button on your motherboard, check the manual or search the model number online to confirm whether your board has one.

Setting the PC to power on automatically after a power loss

If you have access to the BIOS, you can configure the PC to start automatically whenever power is restored to the system. This is useful if the PC is off and you cannot use the button, but you can restart it by cutting and restoring power.

Enter the BIOS using the motherboard jumper method to start the PC first. During startup, press Delete, F2, F10, or F12 (check the boot screen for the correct key). Navigate to Power Management or Advanced settings. Look for an option called "Power On After Power Loss", "Restore on AC Power Loss", or "Auto Power On". Set it to Enabled, save, and exit.

After this is set, you can turn the PC off and then flip the power supply switch on the back of the case off and on again. The PC will start automatically. This does not help if the power supply is off, but it does mean you do not need a working power button once the setting is in place.

Testing the power supply if nothing starts the PC

If the motherboard jumpers do not start the PC, and the power supply switch is on, the power supply itself may be faulty. A straightforward test is to unplug the PC, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and flip the power supply switch off and on. If the PC does not show any signs of power (no lights, no fan noise), the power supply is likely dead.

You can also test the power supply by using a multimeter set to DC voltage. Unplug the PC, open the case, and touch the black probe to a bare metal part of the case and the red probe to the yellow wire in the 24-pin connector. Plug the PC in (do not turn it on). A reading of 12 volts means the power supply is working. A reading of 0 or very low voltage means the power supply needs replacement.

If the power supply is working but the PC still will not start, the motherboard itself may be faulty. In that case, the motherboard will need to be tested or replaced by a technician.

Reconnecting or replacing the power button cable

If the power button cable is loose or disconnected, reseating it will restore the button. Open the case and look at the two-pin or four-pin connector labeled PWR_SW or POWER_SW. If it is loose, pull it off and push it firmly back onto the pins. Make sure the connector is oriented correctly; the pins are usually keyed so it only fits one way.

If the button itself is broken, you can order a replacement power button assembly for your case model online. Most cases use a standard button that costs between five and fifteen dollars. Disconnect the old button cable from the motherboard, remove the button from the case (usually held by clips or screws), install the new button, and reconnect the cable to the motherboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I damage the motherboard by bridging the power pins with a screwdriver?

No. The power pins are designed to be bridged; that is exactly what the power button does. A metal screwdriver will not cause damage. The only risk is if you touch other pins or components while the PC is powered on, so make sure the PC is off before you open the case.

What if my PC starts but shuts down when ready?

This usually means the power supply is failing or the motherboard is not getting enough power. Check that all power connectors are fully seated: the 24-pin connector, the 8-pin CPU power connector near the processor, and any 6-pin or 8-pin connectors near the graphics card. If they are all connected and the PC still shuts down, the power supply likely needs replacement.

Will the motherboard power button work if the case is closed?

Most motherboard power buttons are on the edge of the board and can be reached without fully opening the case. You may be able to press it through a vent or by removing just the side panel. Check your specific motherboard to see where the button is located.

Can I use a wireless keyboard to wake my PC?

Wireless keyboards usually cannot wake a PC because the receiver is powered off when the PC sleeps. A wired USB keyboard works because it draws power from the USB port even when the PC is sleeping. If your wireless keyboard has a receiver with its own power switch, you could try leaving it on, but a wired keyboard is more reliable.

What should I do if the power supply switch is off and I cannot reach it?

The power supply switch is on the back of the case, usually a small rocker or toggle. If you cannot reach it, you may need to move the PC or remove the back panel. If the switch is stuck or broken, you can unplug the PC from the wall outlet instead, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Then use one of the other methods to start the PC.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.