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

If your power button is broken or stuck, you have several ways to turn on your computer without touching it. The fastest method depends on what hardware you have and whether your PC will even respond to commands. Most desktops let you jump the power pins on the motherboard with a screwdriver. Some laptops and newer systems let you wake the machine from sleep using the keyboard or mouse. A few systems have a built-in power-on option in the BIOS that you can set to turn on automatically when power returns to the house.

The key difference is between a broken button and a stuck button. A stuck button often responds to gentle pressure or cleaning. A truly broken button requires you to bypass it entirely. Before you open the case, try holding the button down for 30 seconds, then releasing it. If nothing happens, move to one of the methods below.

Key Takeaways

  • The motherboard power jumpers are the most reliable way to start a desktop PC without the power button, and you only need a screwdriver to access them.
  • Jumping the power pins directly with a metal object will start the PC when ready, but this method bypasses all safety checks and should only be used as a last resort.
  • Many systems can wake from sleep using the keyboard or mouse if you first put the PC into sleep mode through another method.
  • Some motherboards have a BIOS setting that turns the PC on automatically when power is restored, which works if your system lost power unexpectedly.
  • Laptop users have fewer options and may need to send the device for repair if the power button fails, since most laptops do not expose the motherboard jumpers.

Using the motherboard power jumpers

The motherboard has a set of small pins labeled PWR_SW or POWER_SW near the bottom-right corner of the board. These pins control the power button. You can start the PC by bridging these two pins with a metal object — a screwdriver, a paperclip, or even a coin — for one to two seconds. This is the safest and most common workaround for a broken power button on a desktop.

To do this, shut down your PC completely and unplug the power cable from the back. Open the case by removing the side panel. Locate the motherboard manual or look for the PWR_SW label on the board itself. The pins are usually small and close together, often near other front-panel connectors. Touch the two pins with a metal object for one to two seconds. The PC should start when ready. If it does not, check that you are touching the correct pins — some boards label them differently, so the manual is worth consulting if you have it.

This method works on nearly all desktop motherboards because the power button is just a switch that closes a circuit. Bridging the pins does exactly what the button does. You can repeat this as many times as you need without damaging anything.

Jumping the power pins directly with a screwdriver

If you cannot find the PWR_SW jumpers or your motherboard does not label them clearly, you can bridge the power pins on the 24-pin ATX connector instead. This is more aggressive and bypasses the motherboard's safety logic, so use it only if the jumper method fails. Unplug the PC, open the case, and locate the large 24-pin connector that plugs into the motherboard from the power supply.

The two pins you need are pin 16 (black wire, ground) and pin 14 (green wire, power-on signal). Touch these two pins with a metal screwdriver for one to two seconds. The PC will start. This method works because you are completing the same circuit the power button completes, but at the power supply level rather than the motherboard level. However, this bypasses any soft-power features your motherboard has, so only use it if the PWR_SW jumpers do not work or are not accessible.

Waking the PC from sleep mode using the keyboard or mouse

If your PC is already in sleep mode, you can wake it by pressing a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse. This works on most systems and requires no tools. Sleep mode keeps the PC powered on but in a low-power state, so the keyboard and mouse remain active and can trigger a wake signal.

To use this method, you first need to put the PC into sleep mode without using the power button. You can do this by closing the lid on a laptop, using the Windows Start menu to select Sleep, or pressing Alt+F4 and choosing Sleep from the shutdown menu. Once the PC is asleep, press any key on the keyboard or move the mouse. The screen should light up and the PC should resume. This method does not work if the PC is completely shut down — it only works from sleep mode.

On some systems, you may need to enable wake-on-keyboard or wake-on-mouse in the BIOS first. If pressing keys does not wake the PC, restart it using one of the other methods, enter the BIOS (usually by pressing Delete or F2 during startup), and look for a setting called "Wake on Keyboard" or "Power on by Keyboard". Enable it and save.

Setting the PC to power on automatically when power returns

Some motherboards have a BIOS setting that turns the PC on automatically whenever power is restored to the system. This is useful if your PC lost power unexpectedly and you want it to restart without pressing the button. The setting is usually called "Power On After Power Loss" or "Restore on AC Power Loss".

To access this setting, restart the PC using one of the methods above and enter the BIOS by pressing Delete, F2, or F12 during the startup screen (the exact key varies by motherboard). Look for a section called "Power Management" or "Advanced". Find the option for power-on behavior and set it to "Power On" or "Always On". Save and exit. The next time power is cut and restored, the PC will start automatically.

This method does not help you start the PC right now if it is already off, but it prevents you from needing the power button in the future if the system loses power. It is most useful for servers or PCs in remote locations where you cannot physically press the button.

Troubleshooting when none of these methods work

If the motherboard jumpers do not start the PC, the problem may not be the power button at all. Check that the power supply is actually plugged in and switched on. Look for a small light on the motherboard or power supply that indicates power is present. If there is no light, the power supply may be dead or the outlet may not be working.

If the power supply is on but the PC still will not start, try a different outlet or a different power cable. If the PC starts with a different cable, the original cable is faulty. If it still does not start, the power supply itself may have failed, and you will need to replace it. If you are not comfortable opening the case or working with the motherboard, a repair shop can perform these checks and fixes for you.

Why laptops are harder to fix without a power button

Laptop power buttons are soldered directly to the motherboard and are not accessible without disassembling the entire device. There is no jumper equivalent like there is on a desktop. If the power button fails on a laptop, your options are limited. You can try connecting the laptop to power and waiting — some laptops will boot automatically if the battery is completely drained and power is restored. You can also try holding down certain key combinations during startup, such as Ctrl+Alt+Delete or Fn+Power, though these rarely work for a failed power button.

For most laptops, a failed power button means a trip to a repair shop or the manufacturer. The button must be physically replaced, which requires opening the case and desoldering the old button. This is not a repair you can do yourself without specialized equipment. If your laptop is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer about a repair or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will jumping the power pins damage my motherboard?

No. The power pins are designed to be bridged by the power button, so bridging them with a screwdriver or other metal object is safe. You are completing the same circuit the button completes. Just make sure the PC is unplugged before you open the case, and do not touch any other components while the case is open.

Can I use a paperclip instead of a screwdriver to jump the pins?

Yes. Any metal object that conducts electricity will work — a paperclip, a coin, a piece of wire, or a screwdriver. Just touch both pins for one to two seconds. Avoid touching other components or pins while you do this.

What if my power button is stuck, not broken?

Try holding it down for 30 seconds and then releasing it. If it is stuck due to dust or debris, gently pry it up with a thin object like a flathead screwdriver or a plastic spoon. If it is physically stuck inside the case, you may need to disassemble the button itself or use one of the jumper methods instead.

Can I wake my PC from sleep without a working power button?

Yes, if the PC is in sleep mode, you can wake it by pressing any key on the keyboard or moving the mouse. This works on most systems and does not require the power button. However, if the PC is completely shut down, you will need to use one of the jumper methods to start it.

Will my PC start automatically if the power goes out?

Only if you enable the "Power On After Power Loss" setting in the BIOS first. By default, most PCs stay off after a power outage. If you enable this setting, the PC will turn on automatically the next time power is restored, without you pressing the button.