If you’ve ever wanted to turn on your laptop using just the keyboard, you’re in the right place. This guide will show you how to do it on a Windows 10 laptop. We’ll go through a few simple steps that will make it possible to power up your computer without having to press the power button.
How to Turn on Laptop with Keyboard Windows 10
This section aims to help you configure your Windows 10 laptop to turn on with a keyboard shortcut. We’ll go through the BIOS settings and make a few adjustments. This way, you can power up your laptop just by hitting a key on your keyboard.
Step 1: Enter the BIOS Setup
To set up your laptop to turn on using the keyboard, you first need to access the BIOS setup.
Restart your laptop and press the designated BIOS key (usually F2, F10, or Delete) as soon as it starts booting up.
The BIOS key can vary from one laptop model to another, so you might need to check your laptop’s manual or look up which key to press online. Keep pressing it immediately after hitting the power button until the BIOS screen appears.
Step 2: Navigate to Power Management Settings
Once you’re in the BIOS setup, you’ll need to find the Power Management Settings.
Look for a tab or menu labeled "Power Management" or something similar. Use the arrow keys to navigate through the BIOS options.
Remember, the BIOS interface can look different depending on your laptop’s brand and model, so take your time to explore and find the right settings.
Step 3: Enable the Wake-On-Keyboard Feature
Under Power Management, find an option that says "Wake-on-Keyboard" or "Power On by Keyboard."
Select this option and change its value to "Enabled."
You might find other similar settings like "Wake-On-LAN" or "Wake-On-USB"; make sure you’re enabling the one specific to the keyboard. Use the Enter key to make selections and the arrow keys to navigate.
Step 4: Save and Exit BIOS
After enabling the Wake-On-Keyboard feature, you’ll need to save your changes and exit the BIOS.
Navigate to the "Save & Exit" tab and select "Save Changes and Exit."
Confirm your selection, and your laptop will restart. Your BIOS settings are now saved, and the laptop will reboot with the new configuration.
Step 5: Test the Wake-On-Keyboard Feature
After your laptop restarts, shut it down completely and try turning it on using the keyboard.
Press the designated key (often the spacebar or a specific function key) to see if your laptop powers up.
If everything is set up correctly, your laptop should turn on when you press the key. If it doesn’t work, you might need to revisit the BIOS settings to ensure everything is correctly configured.
After completing these steps, your laptop should turn on when you press the designated key on your keyboard. This can be super handy if your power button is hard to reach or if you just want a quicker way to start your computer.
Tips for How to Turn on Laptop with Keyboard Windows 10
- Make sure your laptop is fully shut down before trying to turn it on with the keyboard.
- If your BIOS doesn’t have a "Wake-on-Keyboard" option, your laptop might not support this feature.
- Consider updating your BIOS firmware if the option isn’t available. Sometimes newer BIOS versions add new features.
- Keep your laptop plugged in while making BIOS changes to prevent any accidental shutdowns.
- Double-check your laptop’s manual or support website for specific instructions related to your model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any key to turn on my laptop?
No, usually, only specific keys like the spacebar or a designated function key can be used. Check your BIOS settings for available options.
What if my BIOS doesn’t have a Wake-On-Keyboard option?
Your laptop might not support this feature. You can check your laptop’s manual or support website for more information.
Do I need to keep my laptop plugged in for this to work?
No, but it is safer to keep your laptop plugged in while changing BIOS settings to prevent any accidental shutdowns.
Will this work on all Windows 10 laptops?
No, not all laptops support Wake-On-Keyboard. It depends on your laptop’s BIOS and hardware capabilities.
Can this damage my laptop?
No, enabling Wake-On-Keyboard in the BIOS is a standard feature and should not damage your laptop.
Summary
- Enter the BIOS setup.
- Navigate to Power Management settings.
- Enable the Wake-On-Keyboard feature.
- Save and exit BIOS.
- Test the Wake-On-Keyboard feature.
Conclusion
Turning on your laptop with a keyboard on Windows 10 can be a convenient feature, especially if your power button is not easily accessible or is malfunctioning. While not all laptops support this feature, many modern models do, and it’s worth checking your BIOS settings to see if it’s an option for you. This guide gives you a straightforward method to enable this feature, and with a little patience, you should be able to get it working in no time.
If this tutorial helped you make life a little easier, consider exploring other BIOS settings that can further enhance your laptop’s functionality. For more tips and tricks on getting the most out of your Windows 10 experience, stay tuned and keep experimenting. Happy computing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.