However, sometimes a computer just won't shut down gracefully and you need to turn it off by holding down the power button. When even this method doesn't work, there are some troubleshooting steps ...

Decide whether you want to change the power button action for when the PC is using the battery or when it’s plugged in. In the case pictured here, each option in blue is currently set to Sleep.

What you might not know is there's a simple fix for this: a USB-powered external power button you can place right on your desk, like the Azmxdvp external PC power button, which retails for $8.99 ...

Press and hold the power button on the front of the computer for approximately 5 seconds. The computer will shut off. No lights should be near the power button.

The power icon, though, is still what it is. Further reading: Every laptop port symbol and icon, explained This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and ...

There are a lot of different power plugs in a system, and it’s all too easy to miss one of them when your PC won’t turn on. One of the most common is the 4/8-pin connector(s) next to the CPU.

While the other power options will work for you most of the time, you will still have to shut down your PC from time to time. Consider shutting down if you infrequently use your PC.

Start up your computer, and when the boot process begins, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds to turn the PC off. Repeat the process twice. In the third boot, you should be in the ...