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How to make computer shut down on a timer

Method 1. Use the Command Prompt
  • Press Windows key + R to open the Run the dialog box
  • Type cmd and hit Enter
  • Type in the following command, and hit Enter:

Shutdown -s -t 3000

  • -s is giving the command to shut down and -t is the number of seconds, you want it to wait
  • You can change the timing to your own
Method 2. Use the Run box
  • Press Windows key + R to open the Run the dialog box
  • Type shutdown -s -t and the number of seconds you need
  • Select OK

Method 3. Use a Desktop Shortcut
  • Go to your Desktop and right-click anywhere
  • Select New, and then Shortcut

  • Type in the command Shutdown -s -t 5000 and click on Next

  • Give the shortcut a name and click on Finish
  • A shortcut will be created on your Desktop

Cancel the Sleep Shutdown Command in Windows
  • Go to your Desktop and right-click anywhere
  • Select New, and then Shortcut
  • Type in the following command:

Shutdown -a

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How to Enter BIOS Setup

What is BIOS?
As your PC’s most important startup program, BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is the built-in core processor software responsible for booting up your system. Typically embedded into your computer as a motherboard chip, the BIOS functions as a catalyst for PC functionality action.
Programmed on an erasable, programmable, read-only memory (EPROM) chip, BIOS is stored on this memory chip which retains data when the power source is switched off. When the PC is powered back on, BIOS retrieves that same stored data. The BIOS system is also responsible for managing data flow between your computer’s operating system and any attached devices including a hard drive, keyboard, video adapter, printer, or mouse.
Each time you power your PC on, BIOS runs through a process called Power-On Self Test, or POST, that determines whether your attached devices are operating correctly and are in their proper place. Once all attachments are allocated and given the OK, your computer startup continues as usual and takes you to your load screen in a matter of seconds. If BIOS detects any problems, an error screen will appear or a series of beep codes will sound, effectively indicating to you that something has gone wrong.

1. POST

As we mentioned before, POST is an acronym for the Power-On Self Test that your PC runs through the moment you turn it on. POST tests the hardware of your PC and ensures that there is nothing out of order and no errors present with your operating system. POST goes through everything from your keyboard and disk drive to your RAM speed in a computer and integrated ports. Should everything be in order, POST will continue as usual and allow your PC to boot normally.
If there is a detected error, BIOS will issue an error message that may come in the form of displayed text or a series of error-indicating beeps. These beeps are always signals to certain messages, so if you happen to get this result, you will need to check out what it means for your computer’s hardware [1].

2. CMOS setup

Your PC stores all low-level settings like system time and hardware configuration within its CMOS. This means that every change you make to your BIOS structure is saved on this special memory chip called the Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor, or CMOS. The CMOS setup is responsible for setting your password, time, and date.

3. Bootstrap loader

The program that lives within your computer’s EPROM or ROM, the bootstrap loader is tasked with reading your PC’s hard drive boot sector to move along the complete operating system load. When you restart your PC, the bootstrap loader activates the POST, then loads Windows 10 into memory. Newer PCs have replaced the bootstrap loader with an EFI, or Extensible Firmware Interface.

4. BIOS drivers

BIOS drivers are the many programs stored in your computer’s many memory chips. These low-level drivers are used to boot your system and prompt basic operational controls on your PC.

How to enter BIOS in Windows 10

When you’ve run into an annoying computer bug or need to modify CPU hardware for a newly upgraded processor, you will need access to your computer BIOS. Laptops with Windows 10 and PCs make accessing, checking, and updating your BIOS a breeze by offering two easy methods to achieve the results you’re aiming for. Let’s break down both methods.
Method #1: Use hotkey during boot-up
It may be too quick for you to have ever noticed, but your PC goes through a rapid POST process to get your startup screen loaded up as fast as it can. It is also within this tightly timed window that you can access your BIOS by clicking your PC’s designated hotkey. Unfortunately, different PC brands were all on different pages when designating a definitive BIOS key. HP laptops generally use F10 or the escape key.
DEL and F2 tend to be the most popular hotkeys for PCs, but if you’re unsure of what your brand’s hotkey is, this list of common BIOS keys by brand may help.
  • Acer: F2 or DEL
  • ASUS: F2 for all PCs, F2 or DEL for motherboards
  • Dell: F2 or F12
  • HP: ESC or F10
  • Lenovo: F2 or Fn + F2
  • Lenovo (Desktops): F1
  • Lenovo (ThinkPads): Enter + F1.
  • MSI: DEL for motherboards and PCs
  • Microsoft Surface Tablets: Press and hold volume up button.
  • Origin PC: F2
  • Samsung: F2
  • Sony: F1, F2, or F3
  • Toshiba: F2
Pressing your assigned BIOS hotkey while your computer boots up should retrieve the BIOS setup utility screen you’re looking for. For example, on an HP Pavilion, HP EliteBook, HP Stream, HP OMEN, HP ENVY and more, pressing the F10 key just as your PC status comes up will lead you to the BIOS setup screen. Some manufacturers require repeated hotkey presses, and some require another button to be pressed in addition to the hotkey. To best equip yourself with the most accurate information, check with your PC’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website.
Method #2: Use Windows 10’s start menu
As computers have become more technologically advanced than ever, they boot up in seconds before our eyes. This leaves little room for pressing any hotkeys and can leave those looking to get into their BIOS settings puzzled.For PC users who aren’t able to catch that tiny window to use their hotkey, this method of entering BIOS can be completed through your computer settings.
Step 1. Access your Windows settings
Navigate to your Windows start menu and select “Settings” located on the left panel. You can also access your Windows setting by using Windows shortcut keys Windows + I.
Step 2. Select “Update & security”
Within this window, you may need to scroll down to find the “Update & security” button.
Step 3. Select “Recovery”
Step 4. Click “Restart now”
Under “Advanced startup” you will see a “Restart now” button that allows you to reboot your PC for configuration or restoration.
After your PC boots back up, you will be met with a special menu that gives you the option to “Use a device,” “Continue,” “Turn off your PC,” or “Troubleshoot.”
Step 5. Select “Troubleshoot”
Within this window, select “Advanced options” then select “UEFI Firmware Settings.” This will allow you to enter BIOS on your Windows 10 PC.
Step 6. Confirm your restart
If your PC is running Windows 8.1 or Windows 8, these methods will also work for your older operating system.
How to access Windows 7, Vista, and XP BIOS
The same method of pressing your designated hotkey during boot-up should be able to gain you access into your BIOS. Be sure to press that button as soon as you see your manufacturer’s brand logo.
Older operating systems tend to load more slowly, so your window of time to press your designated hotkey should be wide enough for prompt BIOS access. Follow this three-step method to enter BIOS on Windows 7 or later.
Step 1. Turn off your computer
On older operating systems, you can only access BIOS just before the Microsoft Windows logo appears on your computer screen.
Step 2. Power your PC on
Step 3. Press the BIOS hotkey
The single keystroke or combination of pressed keys will open BIOS on your PC. Oftentimes your computer will indicate on the startup screen which key or keys need to be pressed in order to enter BIOS.
I can’t access BIOS, what do I do?
If you’re still struggling to figure out how to enter BIOS on your Windows 10 desktop computer, you may find yourself in somewhat of a pickle.
Whether your startup is too fast or you suspect a virus has attacked your hardware, you need access into your BIOS as soon as possible. Fortunately, we’ve got what you need. Try these two troubleshooting methods to gain access into your BIOS.
Troubleshoot method #1: Disable fast startup
If your PC is powering on too quickly for you to know when to press your BIOS hotkey, your timing may be keeping you from accessing your PC’s BIOS. To slow down your boot time and open your window for hotkey pressing, you will need to disable fast startup.
To do this:
1. Locate “Power options” in your control panel
2. Press “Choose what the power button does” in the left panel (you’ll note that the shutdown settings are all greyed out and unavailable for modification)
3. Press “Change settings that are currently available” located above the power button and lid settings (this will allow you to uncheck or check boxes to modify your shutdown settings)
4. Uncheck “Turn on fast startup”
5. Try restarting your PC and entering BIOS with your hotkey again
Troubleshoot method #2: Use an emergency boot disk
In the case that your PC refuses to enter BIOS or gives you the dreaded blue screen of death, you could be faced with boot failure. In order to access BIOS, you can try utilizing an emergency boot disk to bring your PC back to life via USB drive.
Once the USB drive boots up, you should be able to select a boot device at the startup.
1. Click “Repair your computer” instead of the centered “Install now” button
2. Click “Troubleshoot”
3. Click “UEFI Firmware Settings”
4. Click “Restart”
If nothing works, you may need to resort to finding a computer repair specialist in your area to help solve your issues.
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My laptop won’t turn on

You press the power button on your laptop… and nothing happens.
There are few more frustrating technological hiccups than when your laptop won’t turn on. However, you don’t have to resign yourself to the idea that your laptop has met an untimely death. We’ll show you some ways to assess what’s wrong and fix it. If your laptop won’t power up, a faulty power supply, failed hardware, or a malfunctioning screen could be to blame [1]. In many cases, you may be able to resolve the problem yourself by ordering replacement parts or adjusting your laptop’s configuration.
1. Check the power supply and battery
If your HP laptop won’t turn on even when plugged in, start by checking the power supply. There are quite a few issues you could have with the power supply. For example, the problem could be as simple as having the wrong charging cord which means you aren’t getting the proper voltage, or it could be that the power supply has failed [2].
1. To test if the power supply is the issue, completely remove your laptop battery.
2. Then, plug your laptop into a functioning outlet.
3. First, confirm the outlet is functioning properly by plugging another device into it – if it works, the issue isn’t the outlet.
4. If you can power on your laptop without the battery installed, the issue isn’t the power supply, it’s your battery.
5. You’ll need to buy a new one but, in the meantime, you can simply use AC power only.
6. It’s perfectly fine to use your laptop without the battery installed, it just means you’ll always have to be plugged into an outlet to use it.

CMOS battery

One other possible solution to test out is to replace the CMOS battery which stores the BIOS settings in the motherboard [3]. This is especially true if you’re running an older laptop that is off a lot or used with the main battery removed. A new CMOS battery is very budget-friendly to replace.
Pro tip: Make sure that the cables are all properly connected. This might seem simple and obvious but most issues with a laptop that won’t turn on stem from a power supply issue. A loose or unplugged power cable means your computer isn’t getting the juice it needs to run.
2. Diagnose screen issues
If your power supply is working, you will need to troubleshoot further.
1. First, disconnect all of your nonessential external display devices like projectors and monitors to make sure they’re not interfering with the startup processes of your laptop.
2. If the power button is lit and you can hear fans or noises but there isn’t an image being displayed, turn out the lights to see if there’s an image being displayed very faintly.
3. If there is a very faint image once the lights are off, the screen’s inverter has failed and you’ll need to replace it [4].
4. Alternatively, your brightness button may be broken.
If your laptop starts up but there isn’t an image, the LCD panel could be broken. It’s not impossible to fix a broken screen, you can read our article here about how to do so. But if your laptop is an older model it might make more sense to simply replace your entire laptop.
3. Remove all devices from your laptop
If you have left a memory card, DVD, or USB drive in your notebook, this could be a reason why your laptop doesn’t power on. It might be getting “stuck” because the BIOS may be trying to boot from a removable storage device. Remove all USB drives and other devices and try to boot up your computer.
4. Use a rescue disc
A rescue disc allows you to boot your computer and fix any issues you may be having with a Windows operating system [5]. If a virus is the culprit behind your computer problems, the rescue disc will find it via scanning tools so you can remove the offending malware.
5. Boot in safe mode
If your HP laptop won’t turn on you might still be able to get your laptop working in safe mode [6]. Safe mode allows you to uninstall new programs or drivers that could be affecting your laptop. It also allows you to create a new user account if your original account has been corrupted.
6. Check hardware
The last step when diagnosing power issues is to check your hardware. If you’ve recently installed hardware like a new RAM kit, that could be the cause of your boot issues. Remove and reinstall your new hardware and try to boot again.
Unfortunately, sometimes the hardware in your laptop such as your hard drive simply fails and there is no easy fix. If you hear a clicking noise or the drive spinning but then powering down, this is a telltale sign your hard drive has failed [7]. In most cases, this means you’ll need to simply replace your hard drive.
In instances like this, it is smart to have an external hard drive so you can back up any files you may need.
Diagnose, repair, or replace
Answering the question, “Why won’t my laptop turn on?” might seem intimidating to figure out at first. Laptops make our lives more convenient by providing us with mobile computing options that fit any lifestyle.
But if you rely on a laptop for your work, school, and daily multitasking, any major issue can throw a wrench in your productivity.If you find that your laptop won’t turn on, don’t panic. It’s likely a power supply issue that you can troubleshoot and fix. Even if it’s a more complicated issue, there are still budget-friendly ways to test and assess the problem.
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