HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop - Crack in motherboard + won't switch on

[jesslin263]

My laptop is out of warranty and won't switch on. The indicator light by the power cable is showing but the on/off button doesn't do anything.

I took it to get repaired and they have said that there's a hairline fracture/scratch down to the copper on one of the traces on the motherboard which appears to be a manufacturing defect. This is underneath where the battery connects so may be the reason why it won't switch on. I've done some research and it seems like the Envy x360 can be temperamental to switch on so I wondered if anyone else had come across this issue? 

[Deep_World]

Hi @jesslin263,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I’m sorry you’re going through this; I understand the concern and don’t worry I’ll help you with this. 

To help me understand the situation better, could you please share a bit more information?

 Please let me know:

1. What exact model of the Envy x360 do you have?
2. Before the laptop stopped switching on completely, did you notice any unusual behaviour random shutdowns, charging issues, overheating, or difficulty powering on?
3. Has the repair shop confirmed whether the damaged trace is preventing power from reaching the system?

In the meantime, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try (if not already done):

• Perform a hard reset: Disconnect the charger, hold the power button for 15–20 seconds, then reconnect and try again.
• Inspect the charging port and cable: Even with the indicator light, a weak or inconsistent connection can prevent startup.
• Use HP PC Hardware Diagnostics USB key: If the system briefly powers or gives LED blink codes, this tool can help identify power related failures.

Once you share a bit more detail about the symptoms leading up to the failure and what the shop confirmed, I can help you figure out the next best steps . 

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 

Best regards,

Deep_World

[jesslin263]

Hi. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. 

The exact model is HP Envy X360 2 in 1 laptop 15 - ew0503sa

Before it stopped switching on the fan was running very loud and it seemed to be overheating. The power problems only started over a couple of days before it stopped switching on. I haven't been able to get it to power on since. I've done a hard reset and checked the charging port. I haven't been able to try the USB key yet.

The repair shop haven't confirmed that's the problem as because of the potential cost I asked them not to go ahead with any further investigations right now.

Thanks for your help 

[Hawks_Eye]

Thanks for all the details @jesslin263 

I understand how worrying it must feel to have your laptop completely unresponsive after showing signs of overheating and loud fan noise. You’ve already done a great job trying the hard reset and checking the charging port. 

Let’s go step by step with a few more things you can try before committing to costly hardware repairs.

 

Disconnect external devices
Remove all USB devices, memory cards, and accessories. Sometimes a faulty peripheral can prevent startup.

Perform a power drain with battery disconnected
If the battery is removable, disconnect it along with the power adapter. Hold the power button for 20–30 seconds, then reconnect only the adapter and try powering on.

Check LED blink codes
When pressing the power button, observe if the caps lock or power LED blinks in a pattern. These codes can indicate hardware faults. If you see a sequence, note it down.

Use HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)
Create a bootable USB with HP PC Hardware Diagnostics on another computer. Insert it into your Envy x360 and attempt to power on. If the system responds even briefly, diagnostics can help identify whether the motherboard or another component is failing.
Link: HP PC Hardware Diagnostics | HP® Support

Inspect cooling vents and fan
Since overheating was noted, ensure the vents are clear of dust. Blocked airflow can cause shutdowns and prevent restart.

Try AC adapter only
Disconnect the battery (if removable) and attempt to power on using only the AC adapter. This helps confirm if the battery circuit is interfering.

Check for signs of life on external display
Connect the laptop to an external monitor via HDMI. Even if the internal display doesn’t respond, this can show if the system is partially powering.

You’ve already been very thorough, and the fact that the repair shop identified a possible fracture on the motherboard trace does suggest a deeper hardware issue. However, trying the diagnostics USB and checking blink codes can give you more clarity before deciding on repair.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye