When a laptop internal device fails, the three main options are:

  1. Return it to the manufacturer or a service center.
  2. Substitute an external component for the failed internal one.
  3. Replace the internal device itself.

Quick Scoop

When a laptop’s internal part dies (like the keyboard, screen, or sound card), you don’t always need a whole new laptop. You usually choose between repair, workaround, or full replacement.

1. Return it for repair

If the laptop is still under warranty or you prefer not to tinker, sending it back is often the safest route.

  • Professional technicians diagnose the exact failing device and repair it properly.
  • Warranty or service plans may cover parts and labor, reducing or eliminating cost.
  • Authorized centers typically use genuine parts, which helps maintain reliability and resale value.

Think of this as “let the pros handle it” — especially smart for expensive or brand‑new laptops.

2. Substitute an external component

If the internal device fails but the rest of the laptop works, you can often plug in an external equivalent and keep going.

Common examples include:

  • External USB keyboard or mouse when the built‑in keyboard or touchpad fails.
  • External monitor (HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA) if the laptop screen dies but the GPU still outputs video.
  • USB sound card or USB headset if the internal sound card or audio jack stops working.

This option is handy when:

  • You need a quick workaround to stay productive.
  • Repair is too expensive relative to the age of the laptop.
  • You mostly use the laptop at a desk where extra peripherals are not a big hassle.

3. Replace the internal device

You can also repair the laptop by swapping the failing internal component itself, either personally (DIY) or via a local repair shop.

Typical steps:

  1. Identify the faulty part (for example, hard drive, RAM, battery, keyboard, Wi‑Fi card).
  2. Buy a compatible replacement part from a reputable source, checking your laptop’s model and service manual.
  1. Power off, unplug, and carefully disassemble the laptop enough to access and swap the component, then reassemble and test.

This path makes sense when:

  • The laptop is out of warranty, so official repair would be costly.
  • You or a technician are comfortable opening the device.
  • The failing part is modular (storage, RAM, battery, keyboard, etc.), not glued or soldered in a way that makes repair impractical.

Side‑by‑side view

[5][1] [9][1][5] [8][1] [8][1] [1][5] [9][5][1]
Option What you do Best when
Return for repair Send laptop to manufacturer or service center.Under warranty, expensive device, want guaranteed work.
Use external component Plug in an external keyboard, mouse, monitor, or sound card.Need fast workaround, internal failure is easy to bypass.
Replace internal device Swap the faulty internal part with a new one (DIY or shop).Out of warranty, part is modular, repair cost is reasonable.

TL;DR

For the question “when a laptop internal device fails, what three options can you use to deal with the problem?”, the accepted trio is:

  • Return the notebook to the manufacturer or service center.
  • Substitute an external component for the failed internal device.
  • Replace the internal device with a new one.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.