Why Is My Electric Standing Desk Not Going Up Or Down?
If you’re stuck asking “Why is my electric standing desk not going up or down?”, take a breath.
I’ve seen this problem hundreds of times. Most of the time, the desk is not broken.
In my 15+ years working with offices and home setups across the US, about 8 out of 10 standing desk problems come from small, easy issues.
Let’s walk through this step by step, in plain English.
A Real Story From My Work
I once helped a remote worker in California who thought his desk motor was dead.
He was ready to return the desk.
I asked him one question:
“Did you add anything heavy to the desk?”
He had added two large monitors and a printer the night before.
We removed one item.
The desk worked again in seconds.
That’s how simple many fixes are.
The Most Common Reason Your Desk Won’t Move
Too Much Weight on the Desk
This is the #1 cause.
Electric standing desks have weight limits.
When you go over that limit, the desk locks up to protect the motor.
Common heavy items:
- Large monitors
- Desktop computers
- Printers
- Filing drawers
- Thick solid wood tops
Expert Insider Tip #1
If your desk moves down but not up, weight is almost always the problem.
Why Is My Electric Standing Desk Not Going Up Or Down at All?
If your desk won’t move up or down, check these in order.
1. Check the Power Source
This sounds basic, but it matters.
- Is the desk plugged in?
- Is the outlet working?
- Is the power strip turned on?
Try a different outlet to be sure.
2. Look at the Control Panel
Many desks lock by accident.
Check for:
- A lock icon on the display
- Buttons not responding
- A blank screen
Some desks unlock by holding the down button for 5–10 seconds.
Expert Insider Tip #2
Desk lockouts happen more than people think, especially after cleaning or moving the desk.
3. Inspect the Cables Under the Desk
Loose cables stop desks from moving.
Look under the desk and check:
- Control box cables
- Motor cables
- Handset cable
Push each plug in firmly.
Desk Reset: The Fix Many People Miss
Many electric desks need a reset.
Basic reset steps (most desks):
- Clear items off the desk
- Hold the down button
- Keep holding until the desk lowers fully
- Keep holding for 5 more seconds
If the desk moves a little, stops, then moves again, that’s normal during reset.
Expert Insider Tip #3
A reset often fixes desks after power loss, moves, or overload.
One-Leg Moving, One-Leg Stuck? Here’s Why
If one side moves and the other does not:
- A motor cable may be loose
- One leg may be blocked
- The desk may be uneven
Unplug the desk before checking cables.
Good Desk Behavior vs Bad Desk Behavior (Quick Table)
| Desk Habit | Bad Result | Good Result |
|---|---|---|
| Overloading desk | Desk stops moving | Smooth motion |
| No reset after move | Desk locks up | Desk works |
| Loose cables | No response | Normal use |
| Uneven floor | Desk jams | Stable lift |
This table explains most standing desk failures.
Common Pitfalls & Warnings
What NOT to do when your desk won’t move
- Do not force the desk by hand
This can damage the motor. - Do not keep pressing buttons fast
This can trigger a safety lock. - Do not ignore clicking or grinding sounds
That can mean internal damage. - Do not overload the desk again after a reset
The problem will return.
Ignoring these warnings can lead to permanent motor failure.
Why is my electric standing desk not going up but goes down?
This usually means the desk is too heavy. Remove items and try again.
How do I reset my electric standing desk?
Hold the down button until the desk lowers fully, then keep holding for 5–10 seconds.
Can a power outage stop my standing desk from working?
Yes. Power loss often causes a safety lock that needs a reset.
How long do electric standing desk motors last?
With normal use, many last 5–10 years, sometimes longer.
Final Thoughts: Why Is My Electric Standing Desk Not Going Up Or Down?
Most standing desk problems are not serious.
In almost every case I’ve seen, the fix was:
- Removing extra weight
- Checking cables
- Resetting the desk
If you’re still wondering why is my electric standing desk not going up or down, start with the weight and reset steps. Those two fixes solve the problem most of the time.
If you want, I can:
- Help you estimate your desk’s weight load
- Walk you through a brand-specific reset
- Help you decide if the motor is truly bad
