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Computer Won't Turn On

Difficulty: 7/10Estimated fix time: 20 minutes - 2 hours

You press the power button on your PC or laptop and nothing happens – maybe no lights, or it powers on but the screen stays black. This issue can range from simple to serious.

Why It Happens

If absolutely nothing turns on (no fans, no lights), it's likely a power issue – the PC isn't getting power due to a bad outlet, a tripped surge protector, or a faulty power supply or battery. In laptops, a completely drained battery or bad charger can prevent power-on.

If the computer's fans spin or lights come on but the screen is black, it could be a display issue (e.g. monitor turned off or disconnected) or an internal hardware problem (like RAM or graphics card issues). Sometimes recently added hardware or even a USB device can prevent boot.

Common causes:

  • • Power supply failure or issues
  • • Faulty power outlets or surge protectors
  • • Dead laptop battery or bad charger
  • • Loose power connections
  • • Monitor/display issues
  • • RAM or graphics card problems
  • • Motherboard or CPU failure
  • • Problematic external devices

How to Fix It

Step 1: Check Power Source

Start with the basics - ensure power is actually reaching your computer:

For Desktop PCs:

  • • Ensure PC is plugged in firmly
  • • Try a different wall outlet or power strip
  • • Check power switch on back of power supply is ON (I = on)
  • • Bypass surge protector by plugging directly into wall

For Laptops:

  • • Verify charger is securely connected
  • • Check charging indicator light is on
  • • Try a different charger if available
  • • Remove battery (if removable), plug in AC power, and try to start

Step 2: Look for Signs of Life

When you press power, check for any activity:

  • • Do any lights blink (keyboard, power LED)?
  • • Do you hear any fans or beeps?
  • • Does the hard drive make any sounds?

If you hear fans but see no display: The PC might be on but the monitor isn't showing anything. Check monitor connections and power.

Step 3: Check Monitor and Display

If you hear the computer starting but see no display:

  1. 1. Check monitor power and turn it on
  2. 2. Verify video cable is plugged in properly (both ends)
  3. 3. Make sure monitor is set to correct input
  4. 4. Try a different monitor or TV if possible
  5. 5. Try different video ports (HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort)

Step 4: Disconnect External Devices

Remove all non-essential peripherals that might cause startup issues:

  1. 1. Unplug all USB devices except keyboard and mouse
  2. 2. Remove external drives, printers, webcams
  3. 3. Disconnect any recently added hardware
  4. 4. Try powering on with minimal connections

Step 5: Listen for Diagnostic Beeps

Some computers have BIOS beep codes that indicate hardware problems:

  • • 1 long beep: Possible memory issue
  • • 3 long beeps: Often means RAM not detected
  • • Continuous beeping: Power supply or motherboard issue
  • • No beeps but fans running: Could be CPU or motherboard problem

If you hear memory-related beeps: Try reseating RAM modules by removing and firmly reinstalling them in their slots.

Step 6: Reseat Internal Components (Desktop Only)

If comfortable with hardware, try reseating components:

  1. 1. Turn off and unplug computer completely
  2. 2. Open case and locate RAM modules
  3. 3. Remove RAM by pressing down clips, then reinstall firmly
  4. 4. Check graphics card is seated properly in slot
  5. 5. Verify all power cables are connected securely

Caution: Only attempt this if you're comfortable with computer hardware. Ground yourself to prevent static damage.

Step 7: Test with Minimal Configuration

Try starting with bare minimum components:

  • • Remove all but one RAM module
  • • Disconnect all drives except boot drive
  • • Remove graphics card and use onboard video (if available)
  • • Try to boot with this minimal setup

When to Seek Professional Help: If the computer still won't power on at all, the power supply in a desktop might have failed, or laptops may have logic board issues. These require professional diagnosis and potentially component replacement.

How to Prevent It

Power Protection

  • • Use surge protectors to prevent power damage
  • • Avoid outlets controlled by wall switches
  • • Don't plug computers into extension cords if possible

Regular Maintenance

  • • Clean dust from internal components every 6 months
  • • Ensure proper ventilation around computer
  • • Handle charging ports and cables carefully on laptops

Proper Usage

  • • Shut down properly rather than forcing power off
  • • Don't move desktop computers while powered on
  • • Ensure hardware upgrades are properly installed
  • • Keep spare power cables for laptops

Computer Still Won't Start?

If your computer still won't turn on after trying these solutions, it's likely a hardware failure that requires professional diagnosis and repair.