Computer Won't Turn On

Issue:

Your computer does not power on when you press the power button. There may be no lights, no sounds, or the computer attempts to start but immediately shuts down.

Root Causes:

A computer failing to turn on can be caused by various issues, including:

• No power supplied to the computer (power cable, outlet, power supply unit)

• Internal hardware failure (motherboard, CPU, RAM, power supply unit)

• Battery issues (for laptops)

• Display issues (computer is on, but screen is black)

Resolution Steps:

Follow these steps in order. Note any changes or observations after each step.

1. Verify Power Connections and Source: * Instruction: The most common reason a computer won't turn on is a lack of power. * Action: 1.  Check Power Cable: Ensure the power cable is securely plugged into the back of your computer (desktop) or into the charging port (laptop) and into a working wall outlet or power strip. 2.  Test Outlet/Power Strip: Plug another known working device (e.g., a lamp, phone charger) into the same outlet or power strip to confirm it's supplying power. If using a power strip, ensure its power switch is on. * Note: For desktops, ensure the power switch on the back of the Power Supply Unit (PSU) is in the 'On' position (often marked with 'I' for On, 'O' for Off).

2. Observe for Any Lights or Sounds: * Instruction: Pay close attention to any indicators of power. * Action: 1.  Look for Lights: When you press the power button, look for any lights on the computer casing, power button, keyboard, or even the power adapter (for laptops). 2.  Listen for Sounds: Listen for fan noise, hard drive spinning, or beeping sounds (which can be diagnostic codes). * Observation: * No lights/sounds at all: Suggests no power reaching the internal components, often indicating a power supply, power cable, or outlet issue. * Lights/sounds briefly, then off: Could indicate a failing power supply or a major component failure. * Lights/sounds but no display: Suggests the computer might be on, but there's an issue with the display or graphics output.

3. Perform a Hard Reset (Power Drain): * Instruction: This can resolve issues caused by residual electrical charge or minor system glitches. * Action: 1.  For Desktops: Unplug the power cable from the back of the computer. 2.  For Laptops: Unplug the power adapter AND remove the battery (if it's easily removable). 3.  Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds (even though there's no power). 4.  Reconnect the power cable (and battery for laptops). 5.  Try to power on the computer normally.

4. Check Battery (Laptops Only): * Instruction: A faulty or completely drained laptop battery can sometimes prevent the laptop from powering on, even when plugged in. * Action: 1.  Remove Battery: If your laptop has a removable battery, power off the laptop (if it somehow turns on), unplug the AC adapter, remove the battery. 2.  Power On with AC Only: Plug in the AC adapter without the battery inserted and attempt to power on the laptop. 3.  Test with Battery Only: If it powers on with AC only, try plugging the battery back in after the computer is off and see if it charges.

5. Test a Different Electrical Outlet: * Instruction: This helps rule out a problem with the specific wall outlet. * Action: Plug your computer's power cable directly into a different, known working wall outlet, bypassing any power strips or surge protectors. Then try to power on.

6. Listen for Sounds and Observe Display: * Instruction: If you hear fans or hard drive activity but see nothing on the screen, the computer might be on, but the display isn't working. * Action: 1.  External Monitor (Desktops/Laptops): If you have an external monitor, connect your computer to it using an HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA cable. Ensure the monitor is powered on and set to the correct input. 2.  Listen Carefully: Are there any beeping codes? These often indicate specific hardware failures (e.g., RAM, graphics card). Consult your computer's manual for beep code meanings if you hear any. * Note: If an external monitor works, the issue is likely with your laptop's screen or its connection.

7. Attempt to Boot into Safe Mode (If Computer Powers On But Doesn't Boot OS): * Instruction: If your computer lights up and fans spin, but Windows/macOS doesn't load fully, it might be a software issue. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and services. * Action (Windows): 1.  Repeatedly press F8 or Shift+F8 (some newer computers require Shift while clicking Restart from Windows) immediately after pressing the power button until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2.  Select "Safe Mode" or "Safe Mode with Networking." * Action (macOS): 1.  Press the power button and immediately hold down the Shift key. 2.  Release the Shift key when you see the Apple logo and progress bar. * Note: If your computer successfully boots into Safe Mode, it indicates a software or driver conflict. You can then troubleshoot from there. This step is only applicable if the computer shows signs of powering on.

If the issue persists:

If you have followed all the above steps and your computer still does not turn on, it is highly likely that there is an internal hardware failure (e.g., a failing power supply unit, motherboard, CPU, or RAM).

Please contact IT Support for further assistance. When contacting support, provide the following details:

• Your device type (desktop, laptop, specific model if known).

• A detailed description of what happens when you press the power button (e.g., "no lights or sounds," "fans spin briefly then stop," "computer beeps").

• A list of all the troubleshooting steps you have already attempted from this KBA.