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Why Won't My Computer Turn On?

The document provides troubleshooting steps for why a computer won't turn on, beginning with checking that the power cord is securely connected, the outlet works, and any recently added hardware is disconnected. It then discusses verifying the power cable and supply, checking for additional power buttons, reseating cables and hardware, and replacing batteries, power supplies, or taking it to a repair shop if it still won't power on after troubleshooting.

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Jason Echevaria
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112 views6 pages

Why Won't My Computer Turn On?

The document provides troubleshooting steps for why a computer won't turn on, beginning with checking that the power cord is securely connected, the outlet works, and any recently added hardware is disconnected. It then discusses verifying the power cable and supply, checking for additional power buttons, reseating cables and hardware, and replacing batteries, power supplies, or taking it to a repair shop if it still won't power on after troubleshooting.

Uploaded by

Jason Echevaria
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Why won't my computer turn on?

Note
This page relates primarily to desktop computers and the most common
causes for the computer to not turn on. For additional suggestions, see
our laptop power issues troubleshooting guide.

Tip
If you have never turned on the computer before, please see our page
on how to turn on a computer.
If you are uncertain if the computer is turning on or not, this can be
checked by locating any fans inside the computer or fans that are visible
from the outside of the computer. If these fans are spinning, the computer
is receiving power and this page may not apply to your issue.

Note

If the computer is turning on, but is not posting (beeping) or showing any


picture on the display, see our POST troubleshooting page.
Power cord not connected properly
Verify the power cord is connected properly to
the back of the computer and plugged into a
power outlet. If it looks ok, disconnect and
reconnect both ends of the power cord to make
sure the cable is not loose.

Power strip or outlet

If you have a power strip (surge protector) or UPS that turns everything


off/on at once, disconnect the computer power cord from it and connect
the cord directly to the wall outlet.

If connecting the computer directly to the wall outlet still does not work,
verify the outlet works by connecting another electrical device to that
same outlet.

Third-party hardware

If any hardware was recently added to the computer, it is recommended


that you temporarily disconnect or remove it to ensure that it's not the
cause of your issue.

Note

If the computer was working fine before you added the new hardware, and
the computer is not beeping but is turning on, see the POST
troubleshooting page.
Bad power cable

Verify the power cable supplying power to your computer is not bad or


damaged by using another power cable.

If you do not have another power cable to test with, see if a friend or
family member has one you can borrow. You can also purchase a new
power cable from most electronics stores.

Power supply button


Some computer power supplies may have
their own power button, like that shown in
the picture. Check the back of the
computer and make sure there are no
additional buttons that have been turned
off and are preventing power to the
computer.

Incorrect power supply

If you are building a computer and you are turning it on for the first time,
it may have a defective power supply that is not supplying enough power.
The power supply may also not be powerful enough to meet the power
requirements of the computer you built. Verify the power supply meets the
requirements of your motherboard, processor, and video card.
Bad battery

If your computer is a laptop that utilizes a battery for mobility, it may be


causing the issue.
 If your computer powers on when the cable is connected to the
laptop, but not when it is disconnected, we recommend you purchase
a new battery.
 If your computer does not power on with the battery and power cable
connected, try removing the battery (if possible) and see if the
computer can turn on with only the power cable connected. If no
power is still received, skip to the final section.

Loosely connected hardware

Each time your computer tries to turn on, it runs a POST. If any of the
hardware components in your computer fail this test, the computer will not
continue to boot.

Note
When working inside of a your computer's case, take appropriate
precautions to prevent ESD, which can damage the sensitive electronics.

Unplug all cables from the back of the computer. Open the


computer and reseat all expansion cards and memory in the computer.
After all cards have been reseated, make sure all cables are firmly
connected by disconnecting and reconnecting all drive cables and fan
cables.

After everything is disconnected and reconnected, connect only the power


cable to the back of the computer, and try turning on the computer. If the
computer turns on, you can turn off the computer and reconnect all the
cables.
Bad power supply, button, power board, or inverter

If, after following the sections above, your computer still receives no
power, it is likely a hardware component in the computer has failed. It is
possible the power supply has failed. If you have a laptop or do not want
to replace the power supply yourself, we suggest taking the computer to a
repair center.

If you have a desktop computer and plan on trying to repair the computer
yourself, open the computer and verify the power connections. You can
verify the connection by disconnecting the main power cable and
reconnecting the power cable to make sure it has not become loose. Also,
verify the power button cable is correctly connected to the motherboard.

If the power supply connections look ok, but the computer still cannot turn
on, your computer has a bad component. We recommend replacing the
hardware in the following order.

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