- To fix a Windows PC that won't turn on, first try ruling out a faulty power supply or outlet.
- You can also try checking for beep codes, display issues, unusual BIOS settings, or troubleshoot the PC in Safe Mode.
- Other fixes include disconnecting non-essential devices and checking for loose components and malware.
Your first reaction when discovering your PC won't start is probably to panic, but the issue often isn't catastrophic. It's likely a mundane and easily fixable glitch.
There are a lot of reasons why your computer won't turn on, and a lot of definitions of "won't turn on," ranging from "nothing is happening at all" to "Windows won't start properly."
Why is my Windows PC not turning on?
A common issue that can prevent your PC from turning on is a problem with the power – either the internal power supply is faulty or there's no power coming to your computer.
Sometimes, it could be that the computer is turning on, but there's a fault with the display or there are some unusual settings that are interfering with the boot sequence. It could even be the work of a particularly nasty piece of malware.
Your computer may also have loose components inside, or you attached a faulty piece of hardware that malfunctions during startup, leading to a premature shutdown.
How to troubleshoot your Windows PC when it won't turn on
Below are the 10 most common solutions for getting your computer up and running with that spectrum of problems in mind.
Try a different power source
If you try to turn on your computer and absolutely nothing happens, there are generally only two possibilities. Either the computer's internal power supply has failed, in which case it probably needs to be replaced, or there's no electricity entering your PC.
Unplug the computer from wherever it's currently plugged in and plug it directly into a wall outlet, bypassing the UPS, surge suppressor, or power strip. If nothing still happens, make sure that outlet works by plugging something else into it, like a desk lamp, and confirming it turns on.