Computer Won't Turn On? 15 Fixes to Get It Working Again

A computer that won't turn on creates immediate panic, especially when you need access to important files. Before assuming the worst, know that most startup failures have simple fixes. This guide walks through every possible cause, from basic power issues to hardware failures, helping you diagnose and fix the problem systematically.

Understanding "Won't Turn On"

First, identify exactly what's happening when you press the power button.

Different Failure Types:

• Absolutely nothing happens: No lights, fans, or sounds (power issue)
• Lights/fans but no display: Computer starts but screen stays black
• Starts then immediately shuts off: Power protection or overheating
• Beeping sounds: BIOS error codes indicating specific problems
• Stuck on manufacturer logo: Boot device or OS issue
• Blue screen during startup: Windows/driver problem

1. Check Basic Power (Fixes 40% of Issues)

Many "dead" computers simply aren't getting power properly.

Desktop Power Checklist:

1. Wall outlet: Test with another device like a lamp
2. Power strip/UPS: Ensure switched on and not tripped
3. Power cable: Firmly connected at both ends
4. PSU power switch: Check back of computer for on/off switch
5. Try different outlet: Original might be faulty

Laptop Power Checklist:

1. Charger LED: Should show power indicator
2. Try without battery: Remove battery, use AC only
3. Check charging port: Look for damage or debris
4. Test different charger: Borrow identical model

2. Perform a Hard Reset

Residual power can prevent startup even when everything's connected.

Desktop Hard Reset:

1. Turn off power supply switch
2. Unplug power cable
3. Hold power button for 30 seconds
4. Reconnect power cable
5. Turn on PSU switch
6. Press power button normally

Laptop Hard Reset:

1. Unplug charger
2. Remove battery (if removable)
3. Hold power button for 60 seconds
4. Reconnect battery and charger
5. Try powering on

3. Listen for Diagnostic Beeps

Beep codes indicate specific hardware problems.

Common Beep Patterns:

• 1 short beep: Normal POST, system OK
• Continuous beeping: Memory problem
• 1 long, 2 short: Video card issue
• 1 long, 3 short: Keyboard error
• No beep at all: Power supply, motherboard, or CPU issue

Note: Beep codes vary by BIOS manufacturer (AMI, Award, Phoenix)

4. Fix "No Display" Issues

When computer powers on but screen stays black.

Display Troubleshooting:

1. Check monitor power: Ensure monitor is on
2. Try different cable: HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA
3. Test different ports: Both on computer and monitor
4. Remove then reconnect: GPU if desktop
5. Try integrated graphics: Remove GPU, use motherboard port
6. External monitor: For laptops, test with external display

5. Reseat RAM Modules

Loose or faulty RAM prevents booting in 25% of cases.

RAM Reseating Process:

1. Power off and unplug computer
2. Open case (desktop) or access panel (laptop)
3. Ground yourself (touch metal case)
4. Release clips holding RAM
5. Remove all RAM sticks
6. Clean contacts with pencil eraser
7. Firmly reinsert RAM until clips lock
8. Try one stick at a time if multiple

6. Clear CMOS/Reset BIOS

Corrupted BIOS settings prevent startup.

CMOS Reset Methods:

• Jumper method:
  1. Find CMOS jumper on motherboard
  2. Move from pins 1-2 to 2-3
  3. Wait 10 seconds
  4. Move back to 1-2
• Battery method:
  1. Remove CMOS battery (coin cell)
  2. Hold power button 30 seconds
  3. Wait 5 minutes
  4. Reinsert battery

7. Check Power Supply (Desktop)

Failed PSUs are common in older systems.

PSU Paper Clip Test:

1. Unplug PSU from everything
2. Find 24-pin motherboard connector
3. Insert paperclip between green wire and any black wire
4. Plug in PSU and turn on
5. Fan should spin if PSU works
6. Warning: Be careful with live electricity

Signs of PSU Failure:

• Burning smell
• No fan movement
• Clicking sounds
• Random shutdowns before failure

8. Disconnect All Peripherals

Faulty devices can prevent startup.

Minimal Boot Configuration:

1. Disconnect everything except:
   • Power cable
   • Monitor cable
   • Keyboard (for BIOS access)
2. Remove:
   • USB devices
   • Printers
   • External drives
   • PCIe cards (except GPU)
3. Try booting
4. Add devices back one at a time

9. Check CPU and Cooler

Overheating protection stops boot instantly.

CPU Inspection:

1. Ensure CPU cooler firmly attached
2. Check thermal paste not dried out
3. Verify CPU power cable connected (4/8-pin)
4. Listen for fan spinning
5. Reseat CPU if comfortable (advanced)

10. Try Safe Mode (If Partially Booting)

For computers that start but crash during Windows load.

Access Safe Mode:

1. Force shutdown during boot 3 times
2. Windows enters recovery mode
3. Troubleshoot > Advanced > Startup Settings
4. Restart > Press 4 for Safe Mode
5. Uninstall recent drivers/updates

11. Boot from USB/Recovery

Bypasses hard drive issues.

Create Recovery Drive:

1. On working computer, download Windows Media Creation Tool
2. Create bootable USB (8GB+)
3. Boot problem computer from USB
4. Access repair options
5. Run Startup Repair

12. Check for Motherboard Issues

Visual inspection reveals many problems.

Motherboard Warning Signs:

• Bulging capacitors: Swollen tops indicate failure
• Burn marks: Brown discoloration
• Physical damage: Cracks or broken traces
• Corrosion: Green/white residue
• Bent pins: In CPU socket

13. Laptop-Specific Solutions

Laptops have unique failure points.

Additional Laptop Checks:

• Battery reset button: Some models have pinhole reset
• Remove all USB devices: Including mouse dongles
• Try different RAM slot: If accessible
• Check for recall: Some models have known issues
• AC adapter test: Measure voltage with multimeter

14. Last Resort Options

When standard fixes fail.

Advanced Techniques:

• Breadboard build: Test components outside case
• Component swap: Test with known good parts
• Diagnostic card: POST code reader
• Professional diagnosis: Repair shop testing

15. Data Recovery Priority

If computer won't start, prioritize data access.

Data Recovery Options:

• Remove hard drive: Connect to working computer via USB adapter
• Linux live USB: Boot alternative OS to access files
• Professional recovery: For critical data
• Cloud backups: Check if data synced online

Prevention Tips

• Surge protector: Prevents power damage
• Regular cleaning: Dust causes overheating
• Monitor temperatures: HWMonitor or Core Temp
• Update BIOS carefully: Only when necessary
• Quality PSU: Don't skimp on power supply
• Regular backups: Prepare for hardware failure

When to Seek Professional Help

• Motherboard shows physical damage
• Multiple components test bad
• Liquid damage occurred
• Under warranty still
• Data recovery needed
• No experience with hardware

Quick Diagnostic Flowchart

1. Nothing happens: → Check power connections
2. Fans spin, no display: → RAM/GPU reseat
3. Beeping sounds: → Decode beep pattern
4. Immediate shutdown: → CPU cooler check
5. Stuck on logo: → Boot device issue
6. Crashes during boot: → Safe mode/recovery

Cost Estimates for Common Fixes

• Power supply: $40-100
• RAM stick: $30-80
• CMOS battery: $5
• Professional diagnosis: $50-100
• Motherboard replacement: $100-300

A computer that won't turn on feels catastrophic, but systematic troubleshooting usually reveals a simple fix. Start with power checks and work through increasingly complex solutions. Most issues involve loose connections, failed power supplies, or RAM problems—all fixable without replacing the entire system. If these steps don't work, professional diagnosis can pinpoint the exact component failure, often salvaging your data and saving money versus full replacement.