My computer is not turning on at all. What do I do?

If your computer won’t power on, work through the checks below to identify the cause.

Look for any signs of life

  • Check for lights, fans, or any noise when you press the power button.
  • Even a brief flicker or sound can help narrow down the issue.

Check the power connections

  • Make sure the power cable is firmly connected at both the computer and the wall socket.
  • Confirm the mains switch is turned on.

Try a different power cable

  • Swap the cable for one you know works.
  • Test the original cable on another device to see if it’s faulty.

Test the wall socket

  • Plug in a device you know works (e.g., a lamp or phone charger).
  • If the socket is dead, try another one.

If the computer powers on but the screen is blank

  • The issue may be with the monitor, cable, or display settings.
  • Follow your monitor‑troubleshooting steps or test with a different screen if possible.

If the computer still won’t turn on

If none of the above steps help, the device may have a hardware fault.

  • Check whether the computer is still under warranty.
  • If it is, contact your supplier or manufacturer for repair or replacement options.

Reviewed: 12/01/2026

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