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