FixPC Troubleshooting

PC won't turn on: what to check first

Your desktop or laptop shows no sign of life when you press the power button. Check the outlet, cables, lights and a power reset in a safe order.

  • Updated
  • 15 min
  • Beginner
Applies to
  • Any device

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Nothing happens when you press the power button, or the PC shows a light and then stops. Work from the simplest checks, such as the outlet and cable, to a power reset, on desktops and laptops from any maker.

Before you start

First work out which problem you have, because the fixes differ.

  • No power at all: no lights, no fan noise, no sounds. This guide is for you.
  • Fans spin and lights come on, but the screen is black: the PC has power and the problem is the display or startup. See black screen at startup.
  • Windows starts to load and then restarts or shows a repair screen: see stuck in the Automatic Repair loop.

Dell's support pages say that when there are no lights, fans, clicks or beeps after pressing the power button, the problem is with power. Other makers' advice is similar. These steps take about 15 minutes and need no tools.

Keep the case closed

Do not open a laptop, and do not open a desktop's case, unless you know how and have your maker's guide. Unplug the PC first if you do. A stored charge and mains power can be dangerous. If a cable or adapter is damaged, stop using it.

Checks for a PC with no powerA top-to-bottom flow chart with 8 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.Checks for a PC with no powerNoNoPressing power does nothing1Test the outlet andbypass the power strip2Check the cable oradapter and itsconnections3Do any lights come on?Yes: Go on to the display guide4Unplug extra devices5Do a power reset (hardreset)6Does it start now?Yes: You are doneStill nothing? Use themaker's support page.
Test the power button after each step.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Start: Pressing power does nothing
  2. Step 1: Test the outlet and bypass the power strip
  3. Step 2: Check the cable or adapter and its connections
  4. Question 3: Do any lights come on? If yes: Go on to the display guide. If no, go on to the next item.
  5. Step 4: Unplug extra devices
  6. Step 5: Do a power reset (hard reset)
  7. Question 6: Does it start now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  8. If nothing worked: Still nothing? Use the maker's support page.

Try these fixes in order

Fix 1: Check the power source

This takes about 3 minutes.

  1. Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same wall outlet. If it does not work, the outlet has no power. Try another outlet.
  2. If the PC is plugged into a power strip or surge protector, plug it directly into the wall instead.
  3. On a desktop, push the power cable firmly into the back of the PC. Check whether the power supply has a small rocker switch near the cable socket. If it does, make sure it is on.
  4. On a laptop, check the charger and cable for cuts, bends or burn marks. Push the plug fully into the laptop. If you have a second compatible charger from the same maker, try it.

Afterwards, look for a light on the charger or the laptop's charging light. Lights on mean power is reaching the PC.

Power connection on a typical laptopThe side of a closed laptop with seven ports, left to right: a round power socket, an Ethernet port, a USB-A port, an HDMI port, a USB-C port, a round audio jack and an SD card slot. It has 2 numbered markers, explained in the list under the picture.12Power connection on a typicallaptop
  1. Power port: the charger plug goes here
  2. USB-C port: some laptops charge through this port
Port positions differ between models; the charging port is typically on a side or the back.
Text version of this diagram

The side of a closed laptop with seven ports, left to right: a round power socket, an Ethernet port, a USB-A port, an HDMI port, a USB-C port, a round audio jack and an SD card slot.

  1. Power port: the charger plug goes here
  2. USB-C port: some laptops charge through this port

Fix 2: Look for lights and listen

  1. Press the power button once.
  2. Look at the power button, the charging light and any other status lights. Listen for fans or a short beep.
  3. If any light turns on or you hear a fan, power is reaching the PC. Go to black screen at startup if the screen stays dark.

Fix 3: Unplug everything extra

A faulty device can sometimes stop a PC from powering on.

  1. Turn off the PC if it is on, and unplug the power cable or charger.
  2. Unplug every USB drive, printer, external drive, dock, card and other device. Leave the keyboard and mouse unplugged too.
  3. Reconnect the power cable or charger only.
  4. Press the power button.

If the PC starts, plug the devices back in one at a time to find the one that causes the problem.

Fix 4: Do a power reset

This drains leftover electricity stored in the PC and often clears a PC that will not start. It takes about 2 minutes and does not erase files or settings.

  1. Unplug the power cable or charger and every other device.
  2. If your laptop has a battery that you can remove easily (the maker's manual shows whether it does), take it out. Many modern laptops do not allow this. Do not open the case to find out.
  3. Press and hold the power button for about 30 seconds, then release it. Dell's pages ask for 30 to 35 seconds and say a hold that is too short or too long may not complete the reset, so check your maker's page for your model.
  4. Put the battery back if you removed it, and plug in the power cable or charger only.
  5. Wait a minute, then press the power button once.

Some makers use a different method, such as a small reset hole on the underside, or keep the charger plugged in during the hold. Your maker's support page for your model gives the exact steps.

Fix 5: Test the power supply (desktop)

Some desktops have a small test button on the power supply, on the back of the case. Dell's instructions for its desktops are to turn the PC off, then press the test button and watch the light and the fan. A steady light and a spinning fan mean the supply is working. A light with no spinning fan counts as a failure. If there is no button, Dell says to unplug the power cable from the supply, wait 15 seconds, plug it back in, and watch for a light that comes on for about 3 seconds. Follow your maker's instructions if they differ.

If your desktop has no test button, or the supply fails, do not open the power supply. Replacing one is a job for a technician or the maker's support.

If it still does not work

  • Battery dead on a laptop: leave it on its charger for a while and try again. See laptop battery won't charge.
  • Heat shutdowns: a PC that turns off after a short time may be overheating. See PC overheating and loud fans.
  • Your files: if the PC will not start, the files on its drive are usually still there. Do not reset or reinstall Windows to fix a power fault. A technician can copy files from the drive.
  • Warranty: use the support page on the maker's website for your model to check whether the PC is covered. A failed power supply or motherboard needs a repair.

Frequently asked questions

Is it the battery, the charger or the PC?

If the PC works on another outlet and charger but not on yours, suspect the outlet or charger. If no charger works and there are no lights at all, the PC may have a power fault that needs repair.

Will a power reset delete my files?

No. It only drains stored power. Your files and settings stay as they are.

The lights come on but the screen stays black. What now?

The PC has power. Try another cable or monitor and the steps in black screen at startup.

Should I open my desktop to check inside?

Not unless you know how. Checking the outside connections and the power supply test button covers the main checks without opening the case.

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Official resources used

Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

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