Why my Computer Won’t Turn On? One of the scariest things a computer enthusiast will ever say is this. The worst part is that occasionally the CPU will fail to boot up on even the greatest PCs. Because of their complexity, computers can have issues from a variety of perspectives.
The fact that most of us prefer software-based solutions and are averse to tampering with hardware only adds to this complexity. Nevertheless, this gets much more challenging depending on where your PC stops booting.
However, you can solve a lot of PC booting issues if you have a solid guide. If your laptop won’t switch on, some of these solutions may even be able to help, but it’s probably better to have access to your computer’s internal parts. Whatever the case, try these solutions. If your computer won’t power on before losing your mind phone the local hardware repair shop.
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There was no response from the PC: Computer Won’t Turn On
When your computer Won’t Turn On, you don’t have much to go on. Which makes this the most disappointing of all PC repair issues. But in and of itself, the fact that nothing occurs is a clue. There’s an issue somewhere in the process of you hitting the power button and power reaching the components. And the most likely of them is that something isn’t plugged in properly.
Alright, let’s get started. Is one end of the power line plugged into your power supply and the other into the wall? Are the PSU and wall sockets turned on? To make sure everything is linked correctly, check both ends twice. Make that the power cords for your CPU and motherboard are plugged in correctly. See our in-depth PC construction guide for additional details about it.
To verify that your motherboard is receiving power, check to see whether it has any idle indicator lights when you press the power button, and still nothing at all. You can check the motherboard lights to see if the power supply is failing
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. A new power supply might be necessary if the motherboard lights are not coming on. Before taking it further, we suggest changing out the power line you’re currently using and perhaps even attempting a new wall socket. These are the greatest power supply units (PSUs) available if you do need to purchase a new one.
The next thing to make sure of is the correct connection of your front panel button if your motherboard is receiving power. Each case is unique, but most have a small set of wires that link to a point often located on the bottom-right of your motherboard from your front panel, which houses the power button, indicator LEDs, and any front-panel I/O ports.
Find that cable by removing the side panel from your case. Verify that it is properly attached and runs to the motherboard. Each case and motherboard will have a different pin arrangement and position, but generally speaking, the pins should be arranged in a row that is two broad and enclosed in a plastic outer box.
Some of the cables include positive and negative connectors, and their ends will bear labels such as “PWR” or “HDD LED.” Verify that each of them is fully seated on the matching pin, which should be indicated either in the documentation for your motherboard or by a marking next to the pins on the motherboard.
Take them out and put them back in if you’re unsure.
Nothing shows on the screen, but there’s noise and lights.
If your system powers on but doesn’t boot, look for the correct area below. However, if nothing shows on the screen when you press the power button but fans and lights spin up, there’s probably a hardware problem of some kind.
Make sure you are as insulated from static buildup as possible before we delve into the system to try and evaluate the issue. This includes using a desk made of plastic or wood, or any other level, non-conductive surface. If you’re on the carpet, wearing shoes is also a good idea.
If possible, wear an anti-static wristband as well. Or not, make sure the power supply on your computer is off (it should be when you’re working on it), and ground yourself by touching the case sometimes.
Check the monitor
Although it may seem like a simple process, you’d be shocked at how often people overlook it. check that your display is connected to your PC correctly and that it is plugged in. Verify whether the monitor is turning on by looking at the indication lights. Verify that the monitor cable you are using is in good operating order. Adjusting the brightness and other settings can help prevent a display from appearing off when it isn’t. This happens sometimes though less frequently.
Checking for faults and beeping
Knowing where to look and/or listen can help you determine what’s wrong with many current motherboards. If your motherboard has a display that indicates a specific fault code or if you hear a series of specific beeps when you switch on your system, consult the handbook to figure out what’s wrong.
While some may be as simple as forgetting to put in a power wire, others may inform you that your CPU has to be replaced due to damage. To determine what the issue is with your equipment, each manufacturer utilizes a distinct set of signs, so you’ll need to consult your documentation to interpret the error code.
Is there a shortage?
There might be something metallic shorting out the system someplace if, when your system starts on, the fans spin, the lights turn on, and then everything switches off after a half-second, only to repeat the cycle endlessly.
When a system component makes an incorrect electrical connection with another component, a short happens. For instance, a section of the case may be in contact with a component, or a frayed wire may be grazing the motherboard. Has a screw fallen out from under the motherboard? Verify that the motherboard is fitted in the case on standoffs that raise it off the case surface, that all connections are intact, and that no part of the case is in direct touch with any exposed PCB.
Though diagnosing this issue is challenging, particularly from our end, if your machine exhibits these symptoms, you should keep short in mind.
Although it’s a drastic step, taking everything out of the case and rebuilding it on your desk is the best method to ensure that your system isn’t shorting. Tilting the case from side to side will help you locate any loose screws that can be the source of issues.
Reset the CMOS
You may be dealing with an odd compatibility issue or BIOS settings error rather than a hardware issue. That is the code that helps set up your computer for use by running before your operating system does. Fixing this should not be too difficult if it is the cause of the issue.
Use the CMOS reset switch or button on your motherboard, if one exists. For guidance on how to use it, consult the motherboard handbook.
If not, you should take your PC’s power connection off and look for the flat, silver battery on the motherboard. Take it out, hold down the PC’s power button for thirty seconds, then re-plug the power cable and battery and give it another go.
Your computer might not boot up if your motherboard and CPU are too old. This could also be due to a compatibility problem. This may be particularly the case if updates cause your computer to not start. If it appears that there might be a problem, you should get to work updating the BIOS completely.
Note: Following a BIOS reset or update, you will need to reconfigure any custom settings you may have had, such as fan profiles, overclocking, or drive configurations.
Reseat all the power cables
When your computer won’t come on, it’s quite simple to overlook one of the many power plugs in the system. The 4/8-pin connector(s) next to the CPU is/are one of the most often used. Many builders forget to verify the smaller CPU power connection, however there is already a big 24-pin connection. Take them out and plug them back in to make sure they’re functioning properly, even if they’re connected.
Next, simply check that electricity is coming from the power supply to each of the other components in the PC. Hard drives and optical drives are standard components of a setup, but a PCIe extension or graphics card may also be used. Make sure all of the cables on your modular power supply are connected to the right parts and are hooked into the correct points on the PSU.
If everything is connected incorrectly, you might want to try restarting the computer by unplugging everything but the necessities. You may slowly plug everything back in and figure out what might be wrong if it functions. The minimal amount of components you will require are:
- Motherboard There are 4/8- and 24-pin power cables.
- cooling for the CPU.
- graphics card and any necessary 6/8-pin power cords, unless you’re using the inbuilt GPU of the CPU.
- one memory stick.
- Your boot drive, as well as the data cord and power connector (if it’s a SATA drive).
CPU
Although installing a CPU is not too difficult, errors can still happen. For example, the cooler may not be flat with the processor or the retaining arm may not have been lowered.
If your PC won’t switch on and you believe the CPU is the issue. You might choose to remove it and reload it from scratch.
Due to two notches on one side of the chip that fit against socket notches. Intel CPUs can only fit in one direction. Make sure the black plastic plate that protects the motherboard pins is taken out before installing the CPU if you installed the chip yourself. The chip is held in place by a frame around the exterior of the socket. And the little arm that is next to it needs to be clamped down and tucked below the end clip. To clamp the chip down, some force is required.
When aligning an AMD CPU with a triangle on the socket, look for a golden triangle on one corner of the chip. To securely hold the chip in place after it has been seated into the socket. Carefully lower the arm adjacent to it.
In addition, bent pins, a damaged cooler, and maybe a compromised motherboard can indicate an incorrectly fitted processor. Before reinstalling the chip, look around for any damage, such as bent pins in the CPU or socket.
If bent pins are visible, they are most likely the source of your issue. Because a bent pin can affect how the CPU reads and writes from RAM, this damage can cause both CPU and memory error codes.
Memory
Numerous PC problems can be caused by memory problems. Here’s how to check if you suspect that yours is the cause of yours.
Make sure the RAM you installed is the correct kind for your machine before taking anything out. Did you purchase DDR4, DDR5, etc. from the correct generation?
If your memory is correct, it must be inserted into the designated slot or slots, oriented correctly, and seated all the way. Verify the documentation on your motherboard to determine the correct slot arrangement. A vacant slot is typically present between two identical memory sticks if you purchased a dual-channel kit.
however, this differs depending on whether AMD or Intel is used. Once the correct slots have been identified, align the plastic riser in the slot with the notch on the stick’s bottom edge. Firmly press down until the tabs on either side of the slot engage with the RAM’s notches at either end by clicking inward. RAM is not fully inserted if the notch is open. Despite the appearance of the RAM
To determine whether the other RAM stick is broken, it may also be worthwhile to attempt booting with just one installed. To check if any slots are broken and the source of your booting problems. You may also try swapping out the slot that you inserted the module or modules into.
Graphics card
Trying a different graphics card is the simplest approach to identifying an issue with your current one. Take out the original and plug in the spare. If you happen to have one sitting around and check to see if the system boots. If so, there’s a chance your other GPU is the issue.
You can still test your graphics card even if you don’t have an extra one. Because your PC comes with integrated graphics. After removing your graphics card, connect your monitor to the display output on the motherboard. It’s possible that your graphics card caused the issue if the computer boots up.
Try plugging your GPU back in even if you’re certain it’s not the issue. Putting a component could solve the issue in some cases.
Bill Roberson/Digital Trends
If at all possible, try utilizing multiple PSU cables for power, and stay away from utilizing any power adapters. If your motherboard has more than one PCI-Express slot, it’s a good idea to try it in them.
Make sure your display is connected straight to the graphics card, not the video connector on your motherboard if you have a separate GPU. If it appears that the monitor is the malfunctioning part, consider connecting an alternate display to see if it resolves the issue.
For more complicated installations, you might also find our tutorial on multi-monitor troubleshooting helpful. In general, though, it’s a good idea to start with just one screen and add more once everything is functioning smoothly.
Cooler
Does your computer switch on for a little moment before abruptly crashing? This can indicate that something is wrong with your cooler. While installation issues with your cooler are a possibility, malfunctioning coolers do happen sometimes.
To begin with, see if you can hear it. Verify that the fan is correctly hooked into the motherboard’s fan header if the cooler doesn’t appear to be operating at all. Most motherboards should have a label on the fan header, so checking it is simple. However, depending on their design, more complex coolers could need multiple connections.
A potential issue could be with the thermal paste connecting the CPU and cooler. Provided that the fan is operating correctly and fully. The thermal paste is essential for allowing heat to go from the CPU to the cooler. If you use the incorrect type of paste or seat the cooler too lightly. Your cooler won’t be able to remove heat effectively.
The best course of action, if you think that’s the issue, is to reinstall your cooler as quickly as possible to avoid having your processor overheat once more.
Remove the cooler, use 99% isopropyl alcohol to remove any dried thermal paste fragments that may be obstructing the process, and then replace the cooler with a fresh dot of thermal paste in the center.
After that, gently place the cooler on top of the CPU and loosen any brackets or screws in a partial, sequential manner to avoid overloading the cooler’s mounting on any one side and applying excessive pressure to any one area of the processor. Recall that you only need a small amount of thermal paste and that when you are sitting, the paste should never squeeze or run out the edges.
The system starts up but doesn’t work
The list of potential issues is significantly reduced if the system boots up and a signal shows on the screen. However, the machine freezes or shuts down before accessing the operating system.
We’ll examine the hard drive’s physical connections first. Verify that the NVMe SSD is correctly inserted into the M.2 slot if such is the case. Just like with the other parts on our list. Take it out and plug it back in if it doesn’t seem to be positioned correctly.
A power connection and a data connection are needed if you’re utilizing a SATA SSD or hard disc. The power cable needs to extend from the power source to the drive. However, a single cable may have several drives connected to it with identical connections. The motherboard and the drive will be connected by the data connection. Verify that the two ends are firmly plugged in.
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Make sure that any additional settings choices on your motherboard, such as RAM optimization modes for gaming, are turned off for the time being. Overclocking could cause your PC to shut down before it has a chance to start up properly. If you’d like, you can begin working on overclocking techniques once everything is operating smoothly.
Resetting the CMOS is frequently sufficient to resolve posting and booting issues with your computer. Press the reset button on the motherboard. If it is battery-operated, you will need to remove it.
There can be a problem with the installation if the OS logo remains visible during the computer’s reboot. To test if it resolves the problem, you might attempt to boot into safe mode. If you recently upgraded to Windows 11, your hardware may be under increased stress from the new operating system, which might lead to boot problems on older devices. Verify that Windows 11 can be installed on your computer, and be ready to return to Windows 10 if needed.
Try resetting Windows using our useful tutorial on how to get Windows back to its factory settings if everything else fails.
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Good Luck!
