When Tech Fails: What to Do if Your Computer Won’t Turn On

In 2017, 78% of households had a computer or laptop. 77% have a broadband Internet subscription. Computers get used on a daily basis for everything from work, to play, to paying bills.

So when your computer won’t turn on, panicking is usually the next step. Do you rely on a steady connection for any of the above reasons? Are you in desperate need of a quick fix?

Sometimes, a few easy methods can do the trick. Other times, you may have to call in the computer pros.

But either way, wait to freak out!

It’s likely that your hard drive is okay. Most issues with a computer booting have to do with something else. Chances are, your files, photos, and precious documents should still be accessible.

Let’s dive in!

Computer Won’t Turn On?

There could be a few reasons for this:

A dead battery or unplugged battery charger

Issues with the motherboard

The computer keeps freezing due to loose hardware

Whatever the cause, a malfunctioning computer is a hassle. Try these troubleshooting methods when you come across this annoying problem!

1. Check the Power Supply

Before you Google “computer help near me,” let’s check out the power supply. The solution may be something as simple as a faulty charger that needs replacing. Fingers crossed!

Look for these tell-tale signs:

Are there any lights going on or off?

Do you hear the fans whirring?

Is your charger old or defective?

Does a multimeter get a power input?

Are you pretty tech-savvy? Then you might consider unplugging the power supply from the computer itself.

Remove the power supply from the computer. Plug this into your typical outlet. Do you see the pin connector that connects to the motherboard?

Connect the green wire with the black one. If the power supply is not kaput, then you’ll hear the fans begin whirring. If the power supply is dead, you won’t hear or see them moving.

2. Check the Screen Display

Do you see lights or hear fans, but your computer screen remains blank? This might be an issue with your screen display rather than your power supply.

Is your screen connected to anything else? Is it set to cast on your TV, for example? Try disconnecting this link by ensuring your TV (or anything else) is off.

Make sure your computer or laptop doesn’t have anything else connected to it. This can be a camera, your SD card, your phone. Get your device as “alone” as possible.

If you’re dealing with a desktop computer, try connecting it to a different monitor. If the new monitor’s display works, you’ll know the problem lies with your monitor.

For laptop users, you may be stuck using the “turn it off, turn it back on” option. Disconnect your battery (and any other wires) for at least 30 seconds. Allow it to rest and restart before trying again.

3. Engage Safe Mode if Possible

Windows allows for its users to enter Safe Mode, even when the computer itself won’t boot.

When you’re attempting to turn your computer on, hold down the F8 button as it’s booting. Or, go keyboard-happy and repeatedly click the F8 button. (Only do this if your computer isn’t registering a hold on the button.)

Did F8 allow you to boot up? It’s also recommended that if you’ve recently installed new software, to uninstall it.

If All Else Fails

If your computer won’t turn on after attempting these methods, it may be time to call in the experts.

But if you do find a solution, the next step is safeguarding your computer from any future problems. Check out our step-by-step guide to virus removal!