Nonprofit Tech Trends

How to Fix a Computer That Won't Turn On: 5 Easy Steps

Written by Justin Brown | Jul 1, 2022 2:00:00 PM

Your computer won't turn on. This is a problem that can have a lot of different causes, but don't worry, we are here to help! In this blog post, we will walk you through a few easy steps to fixing your computer. So don't stress out - just follow our guide and your computer will be up and running in no time!

1. Make sure your computer is plugged in and that all of the cables are seated tightly.

If your computer won't turn on, the first thing you should do is check the power supply. Make sure that the power cord is plugged into a working outlet and that the computer itself is turned on. If the power cord is loose or damaged, it may need to be replaced. If everything looks good with the power, move on to checking the cables.

Loose or damaged cables are another common cause of computers not turning on. Check all of the cables that are connected to your computer and make sure they are secure. If you see any damage, you will need to replace the cable.

2. Check your surge protectors or power strips and make sure they are on and working.

If you are still having trouble, the next step is to check your surge protector or power strip. These devices can sometimes turn off without you realizing it, so make sure they are on and working. If they are not, try plugging the computer directly into a wall outlet.

3. If you have a laptop, make sure that the LED on the charger is lit

Sometimes this is on the plastic transformer box or on the end that attaches to the computer. If this is not lit, it could indicate an issue with the power source. Make sure that the outlet you are using is working and that the cord is not damaged. If everything looks good, try plugging it into a different outlet.

If the LED on the charger is lit, leave it plugged into the laptop for a while to rule out a dead battery.

4. Check if your computer is overheating

If your computer has been on for a while and it suddenly won't turn on, it may be overheating. This is especially common with laptops. Turn off your computer and allow it to cool down for at least an hour before trying to turn it back on.

5. Make sure your computer's power button is working properly

The power button is another common culprit when computers won't turn on. Check to make sure that the button is not stuck in the "on" position and that it feels normal when you press it. If the button seems damaged or does not work properly, it will need to be replaced.

Nothing is working, what next?

If none of the above tips have solved the problem, it is most likely something more complicated. If you aren't particularly computer savvy this is the point where you should reach out to a professional.

If you are a RoundTable Technology customer, feel free to reach out to our Support Team at any time and we would be happy to help.

If you'd like to continue trying to diagnose the problem yourself we have a few further troubleshooting steps that you can try.

Advanced Troubleshooting Guide

 

Check your BIOS settings

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a low-level software that controls the hardware of your computer. If you are having trouble turning on your computer, it may be due to a problem with the BIOS.

To check the BIOS settings, you will need to enter the BIOS menu when you first start up your computer. This is usually done by pressing a key like F12, F11, or Esc during startup. Consult your computer's manual for more specific instructions.

Check your internal cabling

If you have a desktop computer it might be time to open it up and check that none of the internal cabling has come loose. This is a more advanced troubleshooting step and should only be attempted if you are comfortable working with computer hardware.

If you have followed all of the above steps and your computer still won't turn on, it is most likely a hardware issue. At this point, you will need to take it to a professional or replace the damaged part.

We hope this guide was helpful in getting your computer up and running again. If you have any further questions or suggestions, please let us know in the comments below!