There are many reasons why a computer won’t turn on and often very few clues about what might be the problem. The only symptom is usually the simple fact that “nothing works,” which isn’t much to go on.
First: Don’t Worry, Your Files Are Probably OK
Most people tend to panic when faced with a computer that won’t start, worried that all their precious data is gone forever. It’s true that the most common reason a computer won’t start is because a piece of hardware has failed or is causing a problem, but that hardware isn’t usually a hard drive, the part of your computer that stores all of your files. In other words, your apps, music, documents, emails, and videos are probably safe—they’re just not accessible at the moment. To fix this problem, keep reading below, and choose the troubleshooting guide that most closely represents the way your computer is acting. If you don’t want to fix this yourself, see How Do I Get My Computer Fixed? for a full list of your support options, plus help with everything along the way like figuring out repair costs, getting your files off, choosing a repair service, and a whole lot more.
Computer Shows No Sign of Power
Try these steps if your computer will not turn on and is showing no sign at all of receiving power—no fans running and no lights on the laptop or tablet, nor on the front of the computer’s case if you’re using a desktop.
Computer Powers On and Then Off
Follow these steps if, when you turn your computer on, it promptly powers back off. You might hear the fans inside your computer turn on, see some or all of the lights on your device turn on or flash, and then it will all stop. You won’t see anything on the screen, and you may or may not hear beeps, called beep codes, coming from the computer before it shuts off by itself.
Computer Powers On But Nothing Happens
If your computer seems to be receiving power after turning it on but you don’t see anything on the screen, try these troubleshooting steps. In these situations, the power lights will stay on, you’ll hear the fans inside your computer running (assuming it has any), and you may or may not hear beeping coming from the inside. This situation is probably the most common in our experience working with computers that won’t start. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most difficult to troubleshoot.
Computer Stops or Continuously Reboots During the POST
Use this guide when your computer powers on, shows at least something on the screen, but then stops, freezes, or reboots over and over again during the Power On Self Test. The POST on your computer might occur in the background, behind your computer maker’s logo, or you may actually see frozen test results or other messages on the screen that aren’t showing any signs of progressing.
Windows Begins to Load But Stops or Reboots on a BSOD
If your computer begins to load Windows but then stops and displays a blue screen with information on it, then try these steps. You may or may not see the Windows splash screen or logo before the blue screen appears. This kind of error is called a STOP error but is more commonly referred to as a Blue Screen of Death, or a BSOD. Receiving a BSOD error is a common reason why a Windows-powered computer won’t start.
Windows Begins to Load But Stops or Reboots Without an Error
Try these steps when your computer powers on, starts to load Windows, but then freezes, stops, or reboots over and over again without generating any kind of error message. The stopping, freezing, or reboot loop may happen on the Windows splash screen or even on a black screen, with or without a flashing cursor.
Windows Repeatedly Returns to Startup Settings or ABO
Use this guide when nothing but the Startup Settings (Windows 11/10/8) or Advanced Boot Options (Windows 7/Vista/XP) screen appears every time you restart your computer and none of the Windows startup options work. In this situation, no matter which Safe Mode option you choose, your computer eventually stops, freezes, or restarts on its own, after which you find yourself right back at the Startup Settings or Advanced Boot Options menu. This is a particularly annoying way to experience a startup problem because you’re trying to use Windows’ built-in ways to solve your problem but you’re getting nowhere with any of them.
Windows Stops or Reboots On Or After the Login Screen
Try this troubleshooting guide when your computer powers on, Windows shows the login screen, but then freezes, stops, or reboots here or anytime after. The stopping, freezing, or reboot loop may happen on the Windows login screen, as Windows is logging you in, or any time up to Windows fully loading.
Computer Doesn’t Fully Start Because of an Error Message
If your computer turns on but then stops or freezes at any point, showing an error message of any kind, then use this troubleshooting guide. Error messages are possible at any stage during your computer’s boot process, including during the POST, at any time during the loading of Windows, all the way up to the Windows desktop appearing.
