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PC Won't Turn On At All

Beginner Startup & Boot Issues Applies to: Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows 11

No lights, no fans, nothing on screen when you press the power button.

Before you start: save any open work and note down what you were doing when the problem started — that context helps if you need to search further or ask for help.
  1. Check the power cable at both ends — the wall outlet and the back of the PC (or the laptop charger port). A loose connection is the most common cause.
  2. If you're on a power strip or surge protector, plug the PC directly into the wall to rule out a dead strip.
  3. For laptops, hold the power button for 15 seconds with the charger unplugged, then plug the charger back in and try again — this clears a stuck power state.
  4. For desktops, listen for any fan spin or beep codes when you press power. If you hear fans but see no display, the issue is likely the monitor or graphics card, not the PC itself.
  5. If there's still nothing at all, the power supply (desktop) or battery/charger (laptop) is the most likely failure point and may need replacing.
Still not fixed? Send us the details and we'll help you dig further, or browse related guides in Startup & Boot Issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if it's the power supply or something else?
If there are no lights, no fan noise, and no sound at all when you press power, a dead power supply or a power connection issue is the most likely cause. If you hear fans spin or see lights but nothing displays, the problem is more likely the display output or a component inside rather than power delivery itself.
Is this something I should try to fix myself?
The steps here (checking cables, testing outlets, reseating connections) are safe for most people to try. Opening the case to test internal components is more advanced — if you're not comfortable with that, it's reasonable to stop there and get professional help.

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