Steps to Troubleshoot a Desktop That Won’t Turn On

Created by Branden L. Willis, Modified on Thu, 10 Jul at 3:21 PM by Branden L. Willis

1. Check Power Source

Make sure the power cable is securely plugged into both the wall outlet and the power supply (back of the PC).
Try a different outlet or power strip to rule out a bad socket.

2. Inspect the Power Button

Press the power button firmly once (not multiple times).
Look and listen for signs of activity (lights, fans spinning, beeps).

3. Confirm Monitor Power

Make sure the monitor is turned on and properly connected to the computer.
Check for any "No Signal" message — this could indicate the PC is off but the monitor is working.

4. Look for Indicator Lights or Sounds

Check for power indicator LEDs on the tower or motherboard.
Listen for beeps that may signal hardware issues (e.g., RAM or CPU failure).

5. Check the Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Flip the power switch on the back of the power supply to the “|” position.
If your PSU has a test button or light, press it to verify functionality.

6. Remove External Devices

Unplug all USB devices (printers, flash drives, external hard drives).
A faulty peripheral can prevent boot-up.

7. Try a Different Power Cable

Swap the power cord with a known working one to rule out a bad cable.

8. Check for Loose Internal Components

(If comfortable and safe) Open the case and:
- Reseat RAM sticks
- Ensure the CPU power connector is firmly in place
- Confirm the motherboard power connector is secure

9. Test the Wall Power

Plug another device (like a phone charger or lamp) into the same outlet to verify it's working.

10. Seek Professional Help

If there are still no signs of power (no fans, lights, or sounds), the power supply, motherboard, or CPU may be faulty.
Contact your IT technician or a repair service for diagnostics.