PC does not turn on: What you can do

In this article we show you what you can do when your PC won’t turn on. Don’t worry, most of the time the cause is quite trivial and you will get your computer up and running again quickly. Just try the tips and tricks in this article.

PC won’t start: First aid checklist

Go through the following checklist to rule out the most common causes for a PC not starting. With this you can already rule out many sources of error.

• First switch off your power supply unit, press the on button of your computer and wait a minute. Then you can switch on the power supply again and try to start your PC.
• Check the power supply. Are all the cables seated correctly? Are the power strip and the power supply switched on? Also try running another appliance on the same circuit to see if there is power.

• Open your computer and see if all the cables are seated properly. Also check if anything smells burnt or is obviously damaged. If so, you should take the computer to a professional.

• If you have recently installed a new component, remove it and test whether your PC starts again. If it does, the new component is probably to blame.

PC won’t start: How to identify hardware problems

When hardware is damaged, the entire PC usually fails to start. However, you can still find out which is the faulty component by using a few tricks.

• If your mainboard makes sounds after switching on, you can look them up. You can find an overview of the error codes here.
• It could also be that your power supply is too weak. If you have recently installed new hard drives or other components, it is possible that your power supply is not strong enough. If this is the case, consult a professional.
• If your components have become too hot, your PC will simply switch off. So check if a lot of dust has collected somewhere and remove it.
• If nothing helps, you should consult a professional or try a computer emergency service hotline.