Power Issues – Computer Won’t Turn On

If your computer doesn’t power on, shows no lights, or shuts off immediately, it may be due to a faulty power source, battery, PSU, or motherboard. Use this guide to isolate whether the issue is electrical, hardware-related, or software-driven.

🔌 Step 1: Verify Power Connections

• Check that your power cable is firmly connected to the wall and the computer.
• Try another outlet or surge protector.
• If using a desktop, confirm the switch on the Power Supply Unit (PSU) is in the “On” position (| symbol).
• Check for indicator lights on the motherboard or charging LED on a laptop.

⚡ Step 2: Perform a Power Reset

• Unplug the computer (and remove the battery if removable).
• Hold the power button for 15–20 seconds to discharge any static power.
• Reconnect the power cable and try turning it on again.
• This can resolve startup power latch issues, especially after power surges.

🔋 Step 3: Laptop-Specific Checks

• Test the laptop charger on another device (if compatible), or use a multimeter to check voltage output.
• Inspect the charging port and cable for frayed wires or bent connectors.
• If the laptop powers on only with the charger, your battery may need replacement.
• Try booting with just AC power (remove the battery if removable).

🧰 Step 4: Desktop Power Supply (PSU) Tests

• Check for any movement in the fans when pressing the power button.
• If fans or lights flicker briefly then stop, it’s likely a PSU or motherboard issue.
• Use the “Paperclip Test” on the PSU:
  1. Disconnect the PSU from the motherboard.
  2. Bridge the green wire (PS_ON) and any black (ground) wire on the 24-pin connector using a bent paperclip.
  3. If the PSU fan doesn’t spin, it’s faulty and needs replacing.

🧩 Step 5: Inspect for Physical or Electrical Damage

• Look for burnt smells or visible scorch marks near power ports or cables.
• Check for bulging or leaking capacitors on the motherboard.
• If there was a power outage or surge, a surge protector or PSU fuse may have blown.

⚙️ Step 6: BIOS/UEFI Reset (if system powers but doesn’t boot)

• Unplug your PC and remove the CMOS battery for 30 seconds, then reinsert it.
• This resets BIOS settings that might prevent power-on.
• For laptops, locate the small reset pinhole (check manufacturer’s site) and press it with a paperclip for 10 seconds.

🧱 Step 7: Motherboard and Component Testing

• Remove all nonessential components (extra RAM, GPU, drives) and try booting with only CPU, one RAM stick, and PSU.
• If the system powers on in this minimal state, reconnect components one by one to isolate the issue.
• If no power even with minimal components, your motherboard or PSU likely failed.

🧠 Step 8: Windows Power Settings (for intermittent power issues)

• Go to Control Panel → Power Options.
• Select Balanced or High Performance.
• Click Change plan settings → Change advanced power settings.
• Under Processor power management, ensure the minimum is 5% and maximum is 100%.
• Disable Fast Startup under Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do.

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