How to Figure Out Why a Computer Won't Boot

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

We all go through times when our computer or laptop simply refuses to boot. While it could potentially indicate serious trouble with your device, it usually is an issue that you can resolve yourself. With some basic troubleshooting, you can often solve boot up problems with your Windows or Mac computer.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Windows PC Doesn’t Power Up

PDF download Download Article
  1. Also make sure that your computer is firmly plugged in to its socket.
    EXPERT TIP

    Luigi Oppido

    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist

    Our Expert Agrees: First, you need to determine if the computer is plugged in. Look for an indicator light or unplug the power and check it with something else that has a light to make sure power is flowing. Computers are like cars — without fuel, they don’t run.

  2. Ensure that all your power leads are connected properly.
    Advertisement
  3. This will allow your computer’s capacitors enough time to totally discharge. Waiting for a few seconds helps them shut down completely.
  4. Now, your computer will have had enough time to completely shut down.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

PC Freezes on Startup

PDF download Download Article
    • In case the screen displays the “Windows” logo and asks you to choose an option for booting, read the directions carefully and make your choice.
  4. Press F8 as your device reboots. This will take you to Safe Mode.
  5. Uninstall any new software or driver that you installed or updated recently. This may automatically resolve the issue.
  6. Look for the root of the issue. In case you have overclocked, set your FSB and vCore down to stock levels.
    • Once you are done, click on “Exit and save changes”.
  7. Unscrew only the screws at the back, which are located on the very outer rim.
    • Keep touching the metal part of the case, before you delve into your computer. This helps prevent electrostatic shock, which could potentially harm your system.
    • Take out the memory card, graphics card and wires attached to the CPU (Central Processing Unit) pins.
    • Remove the battery. This is located near the bottom of the motherboard. It is usually housed inside its own little holster, with a lever on one end.
    • Wait a couple of minutes.
    • Then reconnect each component.
  9. Then restart it.
    • Perform steps 7 and 8 only if you are comfortable working with computers. Otherwise you could end up complicating matters further.
  10. In case you are not very comfortable working with PCs; or if all the above-mentioned steps failed; take your system to a computer repair shop. Describe the issue as best as you can and let them handle the problem.
    11. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Windows Laptop Doesn’t Start Up

PDF download Download Article
  2. Ensure that you are using the right type of charger for your laptop.
    • Laptops typically require 16-20V chargers. A charger with a different voltage may not offer enough current to power your laptop.
  3. This helps you ascertain that the current charger is not causing the trouble.
  4. Make sure the laptop battery has some charge in it.
    • If it is running low on power, plug it in and power it up.
  6. Then restart it.
  7. Disconnect all external devices, including monitors, cameras and so on. This way, you can make sure that they are not preventing your laptop from booting properly.
  8. Ensure that your laptop screen display is functional. If your laptop’s power LED is working and you can hear the hard disk or fans whirring, but you cannot see an image on the screen, the actual problem could be with the display.
    • Sometimes, the screen’s inverter failure causes the problem with the display. If this is the case, you could get the inverter replaced.
    • Use an external monitor to test your laptop’s display. Plug-in your monitor, power up your laptop and immediately shut its lid. If this external monitor cannot connect to your device, then the issue goes beyond a damaged screen display.
  9. In case you are not very comfortable working with PCs; or if all the above-mentioned steps failed; take your system to a computer repair shop. Describe the issue as best as you can and let them handle the problem.
    10. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Mac Doesn’t Start Up

PDF download Download Article
  1. Also ensure that you are using the correct power cord and adaptor.
  3. Make sure that you correctly installed or updated software and/or drivers in the recent past.
  4. If your Mac boots up, but you cannot access the display, then the problem most probably lies with the display hardware or with the screen itself.
  5. On Macs running OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or later, you need to boot into OS X Recovery Mode.
    • Power-off your Mac.
    • If your system does not respond, hold down the Mac’s power button for a few seconds. It will automatically shut down.
    • Hold down the Command and R keys. This will power-on the system again.
    • Click on the Mac’s built-in hard drive of Disk Utility.
    • Click “Verify Disk” and then wait for the system to complete the task.
  6. Shut down your system and start up, while holding down the Shift key.
    • Holding down the Shift, Command and V enters both Safe Boot and Verbose Mode. This walks you through what Safe Boot is actually trying to do, at each stage.
  7. If nothing else works, you may wish to reset your Mac’s SMC (System Management Controller). Apple offers detailed instructions on how to go about this process.
    • Boot into Recovery Mode and click to install Mavericks.
    • Then follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
  9. In case you are not very comfortable working with PCs; or if all the above-mentioned steps failed; take your system to a computer repair shop. Describe the issue as best as you can and let them handle the problem.
    10. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    If my computer isn't starting up, how am I supposed to check all these settings?
    Community Answer
    If the computer isn't booting to a state where you can access all of the settings (not booting to POST, operating system not working) there's probably something wrong with the hardware. If it's giving off a video signal but not showing the usual splash screen, it's probably not passing POST and the BIOS is corrupt to the point that it needs to be replaced. If it doesn't send a signal at all and beeps in an order (2 long beeps, 1 short, ECT) there's something wrong with something plugged into the computer. Try reseating the ram, and if that doesn't work, call technical support for your manufacturer.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 14
  • Question
    My screen says "Entering into power saving mode" and my PC won't start. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    This indicates the monitor is powered but not receiving any signal. If the PC itself is not switching on, check to make sure your monitor cable is securely connected at both ends and plugged into the correct graphics port. You can also try connecting from another PC over the network using RDP.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 11
  • Question
    What do I do if my computer says it can't find a device on start up?
    Community Answer
    Check that your hard drives are plugged in and functional. If it doesn't work in another computer, the disk is probably bad and you'll need to replace it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 6
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Always make sure that you are grounded while working on the inside of a computer. This helps prevent electrostatic shock.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • A head screwdriver (If you are venturing inside your computer)
      • An electrostatic grounding wristband (optional)

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Remove a Boot Sector Virus
      17 Reasons Screen Mirroring Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
      How to
      Find out How Long Your Computer Has Been On
      How to
      Diagnose a Computer Problem
      Getting a "Start PXE Over IPv4" Message On Boot? Here's How to Fix It
      How to
      Fix High CPU Usage
      How to
      Fix an I/O Error on Windows: 12 Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks
      10 Ways to Fix the Driver Power State Failure Error on Windows
      7 Ways to Log Into a Windows PC with a Forgotten Password
      How to
      Troubleshoot a Computer
      Simple Steps to Fix a Keyboard Typing in All Caps
      Why Secure Boot Can't Be Enabled on a PC or Laptop & How to Fix it
      VGA Light on Motherboard: Troubleshooting Guide + Easy Fixes
      How to
      Fix a PC Which Won't Boot
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Make sure the power is connected.
      2. Turn off the computer.
      3. Disconnect external accessories.
      4. Turn computer back on.
      5. Try booting from the recovery disc or drive.
      6. Perform a system restore or recovery.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,209,873 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Sep 28, 2016

        "The step (step 8) that tells you to close the lid on your laptop after connecting to an external display helped. ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement