How to Fix a PC Which Won't Boot

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article


Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Hardware Issues

PDF download Download Article
  1. If your computer completely fails to start, you'll generally have better luck taking your computer to a repair service than you will if you try to repair it yourself. [1]
    • Luckily, the bulk of hardware problems stem from poor connections or component failures; your hard drive will usually be fine, meaning that your files should be safe.
  2. Before performing any significant repairs, you might want to back up your files. You can do this by removing your computer's hard drive, connecting it to another computer via an IDE-to-USB adapter (or a SATA-to-USB adapter for older hard drives), and using the other computer to back up the hard drive .
    Advertisement
  3. It may seem simple, but double-check that the power cable is plugged in and the outlet is working.
    • Plug the computer directly into the wall to see if your surge protector or power strip is the cause of the problem.
    • If you are using a laptop, make sure that the power adapter is securely connected.
  4. If your computer is starting up but you can't see anything, there could be something wrong with your monitor. Double-check the monitor's connection, and try plugging in a different monitor if possible.
  5. You can run your laptop without a battery inserted as long as you are plugged into a power source. If your laptop turns on when the battery is removed, something is wrong with the battery and you should contact the manufacturer for a replacement.
  6. Open the computer if it's a desktop. In order to check the connections inside and to test the power supply, you'll need to open the case.
    • Remember to ground yourself with an anti-static wrist strap or by touching the exposed metal of the case before touching any internal components.
    • While you can check a laptop for hardware issues, most laptops can't be repaired by an amateur mechanic. Your best bet is usually to bring you laptop in to a repair service.
  7. Ensure that the cables that connect your power supply (the box that your power cable is attached to) to your motherboard are securely connected.
  8. Test your power supply . Old power supplies have a tendency to fail, but testing them is a relatively straightforward process. Power supplies are the most common cause for problems with a computer's boot sequence.
  9. Replace your power supply if necessary. If your power supply doesn't work after testing it, you'll probably need to replace it in order to get your computer working again.
  10. If a screw has come loose in your case, it could be causing your motherboard to short out. Gently rock your case back and forth and listen for metal rattling. Either use your fingers or a long pair of tweezers to remove the screw from the case.
  11. Look for any cables that have lost their protective coating, as exposed wiring may be causing a short as well. You may need to replace any cables that have decayed too much.
  12. Try removing and then reinserting components such as your graphics card, RAM modules, and all of your cable connections. If anything has come loose, there's a chance that it's disrupting the startup sequence. [2]
    • You can try reseating your processor as well, but this is usually a much more difficult task, and likely isn't the cause of the problem. It also increases the chances of damaging the processor, which will render your computer completely inoperable.
  13. If you have a dedicated graphics card, try removing it and plugging your monitor into your motherboard's display connection. A malfunctioning graphics card can cause your computer to not boot.
  14. Try booting your computer up with only the most basic hardware attached. This means disconnecting your graphics card, additional drives, PCI expansion cards, and extra RAM. After you've removed everything, try turning your computer on.
    • If your computer works with only the essential hardware installed, add pieces back one at a time, testing each time to see where the problem lies.
  15. If you still cannot turn on your computer with just your essential hardware, then you'll need to either swap out the essential hardware with spares, take your computer to a repair shop, or upgrade to a new one.
    16. Advertisement


Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Software Issues

PDF download Download Article
  1. Press the computer's Power
    Windows Power
    button .
  2. Doing so will prompt the advanced options menu to open.
    • The advanced options menu is a blue screen with white lettering and options. If the menu doesn't open, try restarting while holding down ⇧ Shift .
  3. You'll find this option on the "Choose an option" screen.
  4. It's near the top of the screen.
  5. You'll find this on the left side of the screen.
  6. Click the name of your account in the middle of the screen.
  7. Type in the password you use to log into your computer, then click Continue .
    • If you don't use a password, just click Continue .
  8. This can take several minutes.
  9. Depending on your computer's issue, you may be prompted to perform actions to fix the problem, though your computer will most likely address the problem on its own.
  10. If using Start-Up Repair doesn't fix your problem, reinstalling Windows may help. Make sure that you've backed up any files you want to save, then do the following: [3]
    • Open the "Choose an option" menu again by restarting while holding down ⇧ Shift .
    • Click Troubleshoot
    • Click Reset this PC
    • Click Keep my files
      • If using this option doesn't work, you can reset your computer again using the Remove everything option.
    • Confirm your choice, then follow any on-screen instructions.
  11. If none of the repair options work, your only remaining option may be to reinstall Windows with the disc or USB drive you used to install it in the first place. This will format your computer and erase everything on the hard drive, so it is only recommended as a last-ditch option: [4]
    12. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What if the startup repair is running for a very long time?
    Community Answer
    If the startup repair runs for more than 8 hours with no result, it isn't going to work. If this occurs, I'd suggest wiping the drive and doing a fresh install if you can afford to lose the data.
    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 2 Helpful 10
  • Question
    My computer is not connecting, what can I do?
    Community Answer
    If it is not connecting to the charger, then try cleaning out both ends of the connection, but don't use water. If it's not connecting to the internet, make sure that your ethernet cable is connected or that your WiFi router is on.
    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 0 Helpful 7
  • Question
    After running startup repair, the PC could not find the hard drive. Now when I restart it goes on and off immediately. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Open the boot manager menu with f12 on startup, then rearrange the boot sequence so that sata-0 (or your hard drive) is in the first slot.
    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 0 Helpful 9
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

      • Unless you know how to work with electricity safely, an internal short is best repaired by professionals.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Boot issues can be caused by anything from dust to corrupted system files, so diagnosing a specific problem can be a challenge.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 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

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Check the BIOS Version on Windows 11, 10, and 8.1
      How to
      Access the BIOS on Any PC: Guide + Troubleshooting
      How to
      Open a Desktop Computer
      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
      Simple Steps to Fix a Keyboard Typing in All Caps
      How to
      Troubleshoot a Computer
      Why Secure Boot Can't Be Enabled on a PC or Laptop & How to Fix it
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-fix-a-computer-that-wont-turn-on-2624450
      2. ↑ http://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-pc-will-not-boot-up
      3. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12415/windows-10-recovery-options
      4. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/technology/askjack/2017/apr/20/windows-10-fix-pc-laptop-will-not-boot

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Check the power cable.
      2. Remove the laptop battery and plug into a power source.
      3. Remove unessential hardware.
      4. Hold Shift as you turn the computer on.
      5. Select Troubleshoot .
      6. Select Advanced Options .
      7. Select Startup Repair .
      8. Follow the on-screen instructions.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,123,723 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement