Computer Won't Turn On
No lights, no fans, no sound, and nothing on the display when you press the power button — the computer shows no sign of life at all.
Quick answer: A desktop with no lights, fans or display is almost always a power problem — most often the power supply, followed by the cable, outlet or a loose internal connection. Try a different outlet and cable first; if there's still no sign of life at all, it needs a proper diagnosis.
Likely causes
- Power supply has failed (the most common cause on desktops)
- Power cable, power board or wall outlet issue rather than the computer itself
- Laptop battery is fully dead and the charger isn't making contact
- A loose or failed internal power connection
- Motherboard failure (less common, but possible)
What you can safely check yourself
- Try a different power outlet, and a different power cable if you have one
- For laptops, remove the battery if possible and try running on charger power alone
- Check the power board or extension lead isn't switched off or faulty
- Look and listen for any sign of life — a brief light flicker, a fan spin, or a click — which helps narrow down whether it's getting power at all
If the computer has been dropped, exposed to liquid, or smells burnt, don't keep trying to power it on — repeated attempts can turn a repairable fault into a more serious one.
When it needs a proper look
If none of the above brings any sign of life, the fault is almost certainly internal — a failed power supply, a dead battery that won't charge, or a deeper hardware fault — and it's time for a proper diagnosis rather than more troubleshooting.
Could it just be the charger or power cable?
Yes — a faulty cable or dead outlet is a common cause and costs nothing to rule out. Try a different cable and outlet before assuming the computer itself has failed.