- Check the outlet works: plug in something else, like a phone charger. If you use a power strip, plug straight into the wall.
- On a laptop: plug in the charger and wait 30 minutes before trying to turn it on. A fully drained battery needs time.
- Look for a light on the computer or the charger. A light means power is getting through.
- Unplug everything connected to the computer: mouse, USB stick, printer. Sometimes a faulty device stops it from starting.
- Hold the power button for 30 seconds with the charger unplugged. Then plug back in and try again.
- On a desktop: if you hear fans but the screen is black, check the monitor is on, its cable is connected, and the right input is selected with the monitor's buttons.
MacOn a Mac: plug in the charger, hold the power button for 10 seconds, release and press again. On an Apple-chip MacBook with a fully black screen, try a different Apple charger.
Important: If liquid was spilled on it: unplug it right away and don't try to turn it on. Turn a laptop upside down on its keyboard and have a professional check it. Powering on with liquid inside can burn components.
Quick questions
The computer turns on but the screen is black. What does it mean?
Usually it's the screen, its cable or connection, not the computer itself. On a laptop, try connecting an external monitor to check.
Why does my computer beep when I turn it on?
Startup beeps are a hardware error code, often memory or the graphics card. It's worth having a professional look.
Still not working?Describe it in the chat, or book remote support and we'll fix it together.
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