Computer Won’t Boot or Start Up
Symptoms:
PC turns on but no display
Computer turns on but won’t boot
PC powers on but no signal to monitor
Computer won't boot after installing new hardware
Black screen on startup
No boot disk found error
PC stuck in boot loop
If you need help, just contact us and we can help.
This page will address common issues that prevent a computer from booting properly. It could be a hardware failure, corrupted system files, BIOS issues, recent hardware changes. Don’t worry, we will give you the complete fix for you to try yourself here completely free. But again, if you’d like a pro help specialist instead, just contact us (Tap here to go to the contact page)
The Fix Procedures:
Double-Check Power Connections:
Ensure the power cable is securely connected to both the PC and the wall outlet.
Verify Monitor Connections:
Make sure the monitor is plugged into a power outlet.
Confirm that the video cable (HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort) is securely connected from the monitor to the back of your computer.
Check if the monitor's power light is on.
Power On the PC:
Turn on your computer.
Observe if the fans start spinning, lights come on, or if you hear any sounds indicating it's powered on.
If yes, proceed to the next step.
If no, there might be an issue with the power supply or internal connections.
If your screen remains blank even after verifying cables, consider reviewing our No Display or Black Screen Issues page for more in-depth display troubleshooting.
Check the Display:
Look at the monitor to see if any text, images, or logos appear.
If nothing appears, proceed to Step 5.
If you see any messages or logos, skip ahead to Step 7.
Inspect Internal Components:
Safety first: Turn off the PC and unplug all cables.
Open the computer case carefully.
Reseat the RAM:
Locate the RAM modules.
Gently remove them and then firmly insert them back into their slots.
Check the Graphics Card:
Ensure it's properly seated in its slot.
Make sure any required power connectors are attached.
Secure All Cables:
Verify that all internal power and data cables are connected tightly.
Attempt to Boot Again:
Close the computer case.
Reconnect all cables and turn on the PC.
Check if anything appears on the screen now.
If the screen remains blank, there may be a hardware issue—consider contacting us for assistance.
If you see something on the screen, proceed to the next step.
In cases where you encounter a recurring blue screen error, our Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and PC Crashes guide offers specialized steps.
Observe Any Error Messages:
Pay attention to any error messages displayed, such as "No boot disk found" or "Boot device not found."
If you see such messages, proceed to Step 8.
If the computer starts loading Windows or your operating system, your issue may be resolved.
Check Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI:
Restart your computer.
Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key during startup (commonly F2, F10, DEL, or ESC).
Navigate to the boot menu.
Ensure your primary hard drive or SSD is set as the first boot device.
Save any changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.
Disconnect External Devices:
Unplug all external USB devices, including flash drives and external hard drives.
Restart the computer to see if it boots correctly.
Reset BIOS/UEFI Settings:
While in BIOS/UEFI, find the option to reset to default settings or load default configuration.
Save changes and restart your PC.
Test with Minimal Hardware:
If you're comfortable: Power off and unplug your PC.
Disconnect all non-essential hardware (extra RAM sticks, additional hard drives, external devices).
Leave only the essential components connected.
Turn on the PC to see if it boots.
Use a Bootable Recovery Media:
Create a Windows installation USB or DVD using another computer.
Insert the bootable media into your PC.
Boot from the USB/DVD and select "Repair your computer."
Attempt a startup repair.
Should you suspect that a virus or malware is causing your boot issues, our Virus, Malware, and Pop-up Ad Removal resource can help restore your system’s health.
Check for Recent Hardware Changes:
If you recently added new hardware, remove it.
Try booting the computer without the new hardware installed.
Look for Physical Damage:
Inspect cables and components for any signs of damage or wear.
Ensure that all fans are free of dust and debris.
Consider Hard Drive Issues:
If you suspect the hard drive might be the problem, listen for unusual noises like clicking or grinding.
You may need professional assistance to recover data or replace the drive.
Final Step: Seek Professional Help
If you've tried all the above steps and the computer still won't boot, it's likely time to get expert assistance.
Contact us and we'll help diagnose and fix the issue promptly.