Few computer problems are more frustrating than pressing the power button on your computer and watching nothing happen. Your computer won’t boot for several reasons: some are related to hardware, others are related to software.
Some of the obvious symptoms that your computer may exhibit in a non-boot state include:
- No operating system sounds
- No light signal when trying to boot your computer
- The system turns on but Windows does not boot.
- The hard drive activity indicator is blinking.
- There are no diagnostic codes.
- Error message on screen
- Black screen
These and other symptoms can indicate problems with your computer’s graphics card, MBR, WINLOAD.EXE, problems with the motherboard, cables, or internal connections.
It’s not always possible to know where to start repairing your computer if it won’t boot because modern computers are complex machines. In addition, there are several possible hardware configurations that make it impossible to diagnose every possible problem.
In this guide, we’ll share basic troubleshooting tips and helpful fixes to help you when your PC won’t boot into Windows 10.
How to Fix Computer Not Running in Windows 10
If your computer won’t boot, there could be several reasons for this. The symptoms also vary. Your computer may not boot at all when you press the power button. Or it may turn on for a second or so and then turn off again.
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Your computer may actually turn on, but the display will be blank, or you may be stuck in BIOS settings and unable to access your operating system. It is simply the result of an underlying hardware or software problem on your computer.
Some quick fixes to hardware you can try include:
- Test your power cables to make sure they are working as expected.
- Test the power supply switch to make sure it is on
- Correctly plug the power cord into the outlet or power supply in case it is loose.
- After you unplug the power cord and wall outlet, check the cables inside the PC case to make sure there are no faulty or loose cables. If you have a complete system, you may want to contact the device manufacturer before opening your computer so as not to void your warranty.
- Disconnect any external keys or peripherals such as USB devices or display cables as these can sometimes cause power problems. If your computer boots into Windows 10 with peripherals disconnected, try connecting each one separately to check and find the problem.
Your computer may receive power, but it still won’t boot properly, it won’t respond when you press the power button, or it turns on for a second and then turns off again. If you see any of these marks on your computer, try the following fixes.
6. Power button
The power button is one potential culprit when your computer won’t boot into Windows 10. If your computer won’t turn on but the motherboard light is on, the problem might be with the power button or the wires connecting it to the motherboard
You can also turn on the system in the same way as using the power button if your motherboard has an onboard power button. If that works, then the problem is most likely related to the power button on your computer case.
7. Beep and POST codes
The Beep and POST (Power On Self Test) codes are built-in tests that can help you pinpoint exactly why your computer won’t boot. These two codes are audible and visual cues that can help you identify any hardware problems that may be preventing your PC from turning on or booting.
POST codes usually indicate the point at which the system detected a hardware problem during the boot process. This way you can identify the source of the problem. For example, if the POST code indicates an error occurred while initializing memory, it would mean that you need to troubleshoot RAM problems.
Beep codes are beeps that are a series of beeps that you hear when you turn on your computer. For example, three beeps might mean the graphics card was not detected, so you can reinstall the GPU to fix the problem.
While POST and Beep codes can be helpful, each manufacturer uses a different coding system on their motherboards. You can determine the problem your computer is having by searching the internet for the codes used by the motherboard manufacturer or by checking the motherboard documentation.
8. BIOS / UEFI Updates
If there is no POST code, check if your motherboard BIOS is up to date. You can update BIOS / UEFI even if your computer is not POSTing. Check your motherboard manufacturer’s documentation or search online to check for the most recent BIOS for your computer system.
9. Re-establish connections on your PC
If you’ve recently worked inside your computer, or recently moved it somewhere, chances are that one of its components fell out inside the case.
You can reinstall everything by opening the computer, removing the side panel, and checking that the various connections inside it are properly seated. Reinstalling restores those connections and usually fixes the problem with booting Windows 10.
Make sure all components, including the RAM, GPU, and motherboard cables, are seated in the correct connectors. You can do this by removing each of the components and plugging them back in.
If there’s a faulty RAM module or faulty GPU, try booting without them and see if your computer turns on.
10. Check your drive on another PC
If you don’t have a hard drive backup, remove it, plug it into a USB adapter or dock, and plug it into another work computer. If your hard drive is still working, chances are you can copy files to an external drive before reinstalling Windows 10 or taking your computer for repair.
- Check your PC for any signs of a short circuit, as this could cause your PC to fail or crash at all.
- Check the power supply and replace it immediately if it fails. or does not work as expected. The power supply tends to cause components inside the computer to work selectively or intermittently.
- Boot with basic hardware and check if your computer starts up normally. Reinstall each piece of hardware one at a time, and use the Power On Self Test Card to test your computer and identify the component that is preventing the computer from turning on completely.
- Whenever you find faulty hardware, replace it immediately.
Other things to try when Windows 10 won’t boot
- Check for any signs of electrical failure inside the computer as this could cause the computer not to turn on at all or damage it.
- Test the power supply and replace it immediately if it fails or does not operate properly. A power supply unit tends to make the components inside a computer operate selectively or intermittently.
- Boot up with basic hardware and check if the computer starts normally or not. Reinstall each piece of hardware at one time and use the Power On Self Test card to test the computer and determine which component is causing the computer to not fully boot.
- Once you have identified the defective device, replace it immediately.
If all else fails, seek expert advice and assistance from a reputable computer repair service, or contact your computer manufacturer’s technical support.
We have other in-depth guides that cover related issues related to Windows 10 PC that won’t boot, including:
- How to fix a black desktop screen in Windows 10
- How to fix a black screen of death in Windows 10
- The most common error messages in Windows 10 and how to fix them
- Troubleshooting Windows 10 freezing or accidentally blocking problems
- How to remove viruses before starting the operating system
Did any of these fixes help? Share with us in the comments.
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