Computer Won't Turn On? Check These Before Panicking

"Won't turn on" covers three very different situations. Figure out which one you have and half the diagnosis is done.

Situation A: absolutely nothing — no lights, no fans

This is power. Try a different wall outlet (not a power strip). For laptops: a different charger if you can borrow one, and hold the power button for 20 seconds before trying again. For desktops: check the power supply switch on the back — a house move or curious cat flips those more often than you would think.

Situation B: lights and fans, but a black screen

The computer is on; the picture is missing. Check the monitor's power and cable (try a different cable or port). Laptop users: shine a flashlight at the screen at an angle — if you can faintly see your desktop, the screen's backlight died, and the machine (and your files) are fine.

Situation C: it starts, then dies or restarts in a loop

Often overheating (blocked vents, dust — listen for a fan screaming then cutting out) or a Windows update stuck mid-boot. If it repeatedly reaches the logo and restarts, Windows will usually offer repair options on the third failure — "Startup Repair" is safe to try.

What your files are doing right now: waiting, safely

The most important thing to know: in almost all of these failures, your files are intact on the drive. Even a completely dead machine usually gives up its files easily once opened up. Do not mourn the photos yet.