Desktop Power and Startup Issues

If a desktop computer isn't powering on or is displaying an error before Windows loads the following solutions might resolve the issue.

This Article Covers: 

• There are no power lights or fan noises coming from the desktop.
• The computer plays a tone and doesn't load Windows properly.
• The lights / fans briefly turn on but don't stay on.
• An error message is displayed.
• Windows is stuck installing updates.

Troubleshooting

• Are the power light and  fans  turning on?
  • If NO
    • Ensure the power cord is securely plugged in.
    • On personal desktops there may be a power switch on the back on the desktop near where the power cord plugs in. Make sure it is flipped to on.
    • Try plugging the power cord into a different outlet.
• Any mysterious beeps?
  • A hardware technician will need to go onsite for further diagnostics
  • Oftentimes it is an issue with RAM not being seated right.
• Do the power lights / fans briefly turn on, before turning off?
  • This usually indicates an issue with an add in card or the processor.
  • A technician should reseat any add in cards first, then try plugging the power cord into a different outlet.
• Does the fan turn on high while nothing displays on the screen?
  • Have a tech reseat the RAM and try booting the desktop again.
• Does anything show up on the screen?
  • An error message about no OS found or no bootable device found
  • Stuck at a screen about PXE Boot / Boot Agent
  • Opens to Windows Recovery

These three errors indicate that there is an issue either with the SSD or with the OS, or less likely an issue with the boot order in the BIOS. A tech will need to go onsite and most likely will need to swap in a different computer or reinstall the OS.

• Is Windows stuck at installing updates?
  • Wait at least 30 minutes to make sure the update percentage really isn’t progressing. Then hard restart the desktop by holding down the power button until it turns off. This could potentially corrupt the OS and may require a technician to reinstall Windows.