Before you begin
“Will not start” can describe three different problems. No power means there is no obvious response to the case power button. No display means fans or lights come on but there is no picture. No Windows startup means a logo or error appears but Windows does not load.
- If fans and lights stay on but the screen is blank, start with the no-display guide.
- For a new PC, finish the supplied unpacking instructions and check that shipping protection has been removed as directed.
- Note any recent power cut, new peripheral, component change or Windows update.
Stop if anything looks or smells wrong. Do not power on a visibly damaged or wet PC. If safe, disconnect it from the wall and contact support. Never open the power-supply unit, bridge its pins or try an improvised electrical test.
Step-by-step checks
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Check the wall socket and power lead
Make sure the socket is switched on. With the PC switched off, check that the supplied mains lead is firmly seated in both the PC and the socket. Look for visible damage without taking anything apart. If you are using an extension strip, check its switch or try a known working wall socket directly. Do not use a damaged cable or repeatedly reset a socket or breaker that trips.
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Check the rear power switch, then the case button
If the power supply has a rear rocker switch, I means on and O means off. Set it to I, then press the normal power button on the case once. The rear switch supplies power; it does not replace the case button. Do not alter any voltage selector or other unfamiliar switch.
External power checks: Corsair’s PC startup guidance.
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Try one power reset
For a PC that is off and not updating, switch the PSU to O if fitted and unplug the mains lead. Hold the case power button for 15 seconds, then release it. Reconnect the lead, return the PSU switch to I and try starting once. This can clear a temporary power-state problem; it does not make the inside of the PSU safe to touch.
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Remove unnecessary external devices
With the PC off, disconnect USB hubs, external drives, printers, controllers and other accessories. Leave a simple keyboard, mouse and monitor connected. Try starting again. If that works, shut down and reconnect the accessories one at a time to find the change that brings the issue back. Do not disconnect internal components for this check.
Hardware reference: ASUS startup troubleshooting.
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Watch exactly what happens
Record whether there is no response, a brief fan movement, a click, a repeating on/off cycle or a stable powered-on state. Photograph any diagnostic label or code without reaching into the PC. Some PSU and GPU fans stop at low load, so a stationary fan alone is not enough to diagnose a failed power supply or graphics card.
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If a logo or Windows error appears
The PC is receiving power, so record the exact message instead of continuing to swap power leads. Disconnect any unnecessary USB storage and try again. A “no boot device” message, automatic repair screen or stop code needs a different investigation. Do not format the drive, clear the TPM or reinstall Windows before speaking to support, especially if you have files to preserve.
Further reading: Microsoft’s Windows recovery options. Ask us which option suits your symptoms before proceeding.
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Stop repeated attempts if it keeps cutting out
A PC that immediately turns itself off or repeatedly trips the supply needs assessment. Switch it off and tell support what happened. Do not continue cycling the power, substitute internal PSU cables or try a BIOS update while power is unstable. Modular PSU cables are not universally interchangeable, even when the plugs appear to fit.
What the symptoms mean
No reaction at all
Complete the socket, lead, switch and single power-reset checks. If nothing changes, support needs to assess the power path and case-button connection.
Lighting works, but startup does not
Lighting may use standby power. It does not confirm that the system can start normally. Describe what happens when the case button is pressed.
Fans stay on, but there is no picture
Use the display guide and check the monitor connection before assuming the PSU is faulty.
Windows loads, then the PC shuts down in a game
Record temperatures and the workload. Use the cooling guide, and contact support if shutdowns repeat.
Common questions
Should I replace the fuse or open the plug?
Do not dismantle mains equipment as part of this guide. If the lead or plug appears damaged, or you suspect a mains fault, stop using it and ask support for the correct replacement or next step.
Can I test the power supply with a paperclip?
Please do not. An improvised test adds risk and does not establish that a PSU is working correctly under load. Our team can arrange an appropriate diagnosis.
Will a BIOS reset fix it?
Not necessarily. Resetting firmware settings can change boot and security configuration. Contact support before clearing CMOS, removing the battery or flashing firmware.
Does a black screen mean my files are gone?
No. A failure to start does not by itself show that data has been lost. Avoid formatting or reinstalling so the cause can be assessed first.
When to contact support
Contact ElitePCS support if the external checks do not restore normal startup, or immediately for repeated cut-outs, damage or an unusual smell. Include:
- Your order number and whether this is the first use or a previously working PC.
- A short video showing one start attempt, including any lights or sounds.
- Photos of the rear power connection and any diagnostic label or on-screen message.
- The socket, cable and peripheral checks completed, plus any changes just before the fault.