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Windows 10 won’t turn on? Fix it in a few easy steps
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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There comes a time when we all have to face reality. There is a chance yourWindows 10won’t start up at all. This is a huge problem indeed, and speaking of problems, users reported all kinds of scenarios.
More precisely, in some cases, the PC won’t be able to boot at all and they simply end up with a black screen. Many Windows 10 users reported this issue after installing a new RAM or a new motherboard.
Moreover, others say that the loading screen in Windows 10 keeps running until it restarts or perhaps it passes the loading screen. However, they only get ablack screenwith the mouse cursor after it loads.
Users also report that instead of starting Windows normally, they are greeted with a blinking cursor and get a boot failure message on their PC. Another problem that users describe is the inability of Windows to work or load with no apparent trigger.
If you’re currently facing one of these issues too, waste no more time and read the lines below to find out some useful fixes for your Windows 10 unable to start up.
What can I do if Windows 10 won’t turn on?
1. Check your hardware
One or more of yourhardwaredevices might malfunction during a power-up of theWindows 10computer, thus preventing it to turn on correctly. That’s why we’re recommending to check yourhardwareby doing the following:
If you have power supply issues, check out ourdedicated guideand learn how you can deal with them quickly.
2. Start your computer in Safe Mode
If your Windows doesn’tboot, you might be able to fix the problem simply by entering the Safe Mode. If System Restore fails from working, don’t worry. Check thisuseful guideand set things right once again.
Safe mode is not working? Don’t panic, this guide will help you get past the booting problems.
3. Perform a cleanbootof the system
If the System Restore did not work for you, try doing a cleanbootof the system by following the steps above. If yourWindows 10loads up, then one of the apps you disabled is causing your system to crash.
To find the problematicapplication, you need to enable apps one by one until you find the cause of the problem. After doing that, you just need to remove the problematicapplication, and the issue should be resolved.
If you want to know how to add or remove startup apps onWindows 10, check out thissimple guide.
Can’t open Task Manager? Don’t worry, we’ve got the right solution for you.
4. Disconnect other devices from your PC
If your Windows still won’t turn on, that can be due to yourUSB devices. Several users reported this problem, but after disconnecting all their USB devices from the PC, the computerbootedwithout any problems.
In addition to USB devices, the problem can also be your network adapter, so we advise you to disconnect theEthernet cablefrom your PC and check if that solves the issue.
5. Check your hard drive configuration in BIOS
If your Windows doesn’t boot, the problem might be related to your hard drive configuration inBIOS. Few users reported that theirSATA Controllermode switched from AHCI to IDE causing this problem to occur.
The solution is relatively simple, and you just have to enterBIOSand set yourSATA ControllertoAHCIor any other value that you were previously using. After doing that, you just need to save changes and your PC should boot without any problems.
Keep in mind that almost every version ofBIOSis different, so in order to see how to accessBIOSand how to change SATA Controller, we strongly advise you to check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions.
If your hard drive isn’t showing up in Windows 10, check out thisamazing guideto solve the problem.
6. Change your BIOS settings
Several users reported that their Windows won’t start up, and according to them, the issue was theirBIOSconfiguration. Apparently, theirBIOSwas set not to restart after a powerfailure.
However, for some unknown reason, theirBIOSwould interpret any restart as a powerfailurecausing this problem to appear.
To fix the issue, enterBIOSand change the setting that prevents it to start after a powerfailure. Keep in mind that not everyBIOSsupports this feature, so be sure to check your motherboard manual to see how to find and disable this feature.
Also, you can write us below in the comments section of the page if you have any other questions regarding this article or tell us if the methods above worked for you or not.
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
