Fix the “Computer Will Not Turn On But Fans Are Running” Issue

Do you have a computer that will not turn on, but the fans are running? This can be a frustrating issue to deal with but don’t worry; we are here to help!

Sometimes it might happen that you start your desktop or laptop, but it doesn’t show up anything on the screen. However, you can clearly listen to the sound of the running fan, which indicates that the power is coming to your PC, but it is unable to boot.

The Windows boot process may appear to be quite quick, but it is actually quite complex. Several processes run concurrently to display the boot screen on your screen. Even if one of these steps fails to complete normally, the computer will not display the boot screen.

In this blog post, we will walk you through some of the ways that you can apply to try and fix the problem. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent this from happening in the future.

Why Is the Computer Not Turning On, but Fans Are Running?

There are a few possible causes for a computer not turning on but fans running. It could be due to the following reasons:

• Faulty power supply: The power supply is responsible for providing power to all the components of a computer. If it fails, then the computer won’t turn on.
• Motherboard issue: The motherboard is the main component of a computer that connects all the other components. If it’s faulty, the computer won’t be able to boot.
• Faulty RAM: Random Access Memory (RAM) stores data temporarily while the computer is running. If it’s faulty, the computer won’t be able to boot and process instructions.
• Defective Processor: The processor is the brain of a computer. If it’s defective, the computer won’t be able to boot.
• Corrupt Operating System: If your computer’s operating system is corrupt, it won’t be able to boot.
• Damaged power cable: The power cable is responsible for delivering power to the computer. If it’s damaged or loose, the computer won’t be able to power on.
• Corrupted BIOS/UEFI settings: The BIOS/UEFI settings control the basic hardware functions of a computer. If they are corrupted, then the computer won’t be able to boot.
• CMOS battery discharged: The CMOS battery keeps the date and time settings of a computer. If it’s discharged, the computer won’t be able to boot.
• Incompatible hardware or driver issues: If your computer contains hardware that is not compatible with the operating system, then it won’t be able to boot. Similarly, if the device drivers are not compatible, then the computer won’t be able to boot.
• Overheating: A computer can overheat if it is not properly ventilated. This can cause the system to shut down or prevent it from booting up at all.

How to Fix the “Computer Will Not Turn On But Fans Are Running” Issue?

Now that you know the possible reasons why your computer won’t turn on, let’s look at how you can fix it.

Fix 1: Check if the Power Supply Is Working Properly

First, check to see if the computer’s power supply is working correctly. You can do this by plugging the computer into a different outlet or using a different power cord. If the new source works, then you know that the old one was faulty and needs to be replaced.

Fix 2: Make Sure the Motherboard Is Functioning

If the power supply is working properly, then you need to make sure that the motherboard is working correctly. You can do this by removing any expansion cards and disconnecting all cables connected to it. Then, reconnect all of the components and see if that solves the issue. If not, then the motherboard might be faulty and needs to be replaced.

Fix 3: Check Your RAM

If the motherboard is working properly, then you should check your RAM. You can do this by removing all of the memory modules from their slots and testing them one by one in different slots. If a module fails in any slot, then it means that the module is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Fix 4: Check the Processor

If the RAM is working properly, then you should check your processor. You can do this by removing the heatsink from the processor and inspecting it for any damage or corrosion. If there’s any damage present, then the processor needs to be replaced.

Fix 5: Replace the CMOS Battery On Your PC

If all of the above components are working properly, then you should check the CMOS battery. It might be possible that the CMOS battery of your system is drained up. If this is the case, then you need to replace it with a new one. The location of the CMOS battery is different depending on the motherboard installed on your PC. However, it is generally installed near the PCIe slot.

If you are attempting to replace the CMOS battery, make sure to get a replacement from the nearest PC repair shop or from the online store.

Note: If you are not tech-savvy or amateur with computers, it is recommended to take the help of experts as the following steps are too technical, and even a minor mistake can be fatal for your computer.

Here is how to do that:

1. Remove the power cables and other external peripherals from your CPU.
2. Now, open the side panel of your CPU by unscrewing the screws.
3. After opening the side panel, look for the CMOS battery slot on your PC’s motherboard.
4. In our case, it is below the GPU slot. So we need to temporarily remove the GPU first to replace the CMOS battery.
5. You can easily detach the GPU from the motherboard using the screwdriver.
6. Disconnect the power cable of the GPU and carefully detach it from the slot.
7. Now you can remove the CMOS battery from its slot. Simply push the switch holding it with your finger or a pointed object.
8. The battery will be popped up so you can pick it up easily.
9. Now insert the new battery in the empty slot and push it inside.
10. The battery will be attached.
11. Now attach the GPU and close the side panel of the CPU.

Fix 6: Avoid Overheating Your PC

If your computer has been overheating in the past, it is important to make sure that your PC is properly ventilated. Make sure that all of the vents are clear and unobstructed. Additionally, you can use an extra fan to help keep air flowing through the system.

Fix 7: Ensure It’s Not a Display Issue

Sometimes, it is possible that the computer turns on, but there is no image display on the screen. Such a situation can be caused due to an issue with connecting cables or a faulty graphics card. To ensure this is not the case, try connecting to another external monitor/TV and see if it displays any images. If it does, you will need to get a new monitor for your PC setup.

If the other external monitor/TV also doesn’t display any images, there could be an issue with your graphics card or motherboard. In such cases, it is recommended that you take the help of experts to diagnose and fix the problem.

Fix 8: Check With the Manufacturer

If none of the above solutions has worked, then you should contact the manufacturer and get help from them. They will be able to provide more specialized advice on how to fix the issue. You can also visit the service center of the manufacturer to get your PC repaired.

How to Avoid Such an Issue in the Future

To avoid such an issue in the future, it is important to regularly maintain your computer. Here are the steps you can take:

• Make sure to clean the dust out of your PC on a regular basis.
• Dust out the inside of your PC every few months and check all components for any damage or dirt buildup.
• Update all of the drivers and software installed on your computer.
• Only use compatible hardware components with your PC
• Make sure to use a good quality power supply and also ensure that your outlets are not overloaded with too many cables.
• Use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to prevent any sudden power loss.
• Be mindful of the temperature of your PC components when using it for long periods of time.

Summing Up

Ultimately, understanding why your computer will not turn on but fans are running is something that you should be able to figure out with some basic troubleshooting steps. You can start by testing the power supply, checking the motherboard and RAM, etc. If none of these solutions works, then contact the manufacturer for more specialized advice. With some careful troubleshooting and patience, you can get your PC up and running again in no time.

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