Broken PC (Windows 10/11)

Firstly, if you can log into the Windows PC, make sure it is running with the latest software updates and drivers. You can do this by going to Start → Settings → Windows Update

Next, if you do have some sort of warranty or maybe customer support from your purchase of a prebuilt PC, it might be worth utilising that service for help.

“My PC turns on, but I cannot get to the login screen”

Can Access Safe Mode

  • The issue may be related to a driver or piece of software. Start by uninstalling any recent programs and rollback any recent driver updates that may have caused the issue.

  • You may also want to run System File Checker which will scan and repair errors within system files. To do this, open Command Prompt and enter sfc /scannow

  • A scan for malware may also be a good idea, If you do not have an anti-virus, MalwareBytes have a free version which can be used to help clean up infections, or just give you a peace of mind with a scan to see if the device is infected or not.

  • If you have System Restore set up, you might need to use it to go back to a point before the issues began.

Cannot Access Safe Mode (Or The Above Failed)

  • Try to correct issues with system files by having Windows conduct a Repair Installation. There is a guide on how to do this here.

  • You may want to create a bootable USB or DVD with a Linux operating system on designed to help repair or troubleshoot computers, such as SystemRescue or TrinityRescueKit. Or you could use an operating system like Ubuntu may help in recovering data and important files from a drive you can no longer access via Windows.

  • Otherwise, it might be worth considering doing a fresh install of the Windows operating system, with all your important file backed up!

    • To do this, you will need to create a bootable USB or DVD for your device to reinstall from. Download Windows Media Creation Tool here, and follow its instructions as it walks you through the process, making sure the bootable media is in the PC before restarting.
    • Then restart your PC and access the boot menu by pressing down one of either F2 F12 Esc Del - the exact key varies depending on the PC. When you find the right key required, select your bootable media and then you should be in another walkthrough on how to reinstall Windows.

“My PC does not turn on”

  • Is it powered correctly? Try moving the PC to a different power supply or change the cables. Another idea is to try a different power supply unit if possible.

  • Can you hear any sounds or see any lights? This may suggest the PC is turning on, but there is an issue with the display/screen which you need to address.

  • Remove all external devices, such as keyboards, mice, external drives and so on, and try booting again.

  • If it is a tower PC, check the internal cables and make sure nothing has come loose.

  • Can you hear a beeping sound? Motherboards on tower PCs may create certain beeps to indicate an issue. If you can hear these, write down a good description of the beeps, and enter that into a web search engine to see what the issue could be.