What To Do If Computer Will Not Turn On But Fans Are Running?

The boot process in Windows may seem pretty fast but is actually very complicated. Many processes run simultaneously to bring that boot screen on your window. Even if one of these processes fails to complete normally, you will not see the boot screen on your computer.

Read about computer beep codes here.

If the computer will not turn on but fans are running rapidly, it indicates a boot order problem. You will not be able to boot into Windows if the issue causing this error is not resolved. Here I shall discuss how you can easily solve if the computer powers on but does not boot into Windows.

Why Is The Computer Not Booting But Fans Working?

As mentioned earlier, there are many intricate processes involved in booting up your computer. If any of these processes fail, you will see that the computer turns on, but no BIOS loads for Windows. Some of these include:

• Power supply error
  If the power supply is faulty, there is a possibility that all the components may not be powered properly to run, therefore leading to this error.
• Faulty components
  Usually, some hardware failures may lead to Windows not booting up on your device.
• Airway blockage
  If the airflow into your computer tower or laptop is blocked due to any reason, the PC components will not get enough cooling to load normally.
• Overheating
  Sometimes Windows will not load the BIOS to prevent damage due to overheating.
• Incorrect cable and other hardware configuration
  If you set up the computer yourself, there is a possibility that some misconfigured component may be causing this error on your computer.

[SOLVED] Computer Will Not Turn On But Fans Are Running!

Now that you know the various reasons as to why you may be getting this error, here are some simple solutions that you can use to diagnose and troubleshoot the error.

Note: Check out these solutions after you have verified that the error is not with the monitor. It is possible that the computer starts, but the monitor fails to display anything. Check if the monitor is ON.

Solution 1: Check The Power Outlet And PSU

While it may be easily overlooked, a good power supply unit is necessary for the proper functioning of the hardware components inside the computer. If all the components inside the computer do not appropriate voltages, the voltage throttle can easily damage the computer parts.

First, plug the computer tower into another power socket. This will rule out a faulty wall outlet. If the computer loads properly in the new wall socket, you can confirm that the older wall socket is at fault.

If the CPU fails to load even at the new wall socket, you will need to check the power supply unit inside your PC. The PSU is most likely not being able to power all the components properly, leading to the error where the computer will not turn on, but fans are running.

If possible, change the PSU and check if the computer runs normally. You should be able to boot into Windows.

Solution 2: Power Cycle Your Device

On one forum, it was reported that power cycling your CPU solved the error for the users. To power cycle your computer, follow these steps:

1. Force a full shut down of your PC. To do so, press and hold the Shift key when you click on Shut down from the start menu.
2. Next, if you are on a laptop, remove the battery. On your computer, unplug the CPU from the wall outlet.
3. Now, press and hold the power button on your computer for about 30 seconds.
4. After this duration passes, reconnect the power cables and power on your device.

Your computer should boot into Windows normally.

Solution 3: Check The RAM Modules

If you have read our article on ‘there is not enough memory’ error, you will have come to know that the RAM is one of the most important system resources for running a computer. Actually, if there is a faulty RAM module, you may see your computer not boot into Windows at all, but the fans will keep on spinning.

Dust build up between the connector pins can lead to an improper connection between the module and the motherboard. This will result in nothing being displayed on the screen. From personal experience, usually reseating the memory modules after cleaning solves the issue.

You can also troubleshoot by checking with other memory modules if you have them handy. This will help you rule out damaged RAM modules as a cause for the error.

Solution 4: Check Motherboard Connections And Reseat Everything

Similar to the RAM situation, a dust build-up can block air passage and prevent your computer from booting into Windows. If you assembled your CPU yourself, you would already know how to take apart everything and assemble the components again.

Do just that. Open the cabinet and remove every removable component. Clean the parts with a damp cloth.

Reconnect the components carefully. Make sure to insert all the cables in the correct place. Once done, attempt booting into Windows and you should see the computer running normally.

CAUTION: Make sure that the CPU fan is connected to the motherboard CPU fan outlet and the fans on the case are connected to the system fan outlet. Your computer may work with the orders reversed but will lead to your computer getting damaged in the long run.

Solution 5: Contact The Service Center

If none of the solutions provided above helped you in solving ‘computer will not turn on, but fans are running’ error, you might have to take your PC to the service center to contact a technician. There is some damaged component in your computer that is preventing the computer from booting but is running the computer in a low power state.

Contact a technician and get your computer checked. As first aid, you can check out various articles we have on many other topics. Once you figure out which damaged component is causing the computer not booting but fans working, replace that piece of hardware. Your error will be resolved.

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it. Now you know what to do if the computer will not turn on, but fans are running. Comment below if you found this useful and tell us how you solved the problem on your computer.