My Computer Screen Won't Turn On

The most common way that a computer fails to "turn on" is when your machine actually does power on, but doesn't display anything on the screen. You may see lights on the computer itself, you may also hear fans running from the inside, and may even hear sounds - but nothing at all shows up on your screen. Obviously, this is a frustrating situation that will prevent you from using your machine altogether.

There are a few things we can help you check to get your computer back into a usable state.

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your computer is using.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for personal computers currently available, Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.

Microsoft Windows	Apple macOS
Microsoft Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.	Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.

Clicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

Make sure the screen brightness on your Mac wasn't turned down too far accidentally.

1. On your keyboard, look in the top-left. The F1 and F2 keys usually have sun symbols. The symbol on the right has longer rays, indicating it makes the screen brighter.
   
2. Try tapping the brighter key.
3. Try holding the FN key on the bottom-left, then tapping the brighter key.

Apple produces 3 different forms of Mac computers.

MacBook
Laptops that are portable and have a battery, track pad, and keyboard built-in. This includes the MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro.
iMac
Desktops computers with the computer itself built-in to the screen. This includes the iMac and iMac Pro.
Mac Pro & Mac mini
Desktop computers without a monitor. This includes the Mac Pro and Mac mini.

There are two ways to power up a MacBook:

• Using the power supply without the extension cord:
  
  1. Examine the cable and connectors for visible damage. If they are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
  2. Make sure the power supply is firmly plugged into the power socket and power connector into the computer.

• Using the power supply with the extension cord:
  
  1. Examine all cables and connectors for visible damage. If they are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
  2. Make sure the power supply is firmly plugged into the power socket, the extension cord into the power supply and power connector into the computer.
     
     
• The power adapter shapes and way of connecting them have stayed the same over the years, however the connector types that plug into the computer have changed somewhat and can be of the following types:
  
  1. Magnetic T style
  2. Magnetic L style
  3. USB-C style
     
     
  

1. Unplug the computer from the power outlet.
   
2. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds then release it.
   
3. Plug the computer back into the power outlet and press the power button to turn it on.

NVRAM (nonvolatile random-access memory) is a cache of settings specific to your Mac. Resetting NVRAM is safe, however you will need to reset some of your minor customizations, such as volume, time zone, or screen resolution.

1. From the menu bar across the top of the screen, select the Apple menu (1), then select Shut Down... (2).
   
2. Wait for your computer to shut down, and turn off.
3. Turn your Mac back on by pushing the Power button.
   
4. Immediately push and hold the option, command ⌘, P, and R keys on your keyboard.
   
   
   • If your Mac plays a startup sound, release the keys after the second time it plays.
   • If there is no startup sound, release the keys after the second time the Apple logo disappears.

1. An iMac is powered up by plugging it in directly into a power socket.
   
2. Examine the cable and connectors for visible damage. If they are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
3. Make sure one end is firmly plugged into the back panel of the iMac and the other end into a power socket.

1. A Mac Pro has an internal power supply included in the case.
2. The power cable looks like below. Examine the cable and connectors for visible damage. If you find any damage, the cable may need to be replaced.
   
3. Make sure one end of the cable is firmly plugged into a wall outlet.
4. Make sure the other end is firmly plugged into the power socket on the rear side of the case.
   

1. Examine all cables and connectors for visible damage. If they are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
2. Make sure one end of the power cable is firmly connected to the back panel of the monitor and the other end into a power socket.
   
3. Make sure one end of the video cable is firmly connected to the back panel of the monitor and the other end into video source device, such as a computer, gaming console, media player, etc.
4. If the monitor has an external power supply, make sure all connectors are firmly plugged in:
   • One connector (1) plugs into the monitor
   • The other connector (2) plugs into a power socket
   • And sometimes, a third (3) connector plugs into the supply itself
   
5. Monitors can be connected to video source devices through a variety of connection types. The most common ones are shown below:
   
6. Make sure the monitor is powered on and set to the video input source matching the connection type. This varies greatly by brand and model. If you're unsure how to do this please refer to the monitors documentation.

Mac Mini with internal power supply

1. Some Mac Mini computers have an internal power supply:
   • One connector (1) plugs into the computer
   • The other connector (2) plugs into a power socket
   
2. Examine all cables and connectors for visible damage. If they are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
3. Make sure all connectors are firmly plugged in.

Mac Mini with external power supply

1. Other Mac Mini computers have an external power supply and plugs in like below:
   • One connector (1) plugs into the computer
   • The other connector (2) plugs into a power socket
   • A third (3) connector plugs into the supply itself
   
2. Examine all cables and connectors for visible damage. If they are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
3. Make sure all connectors are firmly plugged in.