Updated 6/30/2020
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This page is designed to help users learn how to turn on a computer. If you know how to turn on a computer but it won’t turn on, see: Why won’t my computer turn on?
Nothing can be more frustrating than buying a new computer or visiting another computer and not being able to turn it on. On this page we try to give advice and help when turning on all kinds of computers.
Click the link that best describes the type of computer you want to turn on. If you’re not sure what type of computer you’re using, see our computer definition for examples of all computer types.
How to turn on a desktop computer
Locate and press the power button on the front or top of the computer. The button should resemble the image at the top of this page. When looking for the computer button, look in the center or upper-right corner of the computer case. Some small computers, like the Mac Mini, may also have the power button in the back-right corner of the computer.
If you have located the power button but the computer does not turn on when you press the button, there may be a problem with your computer.
How to turn on a laptop or netbook
Typically, the power button on a laptop or netbook is located above the keyboard, on the left, in the middle, or on the right. If you can’t find the power button above the keyboard, look at the right hinge of the screen.
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When the laptop battery is charged, a laptop can be powered on with or without a power cord. However, new computers or computers that have not been turned on for a long time may require the AC adapter until the battery is fully charged.
If you have located the power button but the computer does not turn on when you press the button, there may be a problem with your computer.
How to turn on a server
Tower servers and rack servers have a power button in the top right, middle, or left corner for easy access.
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A server can also be connected to a power strip, a KVM switch, or an ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch). If the server does not turn on, make sure that all of these devices are working and are not preventing the server from turning on.
How to turn on a tablet
The location of the power button may vary depending on the type of tablet you are using. The power button is a small rectangular button located on the top right of the tablet. If the power button isn’t in either of these places, check one of the other sides.
Pressing the power button once should wake up the tablet and give you a display. If pressing the button doesn’t work, try holding the button for a few seconds.
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If the battery is empty, you cannot turn on the tablet. If the steps above do not connect the tablet to a working electrical outlet or USB port, wait a few minutes and try the steps above again.
How to turn on a smartphone
On most smartphones (Android and iPhone), the power button is located on the top right of the phone. If pressing and releasing this button doesn’t do anything, try holding the button down for a few seconds.
If the above steps don’t turn on the smartphone, connect it to the power cord, wait a few minutes and try the above steps again. If it works, the battery may not be fully charged. Leave the smartphone plugged in and charge for a few hours. If the smartphone has the same problem after charging, the battery is defective.
If the smartphone still does not turn on after performing the above steps, your smartphone has a hardware problem and needs to be sent in for repair.