How to Power Cycle Your PC
Complexity: Easy | Time: 5 min
Power cycling your PC can help resolve a number of commonly encountered issues by draining any residual electricity from the system. This guide will walk you through the steps to properly power cycle your PC.
Why Should I Power Cycle My PC?
Power cycling can resolve various issues, such as:
• System Hangs: If your PC is frozen or unresponsive, a power cycle can help reset the system.
• Hardware Malfunctions: Clearing residual electricity can help resolve minor hardware issues.
• Connectivity Problems: Can fix issues with connected peripherals or network adapters.
Power cycling is a simple and effective troubleshooting step that can often resolve these problems.
Steps to Power Cycle Your PC
Shut Down the PC
• Right-click the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen and select Shut down.
• Wait for all the lights in the PC to turn off.
Unplug Everything from the PC
• Unplug all cables connected to the PC, including all ports at the front and back. Ensure there is absolutely nothing plugged into your PC.
Prepare the Power Supply
• Make sure the switch for the power supply is in the ON [I] position. This step is crucial for the power cycle to work.
Power Cycle the PC
• Press and hold your PC's front power button for at least 30 seconds. This helps to discharge any residual power from the capacitors.
Plug Everything Back In
• Flick the PSU switch back to OFF [0].
• Plug all the cables back in. Flick the switch to ON [I] and turn on the PC.
• Test to make sure everything is running well.
What's Next?
After power cycling your PC, check if the issues persist. If problems continue, consider further troubleshooting with the following guides:
• How to Check Your External Cable Check (Easy)
• How to Check Your Internal Cable Check (Easy)
• Minimal Peripheral Setup Guide (Easy)
If you need further assistance or have any questions, feel free to reach out for additional support - we're always happy to help!
