How to Power Cycle Your PC
5 mins
Easy
Video
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.