Turning on a computer for the first time can vary depending on the device. Your experience may not match this guide exactly, and that’s okay. Don’t hesitate to ask someone for help if needed.

If you are using a desktop computer, make sure the keyboard, mouse, and monitor are connected to the computer case before continuing.

To turn on the computer, find and press the power button. The power button is in different places on different computers, but it will have the universal power symbol like this:

After pressing the power button, the computer will start booting up. This means it is loading and preparing to be used. During this process, you might see different screens flash on the monitor. Booting up can take 15 seconds to a few minutes.

Once the computer finishes booting, it may be ready to use. In some cases, you may need to log in. This involves selecting your user profile and typing your password. If it’s your first time, you may need to create an account.