Why might a computer not turn on after smelling burning?

A computer not turning on, especially after detecting a burning smell, typically indicates serious underlying issues that could stem from various components. When a computer emits a burning smell, it's often a sign of overheating or electrical failure, which directly relates to hardware components.

Power supply failure is a common reason for such a situation. The power supply unit (PSU) is responsible for delivering power to all components of the computer. If the PSU is damaged or has short-circuited, it can produce a burning smell and prevent the computer from powering on, as it cannot provide the necessary power to start the system.

Additionally, other hardware malfunctions can contribute to this problem. Components like the motherboard, graphics card, or even RAM can suffer from overheating or electrical shorts, leading to similar symptoms. If any of these components has failed, it could result in a burning smell and can also stop the computer from turning on.

In this scenario, a software update issue is less likely to cause an immediate failure with a burning smell. It is primarily a hardware-related concern that would need immediate investigation. Given that both power supply failures and other hardware malfunctions can lead to a scenario where the computer does not turn on after detecting a burning smell, the most comprehensive answer would