What is a common initial step when troubleshooting hardware problems?

When troubleshooting hardware problems, the initial step often involves checking if the device is powered on and properly connected. This foundational action helps determine whether the issue is related to basic connectivity or power supply before proceeding to more complex solutions. Many hardware issues can arise simply from a loose cable or an unplugged device, so ensuring that everything is correctly connected can quickly resolve the problem or rule out simple user error.

Starting with this step is both efficient and effective because it addresses the most common causes of hardware failures. If power and connections are verified first, it allows for a targeted approach to diagnosing further issues, rather than jumping directly into more disruptive solutions like reinstalling the operating system or replacing hardware components, which may not be necessary if the problem lies with connections. Additionally, running a virus scan is generally not relevant when the issue at hand is identified as a hardware concern, as it focuses on software problems rather than physical device functionality.