Over 90 million computers were shipped in the last quarter of 2021 alone. Our world is increasingly online. But sometimes we run into difficult problems with our machines.
So, what do you do if you start having computer problems and you don’t know what to do?
Let’s go through our top computer troubleshooting tips.
1. Try The Basics
There are a few simple things that can usually fix most basic computer problems.
First, restart your computer. A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches or temporary issues.
Ensure that all cables, including power cords, monitor cables, and peripheral connections, are secure. Sometimes, loose connections can cause problems.
If your problem is with the internet, reset your modem and router. Check your wireless settings to ensure there’s not a problem.
If you have recent file backups, restoring from it can help resolve issues caused by corrupted or problematic files.
2. Check The Space
You might simply be out of space on your computer. Over time, temporary files and cached data can accumulate and impact system performance.
Both Windows and macOS can display notifications when storage is running low. Keep an eye out for such notifications, which typically appear as a warning symbol in the taskbar or menu bar.
Use the built-in disk cleanup utility or third-party software to clean up these files. Remove any unused or unnecessary programs from your computer. They can take up valuable disk space and potentially conflict with other software.
Consider moving files that you don’t frequently access to external storage devices or cloud storage services. This can help free up some room on your computer while still retaining access to your files.
Duplicate files can consume unnecessary storage space. Use specialized software or manual methods to identify and remove duplicate files, freeing up storage space.
3. Update Your Computer
One of the top laptop troubleshooting tips is to update your computer. Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues and performance problems.
Make sure that your operating system is always up to date. You should also check your drivers. Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause issues.
Visit the website of your computer manufacturer or the specific hardware component manufacturer to download and install the latest drivers for your system.
Check all your other applications and programs. Many software programs have built-in update features. Or, you can check the software’s website for the latest version.
Don’t forget your firmware. Firmware is software embedded in hardware components. Visit the manufacturer’s website for your computer or specific hardware components and check if there are any firmware updates available. Use the instructions given to update the firmware.
4. Check The Heat
Overheating can cause a range of common laptop issues, including random shutdowns, performance degradation, and hardware failures.
Keep an eye on your computer’s temperature using monitoring software and ensure that fans and vents are clean and functioning properly.
Ensure that your computer has proper airflow and is not placed in an enclosed or cramped space. Keep the vents are clear of dust and obstructions. Consider using a cooling pad or additional fans to improve airflow if necessary.
5. Run Some Scans
Viruses and malware can also lead to a broken computer. Run a scan using antivirus software to find and delete any malicious programs.
A failing hard drive can cause various issues, including data corruption, slow performance, and system crashes. Run a disk check utility to scan for and fix any errors on your hard drive.
Dust and debris can accumulate on the cooling fans and heat sinks, reducing their efficiency in dissipating heat. Shut down your computer, unplug it from the power source, and use compressed air or a soft brush to carefully clean the fans, heat sinks, and other internal components.
If you’re experiencing issues with your internet connection, run an internet connection test to check for any problems. Websites like speedtest.net can measure your internet speed, ping, and packet loss, giving you an indication of your connection’s performance.
6. Look For Clues
There are some signs that can point you to the problem with your computer.
Take note of any error messages or error codes you encounter. These messages can provide valuable information about the nature of the problem, allowing you to search for specific solutions online.
Consider whether any specific software applications or processes are consistently running when the problem occurs. Conflicts between software programs can lead to issues. Try closing or disabling certain applications to see if the problem goes away.
Think about any recent changes or updates you made to your computer. This could include installing new software, drivers, or updates, as well as making changes to system settings.
Sometimes, these changes can introduce conflicts or compatibility issues that result in problems. Try to undo recent changes to see if the problem resolves.
If none of your research turns up anything, you might be out of luck. Discover gaming laptop recommendations and see if you might want to replace your old computer instead.
7. Ask The Experts
If you’ve tried the above troubleshooting tips and are still having computer issues, it may be time to consult a professional computer technician.
They can diagnose and resolve complex problems or hardware failures that require specialized knowledge and tools.
Computer experts can provide tailored solutions based on your specific needs and requirements. They can analyze your unique setup, recommend appropriate hardware or software upgrades, and optimize your system for better performance.
Use These Computer Troubleshooting Tips to Your Advantage Today
With these computer troubleshooting tips, you’ll be able to get your computer back on track in no time.
Do you want more advice? We can help. Read through some of our other useful articles on technology and many other topics.
