If your computer randomly shuts down, review the basics first. Make sure your device is securely connected to an operational power supply, then restart your device to see if that resolves your issue. Make sure your operating system is up to date.
You may need to take further action if your PC keeps crashing after you have tried those steps. If you experience errors while performing a specific task, such as when playing video games or formatting a document, that can help pinpoint the problem and determine whether the issue is due to overheating, software problems, or hardware issues. Find out how to fix your computer crashing issue by reading the following sections.
Problems with Computer Repair
The following potential issues can help you identify why your computer is crashing and how to fix it, from malicious viruses to insufficient memory. A number of these suggestions can be safely attempted by you, but for solutions that exceed your comfort level, consult an expert.
Overheating computer
A computer that is overheating may emit increasingly loud fan noises. In some cases, you may receive an alert or error related to the temperature or fan. The system may also freeze or shut down.
Dust and debris clogging the fan, vents, or exhaust ports often cause overheating.
When the computer overheats, internal components can become damaged. If you suspect overheating, you can purchase third-party software to check the temperature or you can do it yourself.
For most Windows 10 computers, you can check the CPU (central processing unit) temperature in the BIOS/UEFI interface by following these steps:
Go to the Update & Recovery tab in your Windows Settings.
Choose Recovery, scroll down to Advanced Startup, and click Restart Now.
After your device restarts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Restart. This should load your BIOS/UEFI interface, which should display your CPU temperature. For tasks that require more processing power, 122°F (50°C) is a safe temperature for standard operation, while 176°F (80°C) is a safe temperature for tasks that require more processing power.
You may find the following suggestions helpful if your computer is overheating:
You should dust your computer every three to six months in order to maintain a healthy system. Use compressed air to clean the fans, dust filters, and surrounding area.
Keep your computer well-ventilated when cleaning its fan. When using your device, keep it a few inches away from walls, clutter, or other obstructions to allow sufficient airflow.
Put your hand near the vent to ensure you feel air coming out and listen for fan noises. If you suspect the fans are broken, consult a professional.
During cleaning, wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling particles and an anti-static wristband to prevent static damage. Make sure to shut down and unplug your computer before you begin.
Malware has infected the computer
Most computer users know to watch out for viruses and other malicious software, also known as malware. Some do not know what to look for. There are many signs that your computer has been infected with malware, including sluggish performance, sudden freezes, corrupted or deleted files, pop-up ads, ransom notes, strange browser redirects, and frequent crashes.
It can also affect performance by increasing CPU temperatures or consuming a lot of RAM (the computer’s short-term memory) because malware is designed to cause harm.
To prevent malware attacks, make sure your antivirus software is up to date. Run an antivirus scan or other anti-malware software if you suspect malware. To ensure that the infection has been cleared, restart your device and scan it again.
Drivers of buggy
All pieces of external and internal hardware, from graphics cards to printers, require a driver to communicate with the operating system on your computer. Drivers are software components that allow your computer’s operating system to communicate with its hardware. Your computer may not function properly, may be more vulnerable to viruses, or may even stop working if your drivers are outdated.
Since updated drivers are vital for your system’s security and functionality, you should allow your computer to perform automatic updates as soon as they become available.
Occasionally, a full operating system update won’t fix a driver issue. You can manually update drivers by following these steps:
Right-click the device you want to update and type “Device Manager” into the Windows search box.
The computer should guide you through the rest by selecting “Update Driver,” followed by “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
Memory insufficient
RAM, or random access memory, stores data temporarily so that the computer can access it quickly when running programs. Unlike hard disk drives, RAM resets when the computer reboots. How much RAM you need depends a great deal on your computer’s use. You may only need 8 GB of laptop RAM for basic computing, but you may need 12 to 16 GB for heavy data processing, gaming, graphic design, and programming.
Having insufficient random access memory (RAM) can cause your computer to slow down or even crash due to overload. Your first step, as with any other problem, should be to restart your device. If you find that you are consistently overusing RAM, you’ll need to investigate further.
Hold CTRL + ALT + DELETE to access Task Manager. Navigate to the Performance tab and check RAM capacity.
Using Task Manager, navigate to the Processes tab and the Memory column to see which programs are using the most RAM.
By uninstalling unnecessary programs, closing background apps, and turning off programs when not in use, you can reduce RAM usage.
Make sure the RAM is compatible with your motherboard and processor. If you aren’t comfortable doing this part, you may want to hire a professional.
Applications with bugs
Your computer can also crash due to an application. If you have installed something new recently – or you notice the crash occurs whenever you perform a certain task – it may be an application.
In order to determine which background program is causing the issue, perform a “clean boot,” in which Windows starts with just a few drivers and applications. While starting in Safe Mode is similar, a clean boot gives you more control over which programs start at startup, helping you isolate the source of the problem.
Follow these steps to perform a clean boot on Windows 10:
Create an administrator account if you don’t already have one on your computer.
Select System Configuration from the list of options after typing msconfig in the taskbar’s search box.
Select the Services tab in System Configuration, check Hide all Microsoft services, then select Disable all, and then click Apply.
Select the Startup tab and then Open Task Manager in System Configuration.
In Task Manager, select each Enabled startup item and click Disable. Keep track of which startup items have been disabled, as you will need it later.
The Task Manager should be closed.
Select OK on the Startup tab in System Configuration. Your computer should restart in a clean boot environment.
By disabling or enabling specific items and restarting the computer, you can pinpoint the problematic application if the issue persists after a clean boot.
Registry corruption
When your computer’s Registry files are corrupted or damaged, you might get error messages, have difficulty shutting down or booting up, or experience frequent crashes.
All versions of Windows include the System File Checker (SFC), which allows you to scan and repair system files if necessary. To run SFC as an administrator, follow these steps:
Windows + X are the shortcut keys. Select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu. When the User Account Control prompt appears, click yes. By typing SFC /scannow at the command prompt, you can check and repair system files. Once the process is complete, reboot your computer.
It may be helpful to boot your computer into the last known good configuration or a recent system restore point if the SFC does not resolve the issue. You can restore your system to its previous state by using the Advanced Boot Options menu. However, it relies on an old Registry backup, so some data may be lost.
In the event that you are still having trouble and think you may need to reset your computer or reinstall your OS, consult a professional first to save or recover your data.
Hardware installed incorrectly
It is possible for the internal hardware of your computer to loosen if you drop or jostle it. For instance, the memory chips may come loose from their slots on the motherboard. If this is the case, they’ll need to be “reseated.” If you hear strange noises when you pick up your computer or turn it on, you may have an internal component that’s loose or broken.
You’ll need to open up your computer to check internal hardware connections. If you’re not familiar with this, consider consulting a professional.
Hard drive failure
Your computer cannot read an unreadable part of your hard drive if it is a bad sector. Typically unfixable, bad sectors tend to multiply over time and may eventually cause your computer to crash due to physical damage, manufacturing flaws, dust buildup, and age.
Run a disk utility to check for bad sectors. The program will generate a report showing the size and location of any bad sectors.
Your drive will likely fail if you receive a report of many bad sectors or you notice the number of bad sectors increasing dramatically. If you receive a report of many bad sectors, back up important data. Data can no longer be stored on that device safely, and you should back it up immediately.
You can improve your chances of recovery by powering down your drive and keeping it off until you find a qualified data recovery provider. Stop using your drive to prevent further damage. The drive will need to be replaced if there are too many bad sectors.
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