In the event that your computer shuts down randomly, check that it is connected to an operational power source, then restart it to see if that resolves the issue. Make sure your operating system is up to date as well.
After you have tried those steps, if your PC keeps crashing, you may need to take further action. When you encounter errors while playing video games or formatting a document, you can pinpoint the issue and determine whether it is due to overheating, software, or hardware. Read the following sections to learn how to fix computer crashes.
Computer Repair Problems
You can identify the causes of your computer crashing and how to fix it. You can try some of these solutions without fear, but if you are unsure of how to proceed, consult an expert.
Computer overheating
Overheating computers may emit increasingly loud fan noises. In some cases, you may receive alerts or errors related to temperature or fan. The system may also freeze or shut down.
Overheating can be caused by dust and debris clogging the fan, vents, or exhaust ports.
If you suspect your computer has overheated, you can check the temperature using third-party software or you can do it yourself.
In most Windows 10 computers, you can check the CPU (central processing unit) temperature in the BIOS/UEFI interface by following these steps:
In Windows Settings, click the Update & Recovery tab.
Restart now by selecting Recovery, scrolling down to Advanced Startup, and clicking Restart Now.
If your device restarts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Restart. This will load your BIOS/UEFI interface, which should show the CPU temperature. For tasks that require more processing power, 122°F (50°C) is a safe temperature for standard operation, whereas 176°F (80°C) is a safe temperature for tasks requiring more processing power.
In case your computer is overheating, you may find the following suggestions helpful:
Using compressed air, clean the fans, dust filters, and surrounding area of your computer every three to six months to maintain a healthy system.
To ensure sufficient airflow, keep your computer away from walls, clutter, or other obstructions when cleaning its fan.
Feel the vent and listen for fan noises. If you suspect the fans are broken, contact a professional.
Wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling particles, and an anti-static wristband to prevent static damage. Before you begin, shut down your computer and unplug it.
The computer has been infected with malware
Viruses and other malicious software, also known as malware, are well known to computer users, but some people are unaware of them. Many signs indicate your computer has been infected with malware, including slow performance, sudden freezes, corrupted or deleted files, pop-up ads, ransom notes, strange browser redirects, and frequent crashes.
As malware is designed to cause harm, it can also increase CPU temperatures or consume a lot of RAM (the computer’s short-term memory).
Make sure your antivirus software is up-to-date. Run an antivirus scan or other anti-malware software if you suspect malware. Restart your device and scan it again to ensure the infection has been cleared.
Buggy drivers
In order for your computer’s operating system to communicate with all pieces of external and internal hardware, including graphics cards and printers, a driver must be installed. An operating system’s operating system uses drivers to communicate with its hardware. Your computer may not function properly, may be more vulnerable to viruses, or even stop working if your drivers are outdated.
In order to ensure your system’s security and functionality, you should enable automatic driver updates on your computer as soon as they become available.
You can manually update drivers by following these steps if a full operating system update doesn’t resolve a driver issue:
Type “Device Manager” into the Windows search box after right-clicking the device you want to update.
You should be guided through the rest by the computer by selecting “Update Driver,” followed by “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
Insufficient memory
In contrast to hard disk drives, RAM resets when the computer reboots. RAM stores data temporarily so that it can be accessed quickly when running programs. The amount of RAM you need depends on the type of computer you use. Laptop RAM may be sufficient for basic computing, but it may be necessary for heavy data processing, gaming, graphic design, and programming.
The first step, as with any other problem, should be to restart your device. If your computer is experiencing frequent overuse of RAM, you will need to investigate further. Insufficient random access memory (RAM) can cause your computer to slow down or even crash.
Access Task Manager by holding CTRL + ALT + DELETE. Go to the Performance tab and check the RAM capacity.
Find out which programs consume the most RAM using Task Manager’s Processes tab and Memory column.
Reduce RAM usage by uninstalling unnecessary programs, closing background apps, and turning off programs when not in use.
The RAM must be compatible with your motherboard and processor. If you aren’t comfortable doing this part, you may want to hire a professional.
Bugs in applications
Applications can also cause your computer to crash. If something new has been installed recently or if you notice the crash occurs when you perform a certain task, it may be an application.
A “clean boot” will allow you to start Windows with just a few drivers and applications, which will help you determine which background program is causing the issue. You can isolate the source of the problem while starting in Safe Mode, but a clean boot gives you more control over which programs start at startup.
To perform a clean boot on Windows 10, follow these steps:
If you don’t already have one, create one.
After typing msconfig in the taskbar’s search box, select System Configuration.
In System Configuration, select the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then select Disable all, and click Apply.
In System Configuration, select the Startup tab and then Open Task Manager.
Select each Enabled startup item in Task Manager and click Disable. Keep track of which startup items have been disabled.
Close the Task Manager.
If you select OK on the Startup tab in System Configuration, your computer should restart in a clean boot environment.
If the issue persists after a clean boot, you can pinpoint the problematic application by disabling or enabling specific items.
Corruption of the registry
You may experience frequent crashes or error messages when your computer’s Registry files are damaged or corrupted.
The System File Checker (SFC) is included in all versions of Windows. To run SFC as an administrator, follow these steps:
Select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu. When the User Account Control prompt appears, click yes. Type SFC /scannow at the command prompt to check and repair system files.
When the SFC does not resolve the issue, you may need to boot your computer into a previous system restore point or the last known good configuration. The Advanced Boot Options menu allows you to restore your system to its previous state. Some data may be lost, however, as it relies on an old Registry backup.
If you are still having trouble and think you may need to reset your computer or reinstall your OS, please consult a professional first to save or recover your data.
Incorrectly installed hardware
When you drop or jostle your computer, it is possible for its internal hardware to loosen. For instance, the memory chips may come loose from their slots on the motherboard. In this case, the components need to be “reseated.” You may have an internal component that is loose or broken if you hear strange noises when you turn your computer on or pick it up.
You’ll need to open up your computer to check internal hardware connections. If you don’t know how to do this, hire a professional.
Failure of the hard drive
It is impossible for your computer to read an unreadable part of your hard drive if it is a bad sector. A bad sector is usually unrepairable and may eventually cause your computer to crash due to physical damage, manufacturing flaws, dust accumulation, and deterioration.
The disk utility will generate a report showing the size and location of any bad sectors found.
It is likely that your drive will fail if many bad sectors are reported or if they are increasing dramatically. If you receive a report of many bad sectors, you should back up important data right away. The data can no longer be stored safely on that device, so you should back it up immediately.
Stop using your drive to prevent further damage. Your drive will need to be replaced if there are too many bad sectors. Power down your drive and keep it off until you find a qualified data recovery provider.
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