Computers are great…until they aren’t!
While computers allow us to stream tv, work from home, and stay in touch with others, they also can be frustrating when they have issues. No matter how advanced the technology, computers aren’t immune to glitches. Whether you’re battling slow performance, software crashes, or audio problems, knowing how to troubleshoot common computer issues can save you time and frustration.
Computer Won’t Turn On
Just because your computer won’t turn on, doesn’t mean that it’s broken. If pressing the power button on your laptop fails to turn it on, charge it first before attempting to boot it up. It’s also a good idea to disconnect all external devices that are connected to your computer before rebooting. If all else fails, you can turn off your laptop, unplug the charger, and fully remove the battery. Plug the computer back into the outlet to see if it will power on that way. If it works, then it’s most likely time to replace your battery.
General Slow Down/Frozen Screen
Most of the time, the main reason for general slowdown is a lack or improper distribution of hardware resources. This means that some of your programs may be using too much of your RAM, hard drive, or CPU. To see what programs are running, check your Task Manager. Simply right-click your task bar and click Task Manager. Close any excess or unused programs to see if the problem resolves. You can also delete any unnecessary files, programs, or folders to free up space on your hard drive.
Blue Screen
The blue screen of death is a critical system error that can be caused by various factors, including hardware failure, software incompatibility, or corrupt system files. To fix this issue, restart your computer in safe mode. You can also try updating your drivers or uninstalling any recently installed software. Additionally, it’s a good idea to scan for viruses and perform diagnostic tests if prompted.
Keyboard and Mouse Aren’t Working
The first thing to do is check the external device’s connection to the computer. Cables can easily break, or ports can be obstructed. Try attaching different connecting cables and charging or exchanging the batteries in your wireless devices. You should also check your Device Manager to determine if driver issues are the problem. If any piece of hardware has issues, there will be an exclamation point next to the device. This means the device is detected by your computer, but not working as intended. When this happens, try updating or reinstalling the drivers to solve the problem.
Audio Issues
Most keyboards, headsets, or microphones come with a dedicated mute button. Be sure to check these functions and buttons first. If you are still having issues, the next step is to check to see if your volume is low or muted on your computer. If the problem persists, check your playback sources. Right click your speaker icon and bring up your audio settings. Here you can test each device and make sure it is connected to your computer and functioning properly. If you are still having problems, it could be that your computer’s audio driver isn’t working, or your equipment isn’t compatible. Typically, USB headsets are the least likely to be affected by audio issues.
Overheating
First, check your computer’s fans to ensure that they’re working properly. Clean the air vents and fans to remove any dust that may have built up. It’s also a good idea to move your computer to a cooler location. If nothing seems to fix the issue, you may need to replace your computer’s cooling system.
Computer problems can be frustrating, but they’re not the end of the world. The most common issues can usually be fixed with a bit of troubleshooting and some basic computer knowledge!
