Are you dealing with a Windows PC or laptop that keeps crashing? Perhaps your PC is constantly freezing or displaying error messages.
We know how frustrating it can be when your PC isn't working properly. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to fix a Windows PC that frequently crashes.
Today we're going to look at 9 easy fixes you can do at home if your Windows PC won't stop crashing. Let's get started.
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man working on computer (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
1. Check all cable connections.
It may sound obvious, but the first step in troubleshooting a computer that frequently crashes is to make sure everything is connected securely. This is the most commonly overlooked step, so if you're using a desktop, check the back of your PC. Make sure everything is plugged in. First, it is best to try using a different outlet to eliminate electrical problems in your home.
If you don't mind opening up your desktop PC, you can also go inside the case and make sure all PCI connections are firmly plugged in. You must ensure that all cables connected to the power source are securely connected. This also applies to the PCI power cables that power the GPU and CPU.
Wires coming out of a desktop PC tower (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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2. Check if your computer is overheating
Computer overheating is a common cause of intermittent shutdowns and crashes. If your CPU (central processing unit), the brain of your computer, or your graphics card overheats, your computer may shut down to avoid damaging the components. If you notice that your laptop or desktop is emitting a lot of heat, or if it's a laptop, it's hot to the touch, or you notice that the fan is running louder than usual, these are All signs of overheating.
If your computer is overheating, the first step is to give it a thorough cleaning. We recommend using compressed air to blow out dust from the internal fan and storing your PC in a location that provides adequate airflow. If you have a desktop PC, be careful not to put it under your desk. Placing your PC under a desk can cause problems with dust accumulation and poor airflow. It's best to place your desktop in an area of your home or office that receives a good amount of airflow.
man working on computer (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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3. Start your PC in safe mode.
If all cables are connected correctly and your computer is not overheating, start your Windows PC in Safe Mode. Starting in Safe Mode allows your PC to run with the files and drivers it needs turned on. That way, you can determine if new software or hardware is conflicting with your PC and causing it to crash. Safe mode allows you to access Windows error logs and run other diagnostics to determine why your PC is crashing.
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How to start in safe mode (Windows 10)
There are several ways to start in Windows Safe Mode, and they vary slightly depending on whether you're using Windows 10 or 11. First, here's how to boot into safe mode in Windows 10 from the settings panel.
- Press Windows key
- click setting
Steps to start in safe mode (Windows 10) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
click system
Steps to start in safe mode (Windows 10) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
- Scroll down and click recovery
- click Advanced startup – restart now
Steps to start in safe mode (Windows 10) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
- Once your computer restarts, click troubleshooting
- click Advanced options
- click Startup settings
- click restart Also
Your computer will restart again, and this time your computer will start in Safe Mode.
How to start in safe mode (Windows 11)
If you're using a Windows 11 PC instead of a Windows 10 machine, the process is a little different. If you have a Windows 11 PC, follow these steps:
- Press Windows key or click in start button
- While pressing shift key, Click on the power icon in the bottom left corner
- While continuing to hold shift keypress restart
Steps to start in safe mode (Windows 11) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
When your computer restarts, it will automatically start in Safe Mode.
4. Check Windows logs for errors.
Now that you're in safe mode, you need to check the Windows logs. You can access the Windows error log in the following ways: event viewer. Here's how to access the Windows Event Viewer:
- Press window icon in the start bar
- search for event viewer
Steps to start in safe mode (Windows 11) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
- open event viewer app
- In the left panel, double-click. Windows logs
- Please click on one application or systemapplication Displays Windows logs and errors related to the applicationsystem Displays Windows logs and errors related to the operating system
- application Displays Windows logs and errors related to the application
- system Displays Windows logs and errors related to the operating system
Steps to start in safe mode (Windows 11) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
- Read and write down the content, both in applications and systems. error code Check for errors the last time your PC crashed.
- To access the error code, double click Error in log.
- execute Google search For error codes displayed,
5. Perform OS update
Older versions of Windows can cause conflicts with both the software as well as the hardware components of your PC. This is a major cause of PC crashes, so you need to make sure your Windows operating system is completely up to date. Here's how to perform a system update on Windows:
- Click. window icon in the taskbar
- Click. gear (Settings) icon in the start menu
- click Windows updates
- Press Check for updates button
Steps to perform an OS update Steps to perform an OS update (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
- Download and install new updates available for your PC
6. Run an antivirus scan
Even if you don't have antivirus software, you should at least run a scan using the built-in Windows Defender. Here's how to access Windows Defender and run an antivirus scan.
- Click. window icon in the taskbar
- Click. Gear (setting) Start menu icon
- click Privacy and security
Steps to run an antivirus scan (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
- Click at the top. Windows security
- click Protection from viruses and threats
- Click. scan options bottom button quick scan
Steps to run an antivirus scan (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
- choice full scan
- Quarantines threats detected during virus scanning.
Is Windows Defender enough to protect you?
Windows Defender provides robust built-in security for Windows users, but it has limitations in areas such as phishing and spam protection, and may not be updated as quickly as some premium solutions. Consider investing in strong antivirus software to stay protected from malicious links, phishing scams, and ransomware. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that can install malware and access your personal information is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection also warns you about phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
7. Check your hard drive for errors
You can use Windows Command Prompt to check your hard drive for errors. If your hard drive has errors, you may need to perform a system restore. More on this later. For now, here's how to check your hard drive for errors using Command Prompt:
- Click. window icon on the taskbar
- type CMD and open command prompt
Steps to check your hard drive for errors (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
- Right click on the command prompt box, run as administrator
- Type sfc/scannow and press Enter
Steps to check your hard drive for errors (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Command Prompt checks your hard drive for corrupted files and replaces them. This may take some time. If the process completes and you encounter an error that cannot be automatically replaced, unfortunately you will need to replace your hard drive and reinstall Windows.
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8. Check for RAM issues
Problems with your PC's RAM can also cause your Windows PC to crash randomly. In most cases, if you have a problem with your RAM, you will need to replace the RAM module on your motherboard. If you have the technical knowledge you can do this right at home, but you can also go to a computer store and have the RAM replaced for a small fee. Here's how to check for RAM issues on your Windows PC.
- At the same time, press . Windows key + R on the keyboard
- This results in run Windows applications
- Type “Mdsched.exe” and press Enter. This results in window memory diagnostics repair tools
Steps to check for RAM problems (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
- click Reboot now to check for memory issues
This will run a memory check on your computer. Please note that if you experience problems, you may need to replace your RAM.
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9. Perform a system restore
If your PC just started crashing, running a system restore may fix the problem. System Restore restores your Windows operating system to a specific date and time of your choice. This allows you to restore the OS to a point before the crash started and troubleshoot from there. It is important to note that when you run System Restore, your computer will be restored to the date and time you select. This should be the last step solution in your troubleshooting process, as this means all recent files and settings will be lost.
How to perform a system restore
- Click the Windows icon on the taskbar
- type System restore
- click Create a restore point
Steps to perform a system restore (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
- one time System restore wizard When you open it, you'll see a notification telling you what System Restore will do. Next
- Select the date and time you want to restore your system and click. Next
- click finish
Cart important points
Having a Windows PC that keeps crashing can be a big headache. Luckily, there's a lot of information out there on how to troubleshoot a PC that keeps crashing. Although we've covered the nine most commonly used tips for repairing a crashed Windows PC, there are other reset options, many of which require more technical ability than the ones we've covered today. Masu.
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