Regardless of whether you have a brand-new Windows PC or an older one passed down from your dad, certain issues are common across all types of computers. Some problems can be genuinely troublesome, while others may simply arise from misunderstandings. In this article, we will explore some of the most common computer problems and provide practical solutions.
Try These First
Problems in computers can happen due to malfunctioning of one of the installed apps or due to the Windows operating system itself. Whatsoever is the reason, below three tips would resolve most of the common computer problems.
- Close and reopen the application. Some apps may be running in the background which you can terminate using Task Manager. Right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager” which will show you all running apps in your computer. Simply select and click “End task” to close an app. Learn more on how to close unresponsive programs in your PC or Mac.
- If you suspect the problem is with your operating system, the quick fix would be shutting down or restarting the computer.
- Similarly, if the problem is with an external device connected to the computer, unplug and plug it again.
Shutting down the app/computer or disconnecting the device will help to terminate all the running processes in Windows operating system. This will potentially resolve all unresponsive problems by restarting the services again.
Now, let us dive in to frequently faced computer problems.
1. System Runs Too Slow
This is a common complaint after using a computer for a few years. A new desktop or laptop always performs faster compared to an older one, often due to outdated software or hardware issues. Below are the main reasons why a computer might start running slowly:
- You have installed too many apps – check and uninstall all unnecessary apps from your computer. Best example is to delete high-resolution graphics games and big applications like Photoshop or Microsoft Office. If you are not using an app for more than 6 months, consider whether you really need it for daily use. It is also a good idea to find an alternate and simple app instead of using a heavy app. For example, you may only need Word, Excel and Outlook instead of using entire Microsoft Office package that includes OneNote, Publisher and Access. Since you can’t use single app from Microsoft 365 package, you can find simple alternatives.
- Check your antivirus and firewall – these program scan each activity and slow down the computer. Easy way to find this issue is to disable your antivirus, firewall protection, and check the computer operations.
- Slow at startup – many users wrongly choose the option to launch the apps at startup. Launching too many applications when booting the computer will ultimately increase the starting time. Unless you need to launch the program at startup, disable all unnecessary apps to speed up the initial starting time when booting.
There are also other reasons why your computer runs slow, checkout the complete list and how to fix a slow PC.
2. Low Disk Space
Many users do not understand the need of having sufficient disk space and install big programs leaving few MB free space in C drive. Always, make sure you have sufficient space in the Windows installation disk. This will help apps to use the needed space during runtime. For example, gaming apps need more space and memory during runtime. Insufficient space may cause crashing of other applications and Windows OS.
Since Microsoft also updates Windows frequently, you need a considerable free space on the C drive. So, depending upon the size of your hard disk, make sure to have at least 15 GB of free space and relative RAM size installed on your PC. If you are running out of space, consider using OneDrive or other cloud platforms. Otherwise, delete unused files and apps to release free space.
3. Downloading Takes Long Time
Downloading files from internet has many factors influencing the process. In most cases, the problem may not be with your computer. Therefore, you have to check and confirm the root cause of the problem before acting to resolve it.
- Similar to files on your computer, website content is also physically stored in web server. Slow web server can delay the download time regardless of your computer’s performance. You can test by downloading files from different websites to find the problem comes from your computer or from the website’s server.
- Internet connection speed is another factor you should check. Slow internet connection obviously need long time for file downloads. You can use the free tools like speedtest.net to find your connection speed. Contact your ISP, if you find the internet connection is slower than expected.
- If the speed is good, check the size of the file you are downloading. Larger files like movie videos may take long time even with high-speed internet connection. Avoid downloading files with GBs of size and try to use the source file like viewing the video in YouTube.
4. Automatic Restart Problem
Automatic restarting is another popular issue with Windows computer. It will be annoying, if your computer restarts unexpectedly when you are doing some important task. You can try few tricks if this frequently happens to you.
- Make sure your computer’s graphics card, motherboard, and network adapter are updated with latest drivers.
- Check whether your computer is infected with virus, malware or adware.
- Your processor may become hot triggering the restart. On desktops, terminate the power supply and remove the CPU cover box to check the small fan mounted on it. Cleanup the dust on the fan and make sure the fan rotates. Proper functioning of the fan can help to reduce the heat and protect the CPU components from overheating. For laptops, you can use external cooling system to dissipate the generated heat or get a professional help to fix your issue.
5. Pop-up Ads on Unexpected Occasions
Did you notice advertisements are popping up even when your browser is not running? This means that an unwanted program called Adware is sitting on your computer. Generally, third-party sellers install their own adware programs on their customer’s laptops. Though, these advertisements are of no harm they will annoy you popping up unexpectedly.
In order to remove this, install and run an antivirus app to scan all the files on your computer. If suspected files exist, you can delete them. Alternatively, you can find the executable file of the adware and uninstall or delete to get rid of the ads.
Note that Windows also comes with default Windows Security app which you can use for scanning and removing adware.
6. Computer is Hijacked
In extreme case, hackers may hijack your computer and take control of the activities. For example, you will see an unrelated website opens whenever you launch the browser app. It will prompt you to provide your login or personal details to proceed further. If you do not know what is happening, avoid browsing with your computer. Disconnect from the internet and run an antivirus program to delete the malware. If this does not work, contact your seller, probably you need to format your hard disk to get rid of the malware.
In order to avoid virus and malware attacks, make sure you are browsing legal websites and avoid clicking the susceptible links on the emails and websites.
7. Wi-Fi Connection Disconnecting
Identifying Wi-Fi issues can be challenging because multiple components and devices work together to connect your computer to the internet. The problem could stem from your computer, router, modem, web browser, or even your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
- Right-click on the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar and choose “Diagnose network problems” option.
- Windows will run the network diagnostics and help you to find the problem in your computer.
- If there are no issues in your computer, then contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for help. They can confirm whether there are any configuration problems at their end.
- At the same time, make sure your computer is running within Wi-Fi connection area. The connection often get terminated when the signal is too low.
Learn more on how to fix Wi-Fi intermittently disconnecting problems in Windows PC.
8. System Clock Settings
Sometimes you can resolve a big problem with a small setting on your computer frontend. Good example is facing security problems when viewing websites in browser. The security certificates of websites have a validity and your computer will validate it based on system clock time. The certificate will not work, in case if your clock is not working or having different time. Make sure you are using correct timezone and have correct time showing in the clock so that the validations work properly.
9. Printer Does Not Work
If you are confident there are no issues with the toner, cartridge, paper settings, or hardware, check the print queue to review the status of the files you have sent to the printer. A problem with any file in the queue could cause the printer to stop and wait, preventing other documents from being printed. Additionally, ensure the “Use Printer Offline” option is disabled to avoid printing interruptions.
10. Unable to Open Email Attachments
Most common issue with email attachments is that your computer does not have an application to open the file type. For example, you need Adobe Acrobat Reader for opening PDF files though they can also open in your browser directly. Check the file extension of your attachment and make sure you have an associated app to open such files.
11. My Old Program is Not Working on New Computer
Microsoft has different Windows versions and releases updates frequently. This may lead to incompatibility and some apps may stop working after upgrade. For example, apps running on a 32-bit system can work on 64-bit system. However, apps running on a 64-bit system will not work on a 32-bit system. Sometimes, you will also see a warning message in browser for installing Java or Flash for the website to work properly.
In general, you have to update the app to the latest version so that it is compatible with your Windows version. If that is not possible, you will have no other option to find alternate app or check with the developer to get an update.
Final Words
Working with old PC not only kills your productivity but also put you with high security risk. In most cases, you have to upgrade the system or replace if upgrading cost you more money. If you have a new computer, check out whether you have incompatible apps that you can replace with alternatives. If the computer is under warranty, do not hesitate to contact your seller to fix the problems.
