11 Common Computer Problems with Solutions

No matter whether you have a brand new Windows 10 laptop or an old Windows 7/8 PC that your dad used, there are some problems you will face with all kinds of computers. Some would be problematic while some other would due to misunderstanding. In this article, we will explain some common computer problems you face with possible solutions.

Try These First

Problems in computers can happen due to malfunctioning of program 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. Right click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager”. Here you can view and close any program running on your computer. Learn more on how to close unresponsive programs in your PC or Mac.
• If you suspect the problem is with your computer 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 could potentially resolve all unresponsive problems by restarting the services again.

Now, let us dive in to frequently facing computer problems.

1. Runs Too Slow

Everyone complains this common issue after working with a new computer for few years. Remember, new desktop computer or laptop always works faster compared to any old computer. It could be due to outdated software or hardware problem. Following are the top reasons for slow running computer:

• You have installed too many program – check and remove uninstall unnecessary program 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 a program for 6 months, consider whether you really need for daily use. It is also a good idea to find alternatively. For example, you may only need Word, Excel and Outlook instead of using entire Microsoft Office package that includes OneNote and Access.
• Check your antivirus and firewall – these programs 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 app 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 could be other reasons your computer runs slow, checkout the complete list and how to fix 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 size in C drive. Always, make sure you have sufficient space in the Windows installation disk. This will help programs to use the needed space in runtime. For example, gaming apps need more space and memory during run time. Insufficient space may cause crashing of other applications and Windows OS.   

Depending upon the size of your hard disk, make sure to have at least 1GB 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 programs 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. Large file like movie videos maybe 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 card are updated with latest drivers.
• Check whether your computer is infected with virus, malware or adware.
• Your motherboard may be hot triggering the restart. First, 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.

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, run a special antivirus package and scan all the files on your computer. If suspected files exist, you can delete them. Alternatively, you can find the executable file for the adware and uninstall or delete to get rid of the ads.

6. Computer Hijacked

In extreme case, hackers may hijack your computer and take control of the activities. For example, you will see an unrelated website when opening the browser. 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 internet and run an antivirus program to delete the malware programs. 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

It is difficult to identify the Wi-Fi problems as multiple programs and devices help your computer to connect with internet. Anything could cause problems like your computer, router, modem, browser or your ISP.

• Right click on the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar and choose “Troubleshoot 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 the problems from the server and router side.
• At the same time, make sure your computer is running within the 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 10.

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 with the system clock time. The certificate will not work, in case if your clock is not working or having different time. Make sure you have correct time showing in the clock so that the validations work properly.  

9. Printer Does Not Work

Assuming you have no problems with toner, cartridge, paper settings and hardware, check the print queue to see the status of the files you have printed from your computer. If there is a problem with any file, the printer may be waiting behind your command and may not print. Also, make sure to disable “Use Printer Offline” option to avoid the documents not being printed.

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. For example, you need Adobe Acrobat Reader for opening PDF files. 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 programs may stop working after upgrade. For example, programs running on a 32-bit system can work on 64-bit system. However, programs running on a 64-bit system will not work on a 32-bit system. Sometime, 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 program 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 program or check with the developer to get an update.