Fix Your Slow Desktop/Laptop: 30 Common Causes and Easy Fixes

Fix Your Slow Desktop/Laptop: 30 Common Causes and Easy Fixes

Desktop PCs are exposed to various problems, which whim affect their performance and usability. Here is a list of the most frequent 30 basic issues users of the desktop PC encounter accompanied with possible ways to solve these issues. Whether your clients have a hardware problem, a software issue or both, you need to read this guide which the university has helped to put together. 

 1. Desktop PC Heating Up: 

Desktop PC Heating Up

This is a problem which is quite common and if not detected early can cause extensive damages. The cause of this problem may be attributed in many ways such as; dust build up and problems with the cooling system. 

•  Tune Up Heatsinks: Topping up the surface with new thermal paste and cleaning it often is part of the recommended procedures. 
•  Check Fans: Check that all fans are on and connected to the respective sources. 
•  Improve Airflow: It is recommended that the PC should not be put in confined areas and should be placed on a hard and even surface. 

 • Clean the Casing: Dust to increase the amount of air circulation around the area. 

 2. USB Port Not Working:

USB Port Not Working

It can be irritating when a USB port stop recognizing devices, this is because it is one of the basic functions. It is mandatory to know what went wrong before you can find a way to put it right. 

•  Test the USB Device: Take the USB device and connect it to another computer to find out that it is fully working. 
•  Clean the USB Port: To remove debris use a toothpick or a cotton bud. 
•  Update Drivers: With regard to USB Controllers, in the Device Manager, disable and enable the devices, attempting to automatically reduce the value. 

 3. Runtime Correction: Desktop PC is Too Slow:

Desktop PC is Too Slow

The worst feeling I know is when your computers are slow and this slow down your work a great deal. You are glad to know that there exist several techniques that can be applied in order to improve performance. 

•  Check Resource Usage: To reduce the use of system resources, open the Task Manager to find programs that consume many resources and then, close them. 
•  Uninstall Unnecessary Programs: Uninstall all those programs that you do not frequently use on your computer. 
•  Clear Temporary Files: This frees up more space and it also means that there are numerous files that can be deleted in the temp folder. 
•  Defragment Hard Drive: Reduce the ideal toggle time between the head and the r/w head which will in turn decrease the access time. 

4. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD):

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

While this is not true for quite a number of cases, the blue screen is dreaded for a good reason as it may point towards serious problems. That being said, here’s how to troubleshoot it.

• Boot into Safe Mode: Try to boot your computer in Safe Mode if you want to diagnose the problem.
• Update Device Drivers: Drivers can be updated as frequently as updates from developers through the ‘Device Manager’.
• Uninstall Recent Updates: If the situation happened after an update, it is high time to roll it back.
•  Use System Restore: If something is wrong, use system restore to go back to a previous state of yours.

5. Computer Won’t Turn On:

Computer Won’t Turn On

Several things could be causing your computer to fail to turn on as follows, Here are the steps to follow in identifying the problem.

• Disconnect External Devices: Remove any external storage devices such as, external hard drives or USB devices.
• Check Power Supply: Check that the power cord is plugged correctly and if the device does not start then use a different socket.
• Inspect Internal Components: Inspect for bad capacitors, or poorly soldered and consequently torn connections in the motherboard.

6. Desktop PC Keeps Restarting:

Desktop PC Keeps Restarting

Computer restart is a sign that something is not well with it, and a computer that restarts frequently can be a sign of two sorts. Here are the measures that may be implemented.

• Disable Automatic Restart: In the System Properties, there have to be an option of automatic restart – a checkbox beside it has to be deselected.
• Clean Internal Components: Sometimes due to dust, PC can restart, maintain the cleanliness of your PC.
• Check Power Supply: Ensure you check on the power supply unit (PSU) and its functionality.

7. Desktop PC Keeps Freezing:

Everybody knows that a freezing computer is a real pain in the neck. Here are potential fixes.

• Update Drivers: Update all the drivers for all device.
• Replace Power Supply: They include the freezing issue, which can can be caused by a bad PSU.
• Use Third-Party Tools: Tools which are used to clear up memory for instance CCleaner can help fix the memory.
• Reinstall Operating System: If all the above methods are unsuccessful a last resort will be to reinstall Windows again.

8. Keyboard Not Working:

Keyboard Not Working

The lack of response of the keyboard could be a real problem when it comes to the usability. To solve for this problem, the follow steps should be taken.

• Update Keyboard Drivers: This you can do either through the device manager or through the available networks.
• Turn Off Filter Keys: Make sure that the filter keys option is turned off the system’s accessibility features.
• Test Connections: Check whether the keyboard is well connected, then use other other USB ports.

9. While installing Windows on SSD encountered with Error 0x80300024:

This error is usually common when installing the Windows on a brand new SSD. Here’s how to solve them.

• Disconnect HDD: It is recommended that any hard drives connected to the system being installed should be disconnected.
• Reattach HDD After Installation: Once you get to step two and you’ve installed Windows on the SSD, connect the HDD again.

10. All I get are programs that do not respond in Windows:

In some cases, when an application is running, and is not responding, this greatly interrupts the normal working process of an entity. Following are some solutions to eliminate this problem.

• Check for Updates: Required Windows and all applications installed should be updated.
• Defragment Disk Drives: To improve the disk drives performance, defragment them as often as you can.
• Increase Virtual Memory: Change some settings regarding virtual memory to make more space for the application.

11. Microsoft Edge Not Working:

Here are recommendations for actions to take if you have problems with Microsoft Edge opening or running as should.

• Clear Browsing Data: Go to settings, and one will find the option to clear cache and cookies.
• Reset Edge Settings: How to bring Microsoft Edge settings to default NOTE: Resetting Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox might also reset Microsoft Edge settings.

12. Start Menu and Taskbar Not Working in Windows 10:

One common problem that people face is with the Start Menu and the taskbar; the makes the use of the computer stressful. Here is the recipe for the fix.

• Create a Shortcut: Create a new shortcut for the ‘msconfig’ and under the boot tab always change the timeout to 10 seconds.
• Restart the Computer: If that does not work sometimes all that is required is to turn the computer off and switch it back on.

13. App Store not working on Windows 10:

Below are the solutions you should apply, if the App Store is unresponsive.

• Delete Cache Files: Remove App Store cache files found on the cache directory.
• Check for Updates: Make sure Window is well updated because it has a lot of bugs that may affect its performance.

14. YouTube Videos Not Playing:

It is quite a tasking situation to get stuck with playback problems in YouTube. Here follows the recommended solutions.

• Change Rendering Settings: Change the settings of internet explorer to make it use software rendering.
• Select Playback Devices: Make sure that the appropriate audio device is being used for play back.

15. My Printer is not working after I upgraded to Windows 10:

There could be many challenges that printers may come across after performing a Windows update. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

• Update Printer Drivers: To check of the printer drivers are up to date, one can seek help from the Device Manager.
• Install Drivers from Manufacturer: Run a driver update on the printer based on the most current driver from the website of the printer.

16. Mouse Not Working:

Mouse Not Working

A faulty mouse is inconvenient in the operation of a computer. Here is the way through which you can deal with this issue.

• Test with Another Mouse: Unplug the mouse and connect another one as a means of judging whether the mouse has a malfunction.
• Uninstall Problematic Updates: Uninstall certain updates of windows that are reportedly to cause unwanted mouse changes.

17. Windows 10 and Search Box Not Working:

If you get to a situation where the Google search box is unresponsive, here are some steps to take.

• Use PowerShell: Type commands in PowerShell to eradicate the root problems.

18. PC Failed to wake from sleep:

If in any way your PC does not wake from sleep mode, try these steps:

• Update Graphics Drivers: One of the things you should do is make sure you are using the latest built-in graphics drivers.

19. The Print Spooler Service Stopped Unplanned:

Whenever something goes wrong with the print spooler service, then it becomes a problem to the printing process. They are as stated below.

• Enable Print Services: Make sure that required print services are ON in section called Windows Features.

20. Unable to log into a Microsoft account in Windows 10:

Everyone will agree with the fact that any problems associated with login are not very pleasant. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

•  Add a New User: Avoid any login related issues by creating a new user account.

21. NAS drives not seen in Windows:

It is not uncommon to witness some potential access problems with the NAS drives. Here is how to do it.

• Use Command Prompt: Perform registries to update views of the network.

22. Unable to Shut Down or Restart the Computer Properly:

Shutdowns and restarts can be very problematic out of which particular issues may be very irritating. Here are potential solutions.

• Use Command Prompt: Execute shutdown commands to force a shutdown. 
• Run Registry Repair: As a routine, look for and run registry repair tools as a way of solving inherent problems.

23. Cannot Open Word Documents:

Problems with opening Word documents may occur and as a result interfere with the working process. That’s how to solve it.

• Repair Office Installation: Repair is a method in Programs and Features that is easy to apply.
• Reinstall Microsoft Word: An hour after a first install, a certain problem may no longer exist.

24.  Mic Not Working in Desktop PC:

Here are the steps that you can try if the microphone is faulty and are unresponsive.

• Check Default Settings: Also make sure that your microphone is set as the default recording device.
• Adjust Volume Levels: Check that the volume of the input from the microphone is not at the lowest level and that it is not silenced.

25. There is no sound in the Windows 10:

Distortions are quite irritating Most people will agree with the statement, that the problem of sounds can interfere with conversations. An example of a troubleshooting guide for a specific type of issue has been presented below:

• Update Sound Drivers: Make sure that all the audio drivers are up-to-date.
• Check Playback Devices: Ensure that the audio device you want to capture is ticked as default.

26. Monitor Not Working:

In case your monitor is not displaying properly the following are some things you need to consider taking.

• Update Display Drivers: See that your graphic drivers are the most updated in the market.
• Check Connections: Make sure all cables are properly plugged and working right.

27. Internet Not Working:

It is not fun being connected to the Internet sometimes. Below is a guideline of connection process.

• Modify Registry Settings: Click in the registry editor to turn on active probing in settings.
• Reinstall Network Adapter: Delete the TCP/IP layer from the network adapter by using the Device Manager and than re-establish it.

28. Left Mouse Button Stops Working While Dragging:

If for example your left mouse button is not working on the dragging operation, follow these procedures for may be it is just stuck.

• Replace the Mouse: If the problem remains consistent and unchangeable the next step could be buying a new mouse.

29. Windows Explorer Crashing:

Frequent crashes of Windows Explorer can be really irritating to you because they put-off your work. Here are potential solutions.

• Run System Scans: DISM and SFC are commands that can be used to repair the system files.
• Create a New User Account: Occasionally, setting up of a new user account may solve the problems that have persistently appeared.

30. Seeing Black Screen with Cursor after Running CHKDSK:

The extinguishing of subtasks might be quite shocking, but there are ways to address the problem.

• Access Startup Repair: Try to start up in the startup repair options since they have options on what to do.
• Run CHKDSK Again: Run some more "CHKDSK" commands with a view of repairing any problems that might be occurring on the disks.

With the aid of the mentioned troubleshooting steps, one would be able to solve most of the problems affecting the desktop PCs. Maintenance and update of your system is very important in order to ensure that the performance of the system is not compromised at any one time. If difficulties continue, consult help.

Conclusion:

The methods of solving, or diagnosing frequent problems with desktop PCs may require simple and primary approaches and also complex measures. These can include everything from rather mundane physical problems (loose cables, overheating, etc. ) to software problems (driver conflicts, malware, etc. ) If people have a logical approach to looking at things and consider possible causes for a problem, then that problem can most often be worked out on one’s own.

FAQs:

• What are some some of the most frequent desktop PC issues?

o Hard disk drive: slow execution, high temperature, booting issues, and hardware faults, software incompatibilities, and networking issues.

• What are the steps to take for a computer that exhibits a no power issue?

o Verify whether the power cord is correctly connected and there are no damages or loose connection either inside the devise.

• What makes a computer to become unresponsive?

o These include overheating of the CPU, low RAM on the computer, drivers that have not been upgraded for some time, a virus, or clash of the software programs.

• What can I do for a slow computer?

o Address problems of disc space, monitor start up applications, apply updates, detect viruses, and enhance equipments.

• What should I do if my computer as a result of a power surge or some other problem does not start up in Windows?

o Safe mode, system restore, reinstalling windows.

• What can I do to solve a case in which my computer frequently restarts on its own and displays the ‘blue screen of death’?

o Scan for hardware problems, update drivers for hardware products, look for viruses/malware and solve issues related with software compatibility.