If you’re like many people, computer technology is a bit of a mystery. In fact, research shows that the percentage of global internet users who say they don’t understand computers and new technology has been growing for years.
Even worse is the need for computer repair. From digging into complex programs to doing a hardware fix, fixing computer issues on your own can be a struggle, especially without a background in tech.
However, it’s worth noting that many computer issues are easy to resolve with some simple online searching and DIY troubleshooting, even without expert help!
Wondering how to deal with a common computer issue you’ve run into? Check out our quick guide below for insights on easy fixes you can try at home.
1. Overheating
An overheating computer may seem like a minor issue at first, but it can wreak havoc on your entire system. High temperatures can damage the internal components of your computer, causing long-term issues.
There are a few reasons your PC may overheat.
First, you may be dealing with cooling system issues. Check to be sure that your vents are clean, and then make sure that your fans are working. Use a can of compressed air to remove any dust or debris, if necessary.
Second, your computer may be using so many resources that your cooling system can’t handle it anymore. In the short term, you can help address this issue by closing any resource-hogging programs you have open.
2. Slow Performance
The chances are good that you’ve experienced the frustration of a slow computer before. This isn’t uncommon when you’re using a resource-heavy program, but it shouldn’t be something that happens every day.
To troubleshoot slow performance issues, try checking for programs that are hogging a significant portion of your RAM. Open task manager and click on the “Performance” tab and close any programs with abnormally high numbers.
You can also try cleaning your computer. You can do this by defragmenting your hard drive as needed.
Don’t forget to also use the tried-and-tested method of installing protective tools. Your firewall and anti-virus tools protect you from issues that could slow down your computer, so keep them up and running.
If you keep running into these issues, installing more RAM or using an external hard drive can give your computer access to more memory. This, in turn, can help it to run faster than before.
3. Wi-Fi Issues
While your computer isn’t always the culprit when it comes to Wi-Fi issues, these annoying problems can be hard to troubleshoot.
If your computer keeps disconnecting from the internet, there are several possible reasons. First, check to be sure that your Wi-Fi is working by checking your router unit. Next, try updating your computer’s network drivers.
Windows users should also check the network card’s power management. Windows automatically saves power by turning devices off when you aren’t using them. However, this can sometimes cause your network card to malfunction.
4. OS Issues
Common OS issues include problems when booting or shutting down, for example, or an OS that restarts on its own. With this kind of issue, you might feel a little overwhelmed: OS issues are often technical, which means you may have to reach out to your operating system’s support team.
First, however, try restarting your computer. You’ll also want to run an antivirus scan, as one sign of a computer virus is abnormal OS issues. You can also try booting in safe mode to see if it helps, as this will allow you to do things like check your drivers or perform a system update.
5. Blank or Blue Screen
If you get the infamous blue screen on Windows or a blank screen on an Apple device, don’t panic. This issue is easier to fix on your own than it once was in the past.
In fact, modern blue screens come with an error code, known as a “stop code.” Taking note of this code can help you understand what the problem is, and it will often allow you to troubleshoot on your own without expert help.
Look up the error code online and search for a walkthrough fix. This may be enough to resolve your problem.
If you still get the screen error, consider any recent changes to your computer. If you’ve updated a driver or installed a new printer, for example, this change may be causing a problem.
You can try uninstalling programs, performing a system restore, or even uninstalling recent OS updates. If that solves your problem, you may need to dig into why the recent change caused the issue.
Can’t figure out what’s wrong? If this common computer problem is getting the best of you, reach out for expert repair services from a company like the team at fruitfixed.com.
6. No Power
If your computer isn’t powering on at all, you may worry that you have a broken device on your hands. However, this isn’t always the case.
Check all of your cables to make sure everything’s plugged in, and unplug any external devices. Hold down the power button to try resetting your computer. You may also want to try replacing the power cord to see if that’s the issue.
If you have a laptop, removing the battery and reinserting it can sometimes help. If not, remove the battery again and plug your device into an outlet to see if it starts charging. This means that the battery is the problem, not the computer.
If none of the solutions above work, it may be time to take the device to a computer repair expert.
Fix These Computer Problems
Though these common computer problems can be a hassle to deal with, they’re often manageable on your own. Even with scarier issues like a computer with no power, a bit of troubleshooting can sometimes resolve the problem without the need for an expert. Of course, if you’re struggling to fix these issues with DIY troubleshooting, don’t hesitate to reach out to a computer repair specialist!
Looking for more helpful tech tips like these? Check out our other posts for additional guides and insights.
