You will easily think computers are one of the best things that happened to you until it starts giving you problems thereby leaving you frustrated.
Worst still, some of these computer problems can be overbearing and some of them stem from small malfunctioning either in the software or hardware.
In this article, we will look at the top 10 most common computer problems, and I will also do well to proffer solutions.
Their solutions are often easy to apply.
Most Common Computer Problems & How To Fix Them
It may interest you to know that most of these common computer problems don’t require third-party help as they are something you could fix on your own.
Let’s take a look at some of these issues as well as how to fix them.
1. Computer Fails To Turn On
One of the most common ways a computer shows that it is faulty is failure to turn on, and there are numerous reasons why that could happen to range from virus infection to power supply failure, and so on.
How To Fix It
The steps listed below should be able to get your computer on.
A. Check the power supply
– The first thing to do is to make sure that the issue is not as a result of low battery, especially if it’s a laptop, so you may want to allow it to charge for a few hours, and also ensure the charger you are using isn’t faulty.
However, if it’s a desktop computer, make sure that the plug socket isn’t faulty, and if it still doesn’t work, then the power supply in your PC has probably failed.
B. Ensure the monitor or display is functional
If you observe any power at all on your PC may be due to the power lights that come on, but nothing else happens after that, then do the following as there could be some faults.
– If you have a desktop PC connected to an external monitor, make sure that the power connection to the monitor is properly connected to your PC.
Again, you could try connecting it to a different monitor as this will help you to know the fault is from the monitor.
– If it’s a laptop or you are sure the fault is not from the monitor, then it could be that your PC is in sleep mode, so shut it down completely and restart from the cold – hold down the power button for 5 seconds and then press it again to start your PC.
C. Reinstall system
Please, note that this is the last thing you would do if none of the steps work because at this point, you should know that it’s a software and not a hardware issue.
You have to carry out a clean installation in case your system has been infected, and since you can’t turn your computer on, there are other methods you can apply to back up your files from the hard drive.
2. Continuous Disconnection Of Your PC From The Wi-Fi Network
If your PC continuously disconnects from your Wi-Fi even when the Wi-Fi is functioning very well, then it could be that your network card isn’t getting an adequate power supply.
How To Fix It
Thankfully, the network card in Windows has an in-built power saver option that uses less power, so the best solution would be to turn it off following the instructions below:
- In the Power Options, go to Advanced settings.
- Expand Wireless Adaptor Settings and then Power Saving Mode in this window.
- This should be set to Maximum Performance.
3. Slow Internet
If you have experienced a slow internet connection, especially when you are streaming your favorite show, playing games, or carrying out an important task, then you could tell how frustrating it is.
The issue could emancipate from either internal ( connected to your internet appliance) or external (pertaining to your Internet Service Provider)
How To Fix It
Restart the modem
Just like any other gadget, the first solution would be to switch off the modem, wait for a few minutes and switch it on.
Fix your wifi signal
If you discover that your wireless signal is weak whereas your router and internet are doing okay, you may need to change the position of the router, tweak, or boost it.
Eliminate any unwanted background software
Certain background processes such as software updates may be sucking your data thereby slowing down your internet speed, so check your task manager to see the list of this software and remove any unwanted ones.
Secondly, go to the settings, and switch off any automatic updates.
Reach Out To Your ISP
Having tried the aforementioned solutions, and it still didn’t work, it could be that the issue is from your internet service provider which probably has to do with network upgrade, bad weather, wires fixing, and so on.
Contact them to evaluate your internet signal and help you fix that or tell you what to do.
4. Strange Noises From Your Computer
The noise could stem from the cooling fan of your CPU or GPU or a hardware issue.
If it’s the former, you can easily replace or update it but if it’s the latter, then start backing up your files as this is an indication that the hard drive is about to fail.
To find out which of the two is the cause of this issue, check your core and GPU temperatures.
5. Windows Update Problem
Windows update errors are one of the most common computer problems, and a lot of things like Windows piracy, license issues, core files missing, and so on could cause it.
How To Fix It
Although the problem is not a serious one, if you need to fix it so as to have the most recent software and security installed on your PC, then you have to fix it.
Thankfully, Windows has its own in-built error detection and troubleshooting mechanism that can get this fixed.
If you still can’t get it done, go through the official Microsoft Windows update errors fixing to get it done.
6. A Totally Blank Computer Screen
Despite the fact that your computer tower is working, if the screen is dark, then there could be a problem associated with the tower’s connection to the screen.
How To Fix It
First, ensure that the power connection of the monitor is tightly attached to a wall outlet.
Furthermore, cross-check any wires connecting your computer tower to your monitor as loose connections could be the major cause of this.
If you’re experiencing the same issue on a laptop, seek help from a professional.
7. PC Becoming Slow
If your PC is becoming ridiculously slow, then you should consider how long you have been using the system.
Irrespective of the specifications, a computer that has been in use for the past two years, or more will most likely have this issue.
How To Fix It
To get rid of this frustrating issues, take a look at the solution provided below:
Find a resource-hungry program
Right-click your taskbar and choose the “Task Manager” option or click Ctrl+Shift+Escape to open the Task Manager where you can identify programs that use lots of your resources, maybe ram.
Secondly, sort the list by the applications using the most resources by clicking the “CPU,” “Memory,” and “Disk” headers.
Having figured out the application that is using the most resources, close it normally but if you can’t, you may have to force it to close by selecting it, and clicking “End Task”.
2. Disable the startup program
Another reason why your PC is slowing down is due to Autostart programs during system startup.
If you are using Windows 8, 8.1, and 10, there is now a start up manager in the Task Manager you can use to manage your startup programs, so open it by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting “Task Manager” or press Ctrl+Shift+Escape.
Click over to the Startup tab and disable startup applications you don’t need. Thankfully, Windows provides you with the information you need about the applications slowing down your startup process.
Scan for malware and adware
Malware and adware are small malicious programs obtained from the internet in the course of browsing or downloading something.
While they are transferring information over the internet, they tend to slow down your system.
You can get rid of them by using your built-in anti-virus software to scan and detect them.
8. Printers Are Not Functioning
A faulty printer is one of the most common computer problems, and If this is your printer, then ensure that all of the printer’s drivers are up-to-date and have adequate paper and ink.
Additionally, try to turn it off and on or disconnect it and plug it back in.
Another thing you may have to do is to examine the printer’s queue by double-clicking on the printer icon in the system tray to see the status of each task and the printer’s status.
Ensure that “Use Printer Offline” is not selected because it could be a leading cause of this fault during printing.
9. System Automatically Restart
Corrupted drivers, faulty hardware, and malware infection, among others, are some of the things that could keep your computer in a reboot loop, and this is majorly one of the most common computer problems.
How To Fix It
This issue usually happens after the Windows update, and to solve this problem, follow the instructions below:
Deleting bad registry files
Ensure you know how to completely do this before you proceed because the Windows Registry is a sensitive database such that if you mistake the slightest comma, your computer will be ruined.
That being said, I recommend a one-click solution such as Auslogics Registry Cleaner as this freeware searches for duplicate or corrupted registry files automatically.
Updating drivers
Your computer could be automatically rebooting because your devices cannot properly communicate with your system as a result of outdated drivers.
Make sure your drivers are updated.
Checking hardware issues
One of the reasons why a computer may be experiencing this issue is as a result of faulty hardware, so check these three major hardware: RAM, CPU, and External Devices
Scanning for viruses or malware
Your computer could have possibly been infected by a virus or malware, so you can use Windows Defender to run a complete virus scan, or settle for 3rd party programs such as AVG antivirus or Trend.
10. Problems Associated With The keyboard
Last but not least on our list of common computer problems is keyboard problems which have to do with noisy keyboards or failure to type repeated words appropriately.
Well, this isn’t a big deal because it could emancipate from the activation of Toggle keys and filter keys in Windows settings.
How To Fix It
To fix it, turn them off by doing the following:
- Ease of Access can be found in the Control Panel.
- Click the button that reads Change how your keyboard works to change the way your keyboard operates.
- Uncheck the checkboxes close to the Toggle Keys and Filter Keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 basic troubleshooting steps for a computer?
The troubleshooting process steps are as follows:
– Identify the problem.
– Establish a theory of probable cause.
– Test the theory to determine the cause.
– Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution.
– Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures.
What are the most common causes of computer failures?
The main reason why computers malfunction most often is human error. Any small mistake, such as forgetting to check the charge of a UPS battery or accidentally hitting the Emergency Power Off button, could halt all activity in a building and even cause data loss.
What causes CPU failure?
The CPU, sometimes referred to as a processor, is made up of many tiny transistors, and even a minor issue with any one of them might cause the main processor to malfunction.
Faulty capacitors, continuous use, and voltage issues can all lead to CPU failure. The good news is that CPUs provide you with early warning signs of danger.
How do I find out what is wrong with my computer?
Use the left-hand panel to navigate to Reports > System > System Diagnostics > [Computer Name] if you want a rapid overview of your system’s hardware.
Along with a big list of thorough data, it offers you numerous checks for your hardware, software, CPU, network, disk, and RAM.
How do I know if I have hardware or software problems?
A software issue can be corrected if a computer starts to slow down. Your computer shouldn’t lag due to hardware issues.
There are a few unusual exceptions to this rule, such as when your CPU overheats and slows down to keep cool, but most sluggishness is brought on by software problems.
What are system faults?
System Fault refers to a UNISS flaw or error that prevents the system from temporarily carrying out the tasks that must be done. Samples 1 and 2 A “system fault” is a minor issue with some “application software” or “services.”
What are the symptoms of hardware failure?
Frequent Freezing and the Blue Screens of Death
Back up your data as soon as you can if your gadgets are freezing up or you experience the blue screen of death. This can indicate faulty hardware. Before the equipment fails, you must transfer your data to a secure location.
Conclusion
Having seen the list of the top 10 common computer problems, I am sure you must have encountered at least one of such problems.
Well, are there other ways you solved them aside from the solutions we gave in this guide?
If yes, do let us know in the comment section as others would love to learn.
