7 Most Common Computer Malfunctions and How You Can Fix Them

NOTE: The actual contents and opinions are the sole views of the author who maintains editorial independence.
Chances are you will experience technical problems with your computer more often than you like. However, it doesn’t meanthat you should run to a service center every time your system misbehaves.

Most of the common computer problems we encounter have simple and easy-to-handle solutions. After all, when you are hustling on that approaching deadline, the last thing you want is to contact customer care. To help you along, here we have listed the 7 most common computer malfunctions and tips on how you can fix them.

Computer Won’t Operate

This is perhaps the most searched issue online. Your computer immediately shuts off when you are frantically searching for an essay writing service or placing your order on an essay service platform. And you randomly click on all buttons to turn the PC back on. We have all experienced similar circumstances.

Read: How to extend your laptop battery lifespan on Linux Ubuntu/Debian

How to Fix:

• Check whether the battery has enough power. Charge it if necessary and make sure the power indicator light is on. Otherwise, find another charger and try again.
• On your laptop, it could also mean that the system is in sleep mode. To address that, shut down the computer and restart. To do this, hold the power button for five seconds and press it again to start the system.
• If these steps are not effective, it could mean that the power supply of your computer has failed.

Screen Won’t Turn On

In this case, your computer might be working, but the screen is blank. This could mean that there is an issue with the link between the devices.

Read: How to fix the blue screen of death error in Windows 10

How to Fix :

• If you are using a desktop system, ensure that the monitor is plugged in and the connections between the monitor and CPU are secure.
• If it is a problem with your laptop, you will have to get a professional to address the issue.

Computer Overheating

We often tend to overlook that our PC is overheating until it leads to bigger issues. After all your laptop heating up might not be the priority. But you should take this as a warning because it can slow down your PC and lead to crashes. The computer could also get permanently damaged with constant exposure to heat.

Read: 5 Ways To Stop Your CPU From Overheating: A Definitive Guide

How to Fix:

• Check if the fan is working. If not, you will need to get it repaired professionally.
• Avoid blocking the vents. Soft and uneven surfaces such as a bed or couch can result in your laptop getting easily warmed. It is best to use a laptop tray that doesn’t cover the ventilation area.
• Clean your computer. Accumulation of dust can prevent the fan from working effectively. Use cotton buds to get rid of any blockage caused by dust.

System Running Slow

Whether you are simply watching a movie, reading tech news for students, or rushing to complete an assignment, a slow PC is always a headache. The older the computer, the more frequent this problem can get.

Read: How to speed up your Windows computer

How to Fix:

• Close RAM-hungry programs. Open your task manager and shut down any applications that might be taking too many resources.
• Disable any startup program that might be running in the background as soon as you start your computer.
• Scan for any accidental malware or adware. These are programs that might have been downloaded while you were surfing the Internet. Use your antivirus to spot and remove them.

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-s-hands-using-laptop-4065617/

Frozen Screen

Unfortunately, if this happens, you will have no other way but to shut down and reboot the system. This means you could lose any unsaved work unless you use an autosave option or have a backup.

How to Fix:

•   You can press and hold the power button until the computer turns off and restart it to see whether the screen works smoothly.

Printer Not Printing

There are not enough words to describe the frustration when this happens. But as they say, you have to be patient in attending to this issue.

How to Fix:

• Double-check to ensure that the toner cartridges are not empty.
• Check whether the USB cable is plugged in or that the printer is connected to Wi-Fi.
• Restart the printer.
• Check for issues within the PC. Every printer has its own driver in the computer, which you can troubleshoot.

Computer Automatically Restarts

This can be another grater when you are seriously working on something. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact issue, but you could try a quick solution before consulting a professional.

How to Fix:

• Delete any registry files.
• Update all drivers.
• Check the system for malware.

The Bottom Line

A majority of these common issues can be solved with a few tweaks. However, some of them will need expert help. If you are struggling to fix the issue, do not hesitate to reach out to a service consultant or call customer support.