6 Common PC Problems (and What to Do About Them)

Computers can last five to eight years, depending on how well it’s been cared for. A PC can last longer than that with the right upgrades and software updates.

Your system is a few years old and is causing you computer problems, but you want to keep it for its cost savings. It could be running slow or overheating, but you’re unsure how to tackle these PC issues.

If you want to learn more about common computer problems, read on.

1. The Most Common of Computer Problems – It’s Running Slow

If your computer is running slow, you may want to check if you have enough storage available. If it’s less than 20 GB, you should clear some space. The reason is that computers need extra storage to run temporary functions like editing and saving files.

Another cause of PC issues is your CPU or RAM (Random Access Memory) may be running at full capacity, hindering performance. You can monitor the usage of these two by opening Task Manager.

Suppose the CPU or Memory uses up 90% – 100% of their utilization for a long time and slows down. That means you’re running a program that’s too much for your computer, or you have too many windows open. Close down the program and windows.

If you need to run a program, but it’s slowing you down, it may be time to upgrade by replacing your CPU with a newer model and installing more RAM.

2. Overheating Issues

Utilizing your CPU and RAM at full capacity for an extended period can lead to overheating, which plays a massive role in computer issues. But suppose your computer is running too hot with low system utilization and operating at slow speeds. In that case, that means it could be overheating.

Before turning off your computer to risk further damage, you want to check if your case fans are working. You’ll need to replace your unresponsive case fans and clean the vents for increased airflow and maximum cooling.

3. Computer Doesn’t Turn On

If a computer doesn’t boot up, you will have to check if your PC hardware has any power. You can do so by opening your side panel and checking if any lights are illuminating from the motherboard.

If there’s no light, it may be your power supply causing these computer issues. The power supply may be dead, and you will have to replace it. Learn more about computer problems such as failing to turn on and how to solve them.

4. The Screen Is Blank

Your computer is on, but nothing shows up on the monitor. You will have to check if your display cables are fully connected to the computer and a power source. If everything is connected, but your screen is still blank, you may have to flash your BIOS.

5. Internet Is Slow

If you notice your internet is slowing down, you may have to check things outside of the usual computer troubleshooting. This can be looking at your downloads, Ethernet cables, Wi-Fi card, and internet modem and router.

The cables and modem are fine, but the internet is still running slow? You will have to clear your temporary files and cookies to surf the internet more smoothly.

6. Peripherals Not Working Properly

PC problems like a mouse, keyboard, and webcam not functioning correctly can be annoying. There may be connection issues, and the webcam is lagging.

You will have to check for updates on your operating system and drivers. These are constantly being updated, so you’ll have to keep up with them – the updates can increase general operating speeds too.

Fix Your Computer and Learn More

The most common computer problems involve slowing down and overheating, non-booting, and a blank screen. Taking care of these computer issues is crucial to its maintenance. Doing so will pay off.

Computers will have to be constantly updated and replaced after a few years. Now that you have learned how to handle these issues, you’re ready to conduct computer troubleshooting yourself. If you find this helpful, look at our other tech blogs for more.