Computer crashes are very annoying to all users, especially when using your laptop or PC for critical work or to play games.
When a computer crashes, it typically displays the blue screen of death, the system cannot be launched, the screen freezes without responding, the keyboard and mouse cannot be used, and the software frequently stops working.
This article will explain the causes of computer crashes and provide you with workable solutions.
Causes of Laptop Keeps Crashing
Why does your laptop keep crashing? Let’s explore some common reasons:
- Poorly Connected Devices
Sometimes, the issue might be as simple as a component like RAM, the hard drive, the CPU, or the graphics card not being properly installed in its slot. Even your computer’s power cable might not be plugged in correctly.
- Hard Drive Issues
Both traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs) can fail, leading to crashes. Hard drives might experience mechanical failures, while SSDs can suffer from physical damage, although it’s less common.
- Overheating
Computers can get too hot and automatically shut down to prevent damage to the internal parts like the CPU or the motherboard. This safety feature stops things like melting or even catching fire.
- Corrupted Operating System
A very common reason for crashes is a corrupted operating system, often due to malware. This can happen regardless of whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, although Windows is more prone to such attacks. Using anti-malware software to remove the malware should help your PC run smoothly again.
- Damaged Hardware
Sometimes hardware might look fine it might even light up but if it’s internally damaged, it won’t work properly. This can cause your computer to crash to prevent more damage.
Identifying the faulty part might require checking each piece, starting with the most recently added hardware.
Methods to Fix Computer Keeps Crashing Problem
There are two types of solutions for computer crashes: software-related solutions and hardware-related solutions. To resolve computer crashes brought on by hardware or software issues, use the solutions listed below.
The easy fixes for the computer crashing problem are in the following text. To assist other users who are having the same problem, share these solutions.
Method 1: Keep Your Computer Dust-Free
Over time, dust can build up inside your computer or laptop, which can make it overheat and slow down.
Dust can especially cause problems if it covers important parts like the floppy drive head or the optical drive laser head, leading to errors or crashes. To keep your computer running smoothly, it’s important to regularly clean out any dust from the hardware.
Method 2: Cool Your Computer
When your computer’s motherboard or CPU gets too hot, it can crash. Parts like the monitor, power supply, and CPU create a lot of heat while they’re working, so keeping everything cool is crucial. If a monitor overheats, it could mess up the colours and images on the screen and even shorten its lifespan.
To help with cooling, especially in hot weather, you can improve airflow by opening one side of the computer case. For laptops, using a cooling fan or pad is a good idea to keep temperatures down and prevent crashes.
Method 3: Check the Hardware Connection
Moving your computer can sometimes cause internal hardware like memory sticks to loosen due to vibrations. This can lead to poor connections and cause the computer to crash. Try to avoid shaking or bumping the computer too much when moving it.
Method 4: Replace or Upgrade Your Hard Drive
Your computer may crash if your hard disk is damaged or nearly full, so it’s best to replace or upgrade it. You can use disk cloning software to transfer data from your old drive to a new HDD or SSD.
This software contains tools to manage drive space, including merging, splitting, resizing, and reallocating partitions, in addition to making it simple to clone drives with faulty sectors.
How to Clone a Hard Drive?
1: Selecting the Source Disk:
Navigate to the “Clone” section and select either “Clone OS Disk” or “Clone Data Disk.” Then, press “Next.”
- Choose the disk you wish to duplicate and proceed by clicking “Next.”
2: Choosing the Destination Disk:
- Identify and select the new HDD or SSD as the destination for the clone and press “Next.”
- Acknowledge the warning by clicking “Yes” to continue.
3: Configuring Clone Settings:
- Set your preferences such as “Autofit the disk” or “Clone as the source” to tailor the setup of the new disk.
4: Initiating the Cloning Process:
- Initiate the cloning by clicking on the “Start” button.
This process helps you upgrade your storage without losing data.
Fix 6: Defragment Your Hard Drive
Over time, using your hard drive can cause files to become fragmented, which slows down performance. Defragmenting your hard drive can help speed things up.
It is also a good idea to regularly delete unneeded or large files to keep your drive clean. Here’s how to defragment your hard drive to help prevent your computer from crashing:
- Open File Explorer: Find and right-click the hard drive you want to defragment.
- Access Drive Properties: Click “Optimize” under the Optimize and defragment drive section after selecting “Properties” and selecting the “Tools” tab.
- Start Defragmentation: Click “Optimize” to begin defragmenting your hard disk.
Fix 7: Upgrade Your RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) helps your computer manage tasks like playing games or editing photos. If your computer doesn’t have enough RAM for the programs you’re running, it might freeze. Upgrading your RAM can prevent crashes and make your computer run smoother.
Fix 8: Install or Upgrade Antivirus Software
Viruses, malware, or other harmful software can cause your computer to crash. To protect your computer, install trusted security software such as Avast, AVG, Avira, or Kaspersky. Also, ensure that your antivirus software is regularly updated and running scans to keep your system secure.
Tips for Avoiding Computer Crashes
While computer crashes can happen, there are ways to reduce their likelihood:
- Avoid Overclocking: Be careful not to push your CPU, graphics card, and other components beyond their limits. Overclocking can cause overheating, so it’s best not to do it unless necessary.
- Shut Down Properly: Always close your applications properly and don’t turn off the power until everything has finished running. Improper shutdowns can damage system files, leading to crashes.
- Be Cautious with External Media: Avoid using floppy disks and CDs from unknown sources. Also, use antivirus software to scan any files received via email to prevent infections that could crash your system.
- Manage Memory Usage: If your computer has limited RAM, avoid running applications that require a lot of memory.
- Securely Connect Hardware: When installing new computer components, make sure they are properly connected. Poor contact can lead to system crashes.
- Keep Your Computer Clean: Regularly clean your computer’s case, power supply, and fans to keep it running smoothly.
- Use the Shutdown Option: When turning off your computer, use the shutdown option in your operating system rather than the power button to prevent file loss and ensure it can start up normally next time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Laptop Crashing?
There are several causes for a laptop crashing, such as hardware malfunctions, conflicts between software applications, the device overheating, viruses or other malware, drivers that are out of date, or a lack of adequate system resources.
What Happens When a Laptop Crashes?
When a laptop crashes, it can be due to multiple factors including hardware breakdowns, viral attacks, unexpected power losses, or mistakes made by the user. This disruption can lead to the loss of access to crucial data like files, pictures, documents, and more.
How Can I Prevent my Laptop from Crashing?
- Keep your software and operating system updated.
- Don’t run too many programs at once.
- Make sure your antivirus is active and up to date.
- Clean the inside of your laptop to avoid overheating.
- Consider upgrading your RAM or hard drive if your laptop is old.
Could Malware be Causing my Laptop to Crash?
Yes, malware can make your laptop crash by using up resources or damaging files. Run a virus scan to check for malware.
