One second technology makes your world go round, and the next, it causes nothing but frustration and stress.
Whether you’re experiencing a software or hardware issue, take a deep breath. Your computer has likely not defeated you. In fact, with a little guidance and a boost of confidence, some of the most common PC issues can be resolved in no time at all.
Here are 4 common PC issues and simple step-by-step instructions on how to fix those issues yourself – no IT support necessary.
1. My computer is running slow.
Is your productivity being impacted by a slow computer? The first thing you should do is restart your PC. If that doesn’t work, head to your task manager. There might be programs running in the background that don’t need to be running. While you’re there, go ahead and delete any old programs you no longer use — these can just leech your PC’s available resources.
Related: 4 quick steps to improving your slow PC performance yourself
2. My computer keeps freezing.
Not only is it frustrating, but a frozen computer can cause panic — especially if you haven’t backed up your work. If this happens to you, start with this basic command: Ctrl, Alt, Delete. At this point, you’ll be able to access your task manager and end the application or program causing the problem.
In other cases, your PC could be infected with malware. This is why it’s important to conduct malware scans regularly. If you do not currently have a network security solution in place, now is the time to go ahead and invest in one.
Related: 8 reasons bad technology is tearing your business apart
3. My computer won’t turn on.
When this heart-stopping issue surfaces, plug your computer into a direct power source. If you’re using a laptop, remove the battery to see if it will turn on using AC power only (a replacement battery may do the trick). If you’re using a desktop, ensure that no cables are loose or disconnected.
If you experience the “Blue Screen of Death,” this is likely a driver or hardware issue. Once this occurs, think about what you were doing prior. For example, did you install an update? You can use “Systems Restore” to undo these recent changes. You should also perform a test to see if there are any errors in your computer’s memory, and while you’re at it, go ahead and disconnect any non-essential hardware.
Related: 5 reasons it’s more important than ever to have a data backup and recovery plan
4. My computer won’t install a new app.
There are two probable explanations here. The first is that the application is simply not compatible with the operating system you use. The second is that the software has specific requirements that aren’t being met by your computer. Your best bet here is to look for an alternative application or to upgrade the system you’re running.
Although you’ll likely overcome these common PC issues quickly, they can act as the perfect wake up call. Once you get your computer back in business, it’s time to think about creating a disaster recovery plan. Learn more about this process here.