There are a handful of common issues that can cause a computer to crash unexpectedly. Luckily, it’s typically pretty easy to diagnose and fix the problem most of the time. As a note, most of the explanations here will cover Windows PCs and laptops. However, the same underlying problems will still apply if you’re running Linux or own a Mac—your specific solution may just involve different menus or software. Remember, if you ever don’t feel confident about fixing a given issue, you can always take it to a tech specialist to have them do it!
StepsMethod 1Method 1 of 10:Incompatible Software
1An incompatible program may confuse your computer and trigger crashes. Some programs are designed for certain operating systems (or versions of an operating system). If your computer crashes whenever you run a specific program you install, or you just installed something and now your computer is shutting down randomly, try uninstalling the program.XExpert SourceLuigi OppidoComputer & Tech SpecialistExpert Interview. 30 September 2021.If you can’t find the problematic program, backup any essential files on an external hard drive and try reverting your computer to a previous version before these problems started.Defragment your hard drive after uninstalling the program to remove any temporary files and keep them from clogging up your machine.XMethod 2Method 2 of 10:Malware
1Malicious programs can throw a computer off and trigger shutdowns. If anything else feels “off” about your computer, it might be a virus. This is not a super common reason for crashes (malicious software wants your computer to be on, not off), so it may be that the virus is messing with a background process or program that’s causing the crashes.XBoot in safe mode while you’re checking this one. This will keep a potential problem from running amuck while you work on the computer.Delete all temporary files using the Disk Cleanup tool that’s installed in your computer and download an antivirus program. Run a full scan.If the program identifies any issues, the steps to fixing it are going to be specific to that specific virus.Method 3Method 3 of 10:Registry Errors
1These errors can cause your operating system to shut down unexpectedly. They can even lead to the dreaded BSOD (blue screen of death). If the registry is messed up, your PC will often freeze or stutter randomly without you doing anything. It’s pretty hard to edit the registry if you don’t know what you’re doing, so try using a cleanup program instead! XCCleaner is free and widely considered to be among the easiest options. Wise Registry Cleaner is another good choice.Run the program to let it scan for your registry for missing values or errors. If your computer keeps crashing while you’re doing this, try it in safe mode.If the program identifies a mistake, allow it to fix the issue for you automatically. If it doesn’t find anything, it’s probably not a registry error.Method 4Method 4 of 10:Driver Issues
1Updating your drivers can solve task-specific or random crashes. If your computer crashes when you open certain programs or perform a specific task, you may have a corrupted or out-of-date driver. Drivers provide instructions for how your computer performs a certain task, and they require updates periodically to ensure that your computer doesn’t get “confused.”XTo check this one, type “Check for Updates” in the start menu and click that. Let Windows scan your computer for driver updates. If there aren’t any, run the update to bring your computer up to speed.You can find potential driver issues by running the “Reliability History” program. Scan the list for programs that pop up more than once.Method 5Method 5 of 10:Bad Sectors
1If you have an old-school hard disk drive, it can fall apart over time. Hard drives are divided into sections, called sectors. If a sector becomes damaged, it will go bad.X You can’t fix physically damaged sectors, but if it’s a software issue causing the problem, it can be repaired.XExpert SourceLuigi OppidoComputer & Tech SpecialistExpert Interview. 30 September 2021.You can try running the “Scan Drive” tool in the “Properties” tab of file explorer.In the command prompt, type “sfc/scannow” and press enter. Do not close the command prompt and wait for the scan and repair to finish running.If none of that works, download a hard driver repair tool, like MiniTool, to scan your drive and repair it.Method 6Method 6 of 10:Overheating
1Most computers will shut down at certain temperatures. If your graphics card or computer processing unit get too hot, they can become damaged. Most modern computers will automatically shut down before this happens, but if it’s an older computer, it will just slow down and bug out. This may be a simple fix, though!XIf the computer is in a cabinet or resting on carpet, it may overheat. Your laptop may run too hot if you use it on top of a pillow or blanket. If this is an issue, move your computer to an area where it can get some air.For a laptop or Mac, take it to a qualified repair specialist. These repairs are pretty tough if you don’t have experience messing with internal components.A dirty computer can also lead to overheating issues. If you open the side panel and realize that the components are covered in dust, it’s time for a cleaning.Method 7Method 7 of 10:Dirty Components
1If you haven’t cleaned your PC in years, this is likely the problem. There are vents and fans that pull cold air into your computer to cool off the components. If you never clean the computer and it’s sitting in a cabinet or on the ground, it might need a good deep cleaning.XDo not do this on carpet and keep your socks off. Lay the computer on its side and remove the side panel.Turn your computer off and unplug everything.Use compressed air to blow out any dust that’s built up on your components. Do not touch anything directly, although keep your finger on the fans to keep them from spinning while you clear the dust.Method 8Method 8 of 10:RAM Overload
1If running complex programs or multitasking causes a crash, it might be the RAM. RAM (random access memory) is basically short-term storage that your computer uses to open and run programs.XExpert SourceLuigi OppidoComputer & Tech SpecialistExpert Interview. 30 September 2021. If your computer has less than 16GB of RAM and you’re trying to run a complex program, your PC can lock up, freeze, and crash.XYou can normally tell if this is a problem if your computer slows down or freezes a lot before the crash. When that happens, open the task manager. If your memory is running roughly at 50-100% when it’s lagging, you’ve got RAM problems.You’ve basically got two options here. If you have any slots available in your motherboard, you can upgrade your RAM, or get a new computer. If your computer is more than 5-7 years old or so, it’s probably best to just replace it.Method 9Method 9 of 10:Unplugged/Loose Cords
1A single unplugged or loose cord can make it impossible to boot or cause crashes. In the event that your PC crashed randomly and it won’t turn back on, this is a likely problem. If your computer is on but the screen is black, this is also a possible diagnosis. In other cases, this isn’t a super common cause for crashes per se, but it’s easy to fix. Just check all of your cords!XExpert SourceLuigi OppidoComputer & Tech SpecialistExpert Interview. 30 September 2021.A big sign that this is the issue is if your computer crashes when you bump or move it.Check the cord running from the outlet to the PC and the PC to the monitor.If you don’t have a custom PC and you don’t know how internal components work, don’t bother poking around inside the PC case. It’s unlikely a loose interior connection is the problem, and you’re more likely to trigger another problem than fix anything.XMethod 10Method 10 of 10:BIOS Update Requirements
1It’s unlikely, but an outdated BIOS might lead to crashes. Backup your computer before you proceed. The BIOS is a chip on your motherboard that essentially tells your computer how very basic inputs and outputs work (BIOS is short for basic input/output system). If your motherboard needs a BIOS update, it can cause some funky problems—including random crashes. Updating your BIOS might solve your issues.XTry checking for updates in your computer’s UEFI (unified extensible firmware interface). This menu is going to look different from PC brand to PC brand, but you can typically access it by restarting and pressing F2, the delete key, or escape key when the first logo appears on your screen.If you think your BIOS need’s an update, check your motherboard manufacturer’s page to see if they’ve mentioned any updates designed specifically to patch a problem that’s causing crashes.
