5 Problems your Laptop could have -- And How to Fix them

It isn't fun when your Laptop or PC isn't working. It makes the device slower and removes functionality, which can delay tasks and deadlines. Over time, it can wear down the parts of the device.

Luckily, most of these laptops can quickly be restored to their previous performance. It can be as easy as a few quick steps in many cases. 

Let's explore some of the most common issues and their causes!

1 - Overheating

Overheating, a common issue affecting Laptops, is caused by the energy used to complete processes, which heats the internal parts. 

The Laptop's exhaust system usually regulates this process and can sound different when clogged. Understanding this mechanism can help you prevent and resolve overheating issues, making you a more informed user.

Most Laptop exhausts have an inflow and outflow of air currents through different vents. Over time, these vents can become clogged with dust, hair or other small things. 

Without proper airflow, the Laptop cannot prevent itself from overheating. This dust should be removed without touching or moving any internal parts.

Faulty processes are another issue that can cause overheating. 

These can cause a Laptop to recalculate the same thing in a loop, using excess energy. To fix this, the process can be ended in the task manager, or the device can be restarted. 

2 - Slow Storage Devices

Slow storage devices will take a long time to write or read any information from the computer. As this worsens, the whole computer will slow. This issue is caused by storage errors in the device that accumulate over time. 

Luckily, Windows has made a tool to resolve this! The Defragment and Optimise Drives tool can fix errors in your storage device. 

Defragmenting is for HDDs and gets rid of any gaps in the drive. SDDs have a similar feature that runs multiple passes on the disk to restore its speed.

3 - Outdated Software

Software Updates have two forms: Firmware and Software. 

Firmware Updates are more for back-end operating systems like Windows, MacOS, and iOS. Software Updates are for applications or other processes that run on this back-end. 

The Windows Update tool should be used for most Firmware updates. It can be found in Settings. Software updates are trickier. 

Some software have automatic updaters', which regularly check if the program has any updates and installs them as required. 

Others must be uninstalled and then reinstalled with the latest versions. The specific update method is usually be found on the relevant software's website.

4 - Outdated Drivers

Outdated or Incorrect Drivers can cause many issues. Drivers are the software that converts information for use with other devices. 

When a driver is outdated or Incorrect, the device can no longer communicate effectively with another device. There are two ways to update drivers.

The first way is to use Windows Update. The second is to use Device Manager. When using Device Manager, Drivers can sometimes be found automatically by Windows, while others require downloading from the Internet.

5 - Virus Infection

Virus Infections aren't fun. They can steal data, cause malicious behaviour and ruin your Laptop's Health.

Here is a quick list of steps that can help remove a virus.

• Full Virus Scan

• Offline Windows Virus Scan

• SFC Scan

• DISM Scan

• Remove Untrusted Programs
  

I have written an article that explains these scans and how to complete them.

These are just some of the most common ways that I fix computers. There are many things that can go wrong with these devices and learning more about them can help you repair them. If none of these fixes are working for you, feel free to go through some more of my articles for more fixes. I also provide IT services to people in the Riverina so don't be afraid to get in touch.