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Windows 10: how to fix a computer which is running slow and crashes

Windows 10: how to fix a computer which is running slow and crashes

Amine Sahal
Windows 10: how to fix a computer who is running slow and crashes - Revick

Your computer is running slow and hanging on Windows 10, and you want to know the most popular solutions to solve this issue? Do you want to make sure that your computer becomes hang free and run faster? In this guide, we explore the possible causes of crashes, the steps to regain control of your PC, as well as ways to minimize the risk of performance issues.

Fixing Computer issues on Windows

The reasons why your Windows 10 computer is running slow or crashes are multiple. Most often, this type of inconvenience is caused by corrupted programs, bugs, or using too many system resources. In some cases, the reasons may be more obscure – for example, cosmic rays that continuously bombard the Earth can cause “bit flips” in the RAM. Finally, some repeated crashes are a sign of hardware problems.

Windows 10: how to regain control over your Computer that is crashing and running slow

It is recommended to always follow the same steps in order.

1. Wait a few seconds

Sometimes, regaining control of a PC is just… waiting. We are not talking about waiting an unreasonable amount of time – about 30 seconds is usually enough to form an opinion on the issue. Going through the next steps too quickly can in some cases make the situation worse and lead you to lose your files (if you forgot to save…)

2. Try to exit the open applications

If you have identified the faulty application, try to close it normally, by clicking on The Cross or right-clicking on the taskbar then clicking on “Close window.” If this does not work, click on the open window of the application and simultaneously press Alt + F4.

3. Open the task manager

If at this point your PC or application is still blocked, you must open the task manager:

There are two ways to do that:

  • Righ-click on the taskbar > Click on Task Manager
  • Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete simultaneously > Click on Task Manager

 > Click on More details to expend the window

Task Manager Windows 10 - Revick

On the processes tab, you have a list of applications and processes and their CPU and memory usage rates.

  • Click at the very top of the column on the word CPU so that the list is ranked from the most demanding to the lightest application
  • Right-click on the apps that consume the most CPU
  • Click on End task

You could repeat the operation with the memory usage rate if this did not solve the problem. In case it’s not really an application, but your Windows desktop and taskbar that seems blocked, don’t panic: look in the list for the Windows Explorer or Windows Explorer process, right-click on it and click Restart.

Warning: when you force an application to exit, you will usually lose everything that has not been saved.

4. Change the startup applications

On the Task Manager, go to the Startup tab and disable all the apps that consume a lot of resources.

Change the startup on Windows 10

To identify the apps that affect the performance, you can refer to the Processes tab as per point 3.

5. Restart your PC

If your computer is still stuck and you are not afraid of losing your unregistered work, try restarting the PC.

It is assumed that you have already tried unsuccessfully to do so via the Start menu:

Force restart 1
  • Press Win + L simultaneously
  • Restart from the login screen
Force restart 2
  • Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete simultaneously
  • Click on the On/Off icon at the right-bottom corner and then click Restart
Force restart 3

Nothing works anymore?

Keep pressing the physical On/Off button on your computer for a few seconds until it turns off.

This method is clearly not the cleanest, and we recommend using it only as a last resort. If a blue death screen appears, it will still be the only solution you have left.

Windows 10: how to make a PC crashless

If your windows computer is running slow and crashes from time to time, but in 95% of cases you can use your PC without pulling your hair out, there is no reason to go any further. Occasional crashes are usual on any OS and are usually related to minor bugs, or “bit flips” if your computer does not have ECC (Error-correcting code) memory. However, if this type of problem occurs frequently, there must be a problem.

Before you start, don’t forget to update everything, especially your drivers and the BIOS/EFI of your motherboard (if available).

If nothing improves, follow these steps in order:

1. View the reliability history

View the reliability history Windows 10 - Revick

This Windows integrated tool provides a starting point for further research on the Internet. It allows you to view crashes chronologically and can point you in one direction. For example, the program may reveal that a crash occurred because of your hard disk (probably a sign that it should be replaced). The history also shows you when you have installed system updates, which can in some cases, lead you to go back.

To access this tool:

  • Click on the search field next to the Start Menu
  • Start typing reliability
  • Click on View Reliability History

2. Scan your PC for viruses

As you were told above, a corrupted program, malware, adware, or any other type of malware can be the cause of the crash. You can perform a quick scan with Windows Defender, but to be 100% sure that no programs are threatening your computer, we recommend that you repeat the operation with free third-party solutions such as Avast and Malwarebytes.

3. Check that your PC is not full of dust or dirt

A PC whose CPU and GPU are overheating can cause performance issues and so crashes, as well as if dirt causes false contacts on your motherboard. Whether you have a desktop tower or a laptop PC, it is usually easy to open it and clean it.

Clean the motherboard gently, especially without any liquid, and take your time. Disconnect and reconnect the RAM. Pay particular attention to removing dust from the fans (for example, by gently wiping it with a dry cotton swab). If possible, optimize the thermal transfer between the processor, GPU, and their respective cooling unit by replacing their thermal paste.

4. Try to recover to a restore point

If the crashes started recently, they are probably related to something that has happened in the meantime. Try to return to a previous recovery point. For this purpose:

  • Click on the search field next to the Start Menu
  • Start typing Restore point
  • Click on Create a restore point
  • In the window that has just opened, click on System Recovery
  • Click the Next button
  • Select the Restore point of your choice

5. If the problem persists, reset Windows

Sometimes the only solution is to start from scratch. Back up your data first, then:

  • Click on the search field next to the Start Menu
  • Start typing Reset
  • Click on Reset this PC

Select the options according to your needs (The options are self-explanatory and have disclaimers with useful information)

If this reset method crashes or does not work, we recommend that you create an installation media, and perform the installation from the DVD you burned or a bootable USB stick.

6. My PC is still crashing, what should I do?

Before calling Ghost Busters, there is one thing you can already see: with the reset of your PC, software causes are now eliminated. There are obviously one or some hardware problems that you have not detected. If you have less than 8 GB of RAM and your hard disk / SSD is more than 3-4 years old, you can probably try adding some RAM* and replacing the storage device. Hardware issue can generally be diagnosed with many solutions out there, look for “Diagnose hardware” in your search engine, and you should find something free out there.

* Make sure that the type of RAM placed in all slots is the same and that the RAM frequency is compatible with your motherboard and processor at the risk of causing even more crashes!

From this point on, if the problems persist, it is best to contact a professional and explain all the steps you have already taken.

Was this guide useful? Do you know other tips that are not listed? Share your feedback in the comments!

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