Fixing an Unresponsive Windows 10 PC: Practical Tips
Encountering a Windows 10 crash can be frustrating — that awkward moment when everything just stops working. It’s annoying, but the good news is there are a few tricks that can often get your system back on track without pulling your hair out. It might not always be straightforward, but patience and a calm approach usually do the trick.
Start Simple: Restart Your Computer
It sounds obvious, but giving your PC a quick restart can work wonders. It clears out temporary glitches and gives everything a fresh start. Click on Start Menu, select Power, then choose Restart. If that doesn’t solve the problem, no worries — we’ll try other options.
Boot into Safe Mode
If a restart doesn’t help, try booting into Safe Mode. This starts Windows with only the essentials running, making it easier to troubleshoot issues caused by problematic software or drivers. To get there, hold down the Shift key while clicking Restart from the Power menu. Then go through Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings, and press 4 to select Safe Mode.
It can be a bit finicky, and sometimes you might need to repeat the process a couple of times. Just go with the flow.
Run a Malware Scan
Malware can sneak in and cause all sorts of headaches. Running a quick scan with Windows Defender usually does the trick. Head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security, then click on Virus & Threat Protection. Choose Quick scan, or if you’re feeling cautious, opt for Full scan from the Scan options menu. You might also want to keep Malwarebytes on hand for extra protection.
Update Your Drivers
Outdated drivers are a common culprit for crashes. It’s a pain, especially when all you want is for things to just work. To update them, open Device Manager (right-click the Start button and select it). Check under categories like Display adapters, right-click, and choose Update driver. This might be the fix for why your system went haywire.
Check for Windows Updates
Keeping Windows up to date isn’t just a good idea — it’s essential. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix bugs and stability issues. Head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any updates found; sometimes, that new update has been waiting for you since last month!
System Restore — The Last Resort
If all else fails, System Restore can be a lifesaver. It rolls your PC back to a previous best-known state before the trouble started. Search for Create a restore point in the Start menu, click on System Restore, and pick a restore point from when everything was fine. Just remember, it will undo recent system changes, so save your important files before proceeding.
Sometimes, System Restore feels like a bit of a gamble — one device responds well, another might not. So, make sure that backup is sorted first.
Keep Your PC Running Smoothly
Prevention is better than cure. Keep those backups up to date using tools like File History. Regularly cleaning out dust from your machine can prevent overheating issues — a common cause of crashes. Be cautious about what you download; stick to reputable sources to avoid malware.
Monitoring your computer’s health with basic maintenance tasks can save a lot of headaches down the track.
Wrapping Up
Getting a crash under control might seem overwhelming, but most users manage to stabilise their systems. If crashes keep happening, it could be time to seek expert assistance or run thorough hardware diagnostics.
Here’s a quick checklist for troubleshooting:
- Restart your PC.
- Try booting into Safe Mode.
- Run a malware scan.
- Update all device drivers.
- Check for Windows updates.
- Use System Restore if necessary.
These steps have helped many users get back on track — give them a go!