Laptops are the workhorses of many small businesses. They store important data, run important programs, and keep employees connected. Over the years, laptops have changed from big, clunky, and rather heavy machines to slim, extremely light, portable, and very powerful laptops. But even with all upgrades in power, size, capacity, and memory, laptop problems still occur regularly.
As a business, you rely on your trusted device to help you run your business and get your work done. But what should you do if you are facing any of these common laptop problems? In this article, we will discuss the most common problems you may encounter and provide a solution to fix them.
5 Common Laptop Problems
- General Slowdown
One of the most common problems users have with their laptops is that they are "running slowly." This can be caused by many different things. Usually, however, it refers to the time it takes to turn the PC on, run programs, or do anything. In some extreme cases, this can even mean a delay in input from your keyboard to what appears on the screen. This issue can be incredibly frustrating, affecting multiple programs or areas on your laptop and severely reducing productivity.
How to fix it?
To avoid this problem, we recommend freeing up some memory on the hard drive by deleting temporary files, keeping your desktop organized, and removing programs you don't use regularly. You can also transfer old files to an external hard drive to enhance your laptop's performance
- Problems with Software
Software problems can range from individual programs not working correctly to a complete failure of the operating system. They can be caused by software errors, corrupted files, or viruses.
How to fix it?
Make sure that all software, including the operating system and applications, is updated. Regular updates often include bug fixes and system stability improvements. In case of a serious software problem, you may need to repair your system or install it cleanly.
Always back up your data before you do this. A good antivirus program is required to resolve virus or malware issues. A system scan will help you identify and resolve all malicious software in your system.
- Overheating
Overheating can degrade your laptop's performance and often causes system crashes and freezes. Every laptop is very hot, but laptops are especially prone to overheating due to their small size and lack of ventilation. Overheating can cause endless damage to the unit unless prompt action is taken. There are several reasons your laptop can overheat, including cooling issues, common laptop software issues, and dust buildup in the vents.
How to fix it?
Regular cleaning can prevent dust accumulation. If you prefer, you can open the back of your laptop and gently clean the fans and vents with a compressed air spray. Be careful not to touch the internal parts with your hands to avoid electrostatic crack.
In case of serious problems with overheating, you may need to replace the cooling system or apply a new thermal paste to the processor. If you are uncertain about any of these steps, it is best to contact a professional service like TechUp.
- Blue Screen of Death
The worst laptop problem is the horrible blue screen of death. This phrase refers to the blue error screen when a laptop crashes. Blue screens can cause data loss or be more destructive and must be repaired immediately. OS updates sometimes result in a blue screen, in which case you can usually fix the problem yourself.
Normally, there is an error code associated with the blue screen, so try to record this information whenever possible. If the problem is more severe, experts can use these codes to diagnose and repair the laptop more effectively. However, there are a few things you can try to do yourself to fix the blue screen and prevent costly repairs.
How to fix it?
If your laptop is too hot to touch and gives a BSOD error, it is the fault of overheating the graphics or processor chip. Make sure that nothing is blocking the laptop's vents. If possible, use a cooling stand if the BSOD error persists. Hardware failures can cause BSOD errors, and a memory problem is one of them. A bad RAM condition may cause a BSOD bug.
Obsolete and corrupt drivers may cause a BSOD error. To fix bad or old drivers on a Windows laptop, do this:
- Search for Device Manager on your laptop and open it.
- Find the drivers that have yellow signs next to them.
- Click on each one to see more details.
- Right-click on each driver and pick 'Update driver' from the pop-up menu.
If updating does not help, you may need to return to the driver's old version. You can also check for bad software or viruses on your laptop. However, you can only do this if you can start Windows and scan your laptop with Windows Defender.
If your laptop shows blue screens, you must check your hard drive. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer. Then, right-click on the drive you want to check and choose Properties.
After that, click on tools and then Check. The window will show you if the disk is bad. If your disk is about to die, take it to the best laptop repair service like TechUp. Otherwise, you may lose all your files on the laptop.
- Battery Drain
Perhaps one of the most common problems of laptops is associated with the battery. Battery problems are manifested in the form of rapid depletion of charge, overheating, or complete failure.
How to fix it?
Get started with the basics - rate the power settings of your laptop. Sometimes, adjusting the system's power settings to a more efficient configuration can help you extend your battery life. If your laptop battery continues to run out, maybe it's time to replace it. Most modern laptops have removable batteries, making the replacement process relatively simple. If you have a laptop with a non-removable battery, seek professional help if you are unfamiliar with disassembling laptops.
Conclusion
These are some of the most common laptop problems that small businesses face. They can affect your work efficiency and cause frustration. However, with some easy tips, you can solve most of them yourself. If you need more help, you can contact a reliable laptop repair service in your area. Or, you can try TechUp, the first platform for sourcing employee laptop rentals and managing the entire asset lifecycle, from onboarding to repairs to off-boarding. If your laptop needs repair, TechUp provides rental options to keep your business running smoothly.