My Computer Is Slow or Not Working – What Should I Do First?

Is your computer acting up? Don't panic! This guide will help you understand common computer problems and what simple steps you can take to fix them right away.

We'll walk you through basic troubleshooting for slow performance, internet issues, frozen screens, and more, all in easy-to-understand language.

1. Why is my computer suddenly running very slowly?

Many things can make your computer slow. It might be trying to do too many things at once, like having many browser tabs or programs open. Your computer could also be running low on storage space, or it might have a virus or unwanted software slowing it down.

Sometimes, simply restarting your computer can clear up temporary issues and make it faster again. Think of it as giving your computer a fresh start.

2. What steps should I take if my internet connection isn't working?

First, check if your Wi-Fi is turned on or if your network cable is plugged in properly. Next, try restarting your modem and router – these are the boxes that give you internet. Unplug them for 30 seconds, then plug them back in.

If other devices like your phone also can't connect, the problem might be with your internet provider. If only your computer has issues, try restarting your computer itself.

3. My computer screen is frozen, what's the safest way to unfreeze it?

When your screen is frozen, it means your computer isn't responding to your mouse or keyboard. The safest first step is to wait a minute or two; sometimes it just needs time to catch up. If it's still frozen, try pressing the 'Ctrl', 'Alt', and 'Delete' keys at the same time.

This usually brings up a screen where you can choose to restart, shut down, or open Task Manager. If that doesn't work, you might need to force a shutdown as a last resort.

4. How do I perform a safe restart or shutdown when my computer is unresponsive?

If your computer is completely frozen and the Ctrl+Alt+Delete trick doesn't work, you'll need to force a shutdown. Locate the power button on your computer – it's usually a circular button with a power symbol.

Press and hold this power button down for about 5 to 10 seconds. Your computer will then completely shut off. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. This is a last resort but is generally safe for unresponsive systems.

5. What should I do if a specific application isn't responding?

If only one program is frozen, try closing it without shutting down your whole computer. Press 'Ctrl', 'Alt', and 'Delete' at the same time to open the Task Manager (or Activity Monitor on a Mac).

In Task Manager, find the unresponsive program, click on it, and then click "End task" (or "Force Quit" on Mac). This should close just that one program, allowing you to reopen it or continue using your computer.

6. My screen is black, but the computer seems to be on – what's wrong?

A black screen can be scary! First, check if your monitor is properly plugged into both the wall and your computer. Make sure the monitor itself is turned on and that its brightness isn't turned all the way down.

If you have a laptop, try connecting it to an external monitor or TV to see if a display appears there. Sometimes, the computer is on, but the screen simply isn't receiving a signal. A restart can often fix this.

7. How can I quickly check my computer for viruses or malware?

Most computers today come with built-in security software, like Windows Security for Windows PCs. You can open this program and run a "Quick Scan" to check for common threats. It's important to keep this software updated.

If you suspect a serious infection, you might need to run a "Full Scan," which takes longer but checks everything. Always be cautious about what you click online and what programs you download.

8. What does the error message 'No bootable device found' mean?

This message means your computer can't find the operating system (like Windows or macOS) it needs to start up. It's like a car that can't find its engine. This can happen if your hard drive (where your operating system lives) has a problem, or if the computer is trying to start from a different device, like a USB stick.

First, remove any USB drives, CDs, or DVDs. Then, try restarting your computer. If the problem persists, it might indicate a more serious hardware issue.

9. When should I decide to call tech support versus trying to fix it myself?

Try fixing it yourself for simple issues like a slow computer, internet connection problems, or a frozen screen, especially after a restart. These are often temporary glitches.

You should call tech support if you see error messages you don't understand, hear strange noises from your computer, suspect a virus you can't remove, or if your computer won't turn on at all after trying basic steps. It's also wise to call if you're uncomfortable trying more advanced solutions.

10. How do I check how much disk space I have left?

Running out of disk space can slow your computer down significantly. On Windows, open "File Explorer" (the folder icon), then click "This PC" on the left. You'll see your hard drives listed, often as "C:". The bar next to it shows how much space is used and free.

On a Mac, click the Apple menu, then "About This Mac," and then "Storage." This will show you a breakdown of your disk space usage. Deleting old files or uninstalling unused programs can free up space.