1. Install an Antivirus Program
2. Update Your Operating System
Keeping your Windows operating system updated is essential for both performance and security. Ensure you always install the latest security updates and patches released by Microsoft, as these can help protect against any potential bugs and malware that could potentially cause the system to crash.
3. Check Your Hard Disk and Disk Fragmentation
Hard disks can become fragmented over time, which can cause computers to become slower in responding, resulting in eventual crashing. It is therefore important to periodically check the hard disk and disk fragmentation, and then defragment the disk if needed. To do this, open Windows File Explorer, select your hard disk and then click on the “Tools” tab at the top of the window. Choose the “Optimize” option and then select “Optimize” again. This will analyze the disk and determine whether it needs to be defragmented.
4. Reduce the Number of Startup Programs
Having too many programs running when starting up the computer can cause it to become slow and susceptible to crashing. To reduce the number of startup programs, open the Task Manager by pressing “Ctrl + Alt + Delete” and then choosing the “Startup” tab on the top of the window. This will show a list of all startup programs and services, enabling you to deselect those that are not essential.
5. Check for Up-to-Date Drivers and Updates
Ensure that your computer has all the latest drivers and updates installed, as out-of-date drivers can cause conflicts with other software or hardware and lead to system instability. To check for available driver and Windows updates, go to the “Windows Control Panel” and then choose “System and Security”. Click on “Check for Updates” and they should be installed automatically.
6. Monitor the CPU Temperature
The processor can become overworked if it is running too much, resulting in the computer becoming unstable or crashing. To monitor the temperature of the CPU, it is recommended to install a third-party monitoring program such as Core Temp. This will provide information on the temperature of the CPU and alert you when it is getting too hot. If it is found to be running too hot, try disabling some background processes or increase the cooling of the system.
7. Clean Out Your Computer
Periodically cleaning out your computer can help improve its performance and reduce the chances of it crashing. This involves removing unnecessary files and folders, uninstalling unused applications, and emptying the recycle bin. A good tool to use for this is the “Disk Cleanup” utility, which can be accessed via the “Windows Control Panel”.
8. Check for Malware
Malware is malicious software that can infect a computer and lead to crashes. To check for any malware, use a reliable anti-malware scanner such as Malwarebytes. This will detect any suspicious activity on your computer and allow you to take action.
9. Reinstall Windows
If all else fails, the best way to prevent your computer from crashing in the future is to reinstall Windows. This will give you a clean slate and will remove any corrupt or outdated software, freeing up more memory and helping to stop any future crashes.
By following these nine steps, you should be able to drastically reduce the chances of your computer crashing in the future. Keeping your computer updated, installing reliable anti-virus and anti-malware programs, and regularly checking and cleaning out the system can all help to prevent crashes.