10 Ways to Fix a Crashing Windows Computer

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Repair your crashed computer quickly and easily

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido and Travis Boylls

Last Updated: April 28, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Keeping Your Computer Cool
|
• Checking the Connections
|
• Booting Into Safe Mode
|
• Checking the Windows Logs
|
• Updating Your System
|
• Running an Antivirus Scan
|
• Scanning Your File System
|
• Checking Your RAM
|
• Performing a System Restore
|
• Reinstalling Windows
|
• Video
|
• Q&A

|Show more |Show less

Has your computer crashed? Does it keep crashing, freezing, or displaying error messages? Are you unable to boot into Windows? It can be incredibly frustrating when your computer doesn't work right. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to fix a computer that has crashed or keeps crashing. This wikiHow article teaches you how to fix a crashed Windows computer.

Fix a Crashed Windows Computer

• You can boot your PC into Safe Mode to perform diagnostics, including virus or malware scans. Replace any hardware that is causing problems.
• Restoring your PC to an earlier date using System Restore can help resolve problems caused by new software, drivers, or updates.
• If your PC will no longer boot into Windows, use the Windows Recovery tools to reinstall a working version of the operating system.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 10:

Keeping Your Computer Cool

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1. 
   1
   Check for overheating. Overheating is a common reason computers crash and shut down automatically. If the CPU or GPU gets too hot, it can cause permanent damage to your computer. Your computer will shut down to prevent this. If your computer or laptop is hot to the touch or your fans are running loud, this may be a sign of overheating. You can also download programs like Core Temp or HWMonitor to check your computer's temperature.

   • The CPU may overheat if it exceeds temperatures of 75°C. The GPU may overheat if it exceeds temperatures of 85°C.
2. 
   2
   Prevent overheating. The following are some things you can do to prevent overheating on your computer:

   • Use your computer in a cool environment.
   • Make sure there is plenty of room around your computer’s vents and fans.
   • Check to make sure the fans are clean, free of dust, and running properly.
   • Use a cooling pad for your laptop or install a new cooling system on your computer.
   • Clean or replace the heat sink on your CPU.
   • Close programs running in the background that you are not using.
   • Lower your video settings on games and software that are graphically intensive.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 10:

Checking the Connections

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1. 
   1
   Make sure all your connections are secure. If your computer won't start at all, the first step is to check your connections. This may sound basic, but it is often overlooked. Make sure your computer is properly plugged in and has power. Try a different electrical outlet. If you are using a laptop, make sure the battery is securely in place and fully charged.

   • If you have a keyboard and mouse connected to your computer, make sure they are properly connected. If you have a little more technical skill, you can open your computer and check to ensure the power supply and hard drive are securely connected to the motherboard. Also, check to make sure the RAM, GPU, and any devices connected to a PCI slot are properly seated.
   • Try disconnecting any unnecessary peripherals. This includes game controllers, headphones, and other USB devices. These devices may be clashing with your system.

Method 3

Method 3 of 10:

Booting Into Safe Mode

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1. 
   1
   Use Safe Mode to troubleshoot problems with your computer. Safe Mode allows you to boot Windows in a basic state using limited files and drivers. This reduces the chances that your computer will crash. From within Safe Mode, you can run diagnostics, check the Windows logs, run a virus scan, do a system restore, and—if need be—reinstall Windows.
2. 
   2
   • If you can boot into Windows, you can boot into Safe Mode from the Settings menu or Sign In screen. If Windows will not load, you can boot into the Windows Repair screen and then boot into Safe Mode.
3. 
   3
   Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment. You can boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) from the Settings menu or during boot up. Use one of the following methods to boot into Windows Recovery Environment:

   • Windows Settings: Click the Windows Start menu and type “Recovery.” Click Recovery Options. Click Restart Now next to “Advanced Startup.”
   • Boot up: If you are unable to boot into Windows, power off your computer. Press the power button to power on your computer. As soon as you see the manufacturer’s logo, press and hold the Power button again to force-shutdown your computer. Repeat three times. After three failed bootup attempts, your computer should boot into Windows Recovery Environment.
4. 
   4
   Boot into Safe Mode. Once you boot into Windows Recovery Environment, use the following steps to boot into Safe Mode:

   • Click Troubleshoot.
   • Click Advanced Options.
   • Click Startup Settings.
   • Click Restart.
   • Select 5 to boot into Safe Mode with networking.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 10:

Checking the Windows Logs

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1. 
   1
   Check for errors in Event Viewer. Windows keeps logs of events, including warnings and errors. Check for warnings and errors (especially ones that correspond to your PC crashing). Use Google to research the information in the log. This can help you figure out what is causing the errors and crashes. If it is caused by a specific app, you may need to uninstall that app. If it is caused by corrupt system files, you may need to do a Windows restore or reinstall Windows. Use the following steps to check event logs in Windows:

   • Click the Windows Start menu.
   • Type “Event Viewer.”
   • Click Event Viewer.
   • Click Windows Logs.
   • Click Application or System.
2. 
   2
   Check for errors or warnings around the time of the crash. Windows Logs are listed by type, as well as date and time. Scroll through the logs and look for any logs that say "Warning" or "Error" under "Level." Then check the date and time and see if the log occurred around the time of the crash.
3. 
   3
   Double-click the warning or error. This opens the Event Properties screen and displays some information about the event.
4. 
   4
   Google the event information. Copy the text in the main box under the "General" tab. Then go to Google in a web browser and paste the text into the search bar. Google the text. You will generally be able to find information about what caused the crash and how to fix it.

   • If you can't find information about the event, you can go to the Microsoft Help forum or another tech help forum and post the text in a question thread and see if anybody knows what caused the crash and how to fix it.
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Method 5

Method 5 of 10:

Updating Your System

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1. 
   1
   Update Windows. Microsoft frequently releases updates that patch errors in Windows and fix security problems. Keeping Windows up-to-date can help prevent errors and crashes. Sometimes there are optional updates you can install as well. Use the following steps to update Windows:

   • Click the Windows Start button.
   • Click the Gear/Settings icon.
   • Click Windows Update. If you are using Windows 10, click Update & Security instead.
   • Click Check for Updates.
   • Click Download and Install if an update is available.
   • Click Advanced Options.
   • Click Optional Updates.
   • Click Download and Install next to any optional updates.
   • Restart your computer.
2. 
   2
   Update your drivers manually. Normally, when you update Windows, it automatically updates your drivers. However, in some cases, you may need to update your drivers manually. If you have any third-party peripherals, such as printers, game controllers, headphones, capture cards, audio interfaces, etc., check the manufacturer’s website to see if they have any drivers you can download. Generally, you can download and install graphics drivers for your GPU from the manufacturer’s website. You can also update your drivers in Device Manager. Use the following steps to do so:

   • Right-click the Windows Start menu.
   • Click Device Manager.
   • Expand one of the hardware components.
   • Right-click the driver and click Update Drivers.
   • Click Search automatically for drivers.
   • Follow the steps to install a driver if one is found.
   • Restart your computer.
3. 
   3
   Roll back problematic driver updates. In rare cases, an update may cause problems for your system. If you noticed problems with your computer started after an update, you can use the following steps to roll back a driver update:

   • Right-click the Windows Start menu.
   • Click Device Manager.
   • Expand the problematic hardware component.
   • Right-click the driver and click Properties.
   • Click the Driver tab.
   • Click Roll Back Driver.
   • Select a reason why.
   • Click Yes.
   • Restart your computer.
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Method 6

Method 6 of 10:

Running an Antivirus Scan

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1. 
   1
   Run a virus scan. You may have a computer virus. You can use Windows’ built-in Windows Security to scan for viruses. Use the following steps to do so:

   • Click the Windows Start button.
   • Click the Gear/Settings icon.
   • Click Privacy & Security. If you are using Windows 10, click Update & Security instead.
   • Click Windows Security.
   • Click Virus & threat protection.
   • Click Scan Options.
   • Click Scan Now.
   • Quarantine any threats that are detected.

Method 7

Method 7 of 10:

Scanning Your File System

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1. 
   1
   Use SFC and DISM to scan your file system and hard drive. Windows has built-in troubleshooting tools you can use to scan your file system and check your hard drive. If they detect any corrupt files, they can attempt to fix them. They can also tell you if there are any problems with your hard drive. If there are problems with your hard drive, you may need to replace it and reinstall Windows. Use the following steps to run the System File Checker and Disk Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools:

   • Click the Windows Start menu.
   • Type “CMD.”
   • Right-click the Command Prompt and click Run as Administrator.
   • Type “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” and press Enter.
   • Wait for the scan to finish.
   • Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
   • Wait for the scan to finish.
   • Restart your computer.
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Method 8

Method 8 of 10:

Checking Your RAM

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1. 
   1
   Limit the number of background programs you are using. Running too many programs at once can use up all your RAM. Limit the number of programs you are running to reduce the amount of RAM you are using. You should also limit the number of tabs you have open in your web browser.
2. 
   2
   Make sure there are no problems with your memory. If your computer doesn’t have enough memory, or your memory is going bad, it may cause your system to crash. You can use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check for problems with your RAM. If there are any issues detected, you may need to replace your RAM. Use the following steps to check your RAM:

   • Press Win + R.
   • Type “Mdsched.exe” and press Enter.
   • Click Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
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Method 9

Method 9 of 10:

Performing a System Restore

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1. 
   1
   Restore your computer to an earlier state. Windows can save images of its current state. When Windows becomes unstable, you can restore Windows to an earlier state when it worked better. Be aware that this will remove any apps and files that you have installed since the restore point you select. Use the following steps to perform a system restore:

   • Click Windows Start.
   • Type “system restore.”
   • Click Create a Restore Point.
   • Click System Restore.
   • Click Next.
   • Select a system restore point from before when the crashes started.
   • Click Next.
   • Click Finish.

Method 10

Method 10 of 10:

Reinstalling Windows

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1. 
   1
   Back up any files you want to keep. When reinstalling Windows, there is a chance you may need to delete all files, apps, and settings on your system. If you are still able to access your system, it is recommended that you back up any files, documents, photos, videos, or audio you want to keep. You can do so using OneDrive, another cloud storage service, like Google Drive, or an external hard drive or USB drive.

   • It is recommended that you keep two backups of all your files, one using a cloud storage service, and one using an external drive or USB thumbdrive.
2. 
   2
   Start with a soft reinstall. If you are using Windows 11, you can use Windows Update to reinstall your current version of Windows while preserving your apps, files, and settings. It’s recommended you try this first. If this fails, doesn’t fix the problem, or you are unable to boot into Windows, then you’ll need to create a bootable Windows installation or recovery drive and do a full reinstall. Use the following steps to reinstall Windows using Windows Update:

   • Click the Windows Start menu.
   • Click the Gear/Settings icon.
   • Click System.
   • Click Recovery.
   • Click Reinstall Now next to “Fix problems using Windows Update.”
   • Check “Automatically restart my PC 15 minutes after installation” and click Ok.
3. 
   3
   Create a bootable Windows USB if a soft reinstall doesn’t work. You can download the USB media creation tool to create a bootable Windows USB drive for Windows 10 or 11. You will need a USB drive with about 9 gigabytes that does not have any files on it (they will be erased). If you are not able to boot into Windows, you can use a different computer to create a Windows Media Creation tool. Use the following steps to create a bootable Windows USB drive.

   • Click here for Windows 10 or here for Windows 11.
   • Click Download Now.
   • Open the media creation tool in your Downloads folder.
   • Click Accept to accept the terms.
   • Select your language and Windows edition and click Next.
   • Select "USB flash drive" and click Next.
   • Insert a blank USB drive.
   • Select the USB drive and click Next.
4. 
   4
   Boot into your BIOS. The way you boot into the BIOS is different from one computer manufacturer to the next. Generally, your computer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website will tell you what button to push as your PC boots up. You might also see that information onscreen when you boot up your computer. Common buttons are F1, F2, F10, F11, F12, or Del. If you can’t find that info or your PC boots too fast to see the button to press, you can use the following steps to boot into the BIOS from within Windows or Windows Safe Mode:

   • Click the Windows Start menu.
   • Click Settings.
   • Click Update & security (Windows 10) or System (Windows 11).
   • Click Recovery.
   • Click Restart Now below "Advanced Options."
   • Click Troubleshoot.
   • Click Advanced Options.
   • Click UEFI Firmware Settings.
   • Click Restart.
5. 
   5
   Place your USB drive first in the boot order. The BIOS menu is different from one computer to the next. Locate the boot menu and change the boot order so that your PC boots from a USB drive first. After making this change, save and exit the BIOS menu.
6. 
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   Boot from the bootable Windows USB drive. Once you change the boot order on your PC, power your computer off and insert the bootable Windows USB drive. Boot up your computer, and your computer will boot from the USB drive.
7. 
   7
   Reinstall Windows. This will delete all files and apps on your computer system. Once Windows is reinstalled, you can reactivate Windows using a product key or automatically by signing into your account. Once you boot from a Windows installation media, use the following steps to reinstall Windows:

   • Select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout, and click Next.
   • Click Install Now.
   • Click I don’t have a product key.
   • Select the same edition of Windows you previously had.
   • Accept the terms of service and click Next.
   • Select Custom.
   • Select the drive or partition you want to install Windows on.
   • Click Delete.
   • Select the unallocated partition on your hard drive.
   • Click Next.
   • Wait for Windows to finish installing.
   • Follow the prompts to set up Windows.
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• Question

  How do I install the Windows XP Service Pack 3 on a crashed laptop?

  

  Community Answer

  If you have a disk to install it, put it in your computer and restart your computer.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  Laptop doesn't load the CD. What can I do?

  

  Aditya Telang

  Community Answer

  The same steps can also be performed through USB. Instead of a CD, create a bootable USB. A lot of free and open source tools allow you to create it and burn ISO images on to a USB.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  I was working with my laptop for like 18 hours and then suddenly it displayed "something went wrong" screen and after restarting it it shows no media present can some one help me?

  

  Elijah OT

  Community Answer

  Media presence errors almost always require troubleshooting of some sort, and depending on the BIOS settings, it may be as simple as re-ordering the boot priority, or as complicated as recovering a boot file. 1. Enable your boot device. 2. Disable Wake on LAN in the BIOS. 3. Update the BIOS.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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