Computer crashes can be frustrating and disruptive, especially if you are in the middle of an important task. If you are using Windows 10 and your computer has recently crashed, you may be wondering what caused it and how to prevent it from happening again.
In this article, we will discuss how to find out why your computer crashed in Windows 10 and provide troubleshooting tips to prevent future crashes.
Why Do Computers Crash?
Before we dive into how to find out why your computer crashed, it’s important to understand why computers crash in the first place. There are several reasons why a computer may crash, including:
- Hardware failure: This can be caused by a malfunctioning component such as a hard drive, RAM, or graphics card.
- Software conflicts: If two or more programs are trying to use the same resources, it can cause a crash.
- Overheating: If your computer’s cooling system is not functioning properly, it can cause the system to overheat and crash.
- Outdated drivers: Drivers are software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware devices. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause crashes.
- Malware or viruses: Malicious software can cause crashes or other issues with your computer’s performance.
Now that we have a better understanding of why computers crash, let’s explore how to find out the specific cause of a crash in Windows 10.
Using Event Viewer to Find Out Why Your Computer Crashed
Event Viewer is a built-in Windows tool that logs system events, including crashes. By accessing Event Viewer, you can view the details of a crash and potentially determine the cause.
To access Event Viewer, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “eventvwr” and press Enter.
- In the Event Viewer window, click on “Windows Logs” in the left-hand menu.
- Click on “System” to view system events.
- Look for any events with a red “X” icon, which indicates an error or critical event.
- Double-click on the event to view more details, including the date and time of the crash and the source of the error.
If you are unable to determine the cause of the crash from the event details, you can also try searching for the error code online to find potential solutions.
Using Reliability Monitor to Find Out Why Your Computer Crashed
Reliability Monitor is another built-in Windows tool that can help you find out why your computer crashed. It provides a visual representation of your computer’s stability over time and can help pinpoint the cause of a crash.
To access Reliability Monitor, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “perfmon /rel” and press Enter.
- In the Reliability Monitor window, look for any red “X” icons, which indicate a critical event.
- Click on the event to view more details, including the date and time of the crash and the source of the error.
Similar to Event Viewer, you can also try searching for the error code online for potential solutions.
Troubleshooting Tips to Prevent Future Crashes
Now that you have determined the cause of your computer’s crash, you can take steps to prevent it from happening again. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help prevent future crashes:
Update Your Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause crashes. To prevent this, make sure to regularly update your drivers. You can do this manually by going to the manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers, or you can use a driver update tool to automate the process.
Run a Malware Scan
Malware or viruses can cause crashes or other issues with your computer’s performance. Make sure to regularly run a malware scan using a reputable antivirus software to keep your computer protected.
Check for Overheating
If your computer is overheating, it can cause crashes. Make sure to regularly clean your computer’s fans and vents to prevent dust buildup, which can impede the cooling system. You can also use a temperature monitoring tool to check your computer’s temperature and take action if it is running too hot.
Uninstall Conflicting Programs
If you have recently installed a new program and your computer started crashing, it may be due to a conflict with another program. Try uninstalling the new program and see if the crashes stop.
Check for Hardware Issues
If you suspect a hardware issue is causing your computer to crash, you can run a hardware diagnostic test to check for any problems. Many computer manufacturers have their own diagnostic tools, or you can use a third-party tool.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you have tried troubleshooting your computer crashes and are still experiencing issues, it may be time to seek professional help. A computer technician can diagnose and fix any hardware or software issues that may be causing your computer to crash.
Takeaways
Computer crashes can be frustrating, but by using tools like Event Viewer and Reliability Monitor, you can determine the cause of the crash and take steps to prevent it from happening again. Regularly updating your drivers, running malware scans, and checking for overheating can also help prevent crashes. If you are still experiencing issues, it may be time to seek professional help. By following these tips, you can keep your computer running smoothly and avoid future crashes.
