When you’re listening to music or focusing on your deadline work, your Windows 10 computer crashes, and you don’t know what you’ve done to cause the crash. This would be so frustrating.
Why is Windows 10 crashing? There are various causes for this problem, such as corrupted files or hardware faulty. But don’t panic! There are workarounds to fix the problem. Before throwing your computer out of the window, try these solutions.
7 Fixes for Windows 10 Crashing Issues
Here are the solutions that have helped people resolve the crashing issues. You shouldn’t have to try them all; just work your way down the list until everything’s working again.
- Update available drivers
- Turn off Link State Power Management
- Scan and repair system files
- Disconnect external devices
- Check malware and virus
- Disable fast startup
- Restore to the previous state
Note: if you can NOT be logged into your Windows computer, you should enterSafe Modeat first, then try these solutions. You can check this post aboutHow to enter Safe Mode in Windows 10.
Fix 1: Update available drivers
A missing or outdated driver in your computer can cause your system to crash, so you should keep the drivers in your computer up to date, and update those that are out of date.
There are two ways to update drivers: manually and automatically.
Manually update the driver: you can go to the manufacturer’s website of your hardware device, find the latest driver that is compatible with your operating system, then download and install it on your computer. This requires time and computer skills.
Automatically update the driver: if you don’t have time or patience, you can do it automatically with Driver Easy.
Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making mistakes when installing.
You can update your drivers automatically with either the FREE or the Pro version of Driver Easy. But with the Pro version, it takes just 2 clicks (and you will get full support and a 30-day money back guarantee).
1) Download and install Driver Easy.
2) Run Driver Easy and click theScan Nowbutton. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
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3) Click theUpdatebutton next to the flagged device to automatically download the correct version of the driver (you can do this with theFREEversion), then install the driver on your computer.
Or clickUpdate Allto automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on your system (this requires the Pro version – you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All)
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After updating, restart your computer to take effect.
Fix 2: Turn off Link State Power Management
The PCI Express option Link State Power Management is a part of the PCI-E Specification, and it works with active state power management. It’s possible that something is wrong with the power management in your computer, so you should turn off Link State Power Management. Here’s how to do it:
1) TypeControl Panelfrom the search box on your desktop, and clickControl Panelto open it.
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2) ClickPower Options(be sure to view Control Panel by small iconsorlarge icons).
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3) ClickChange plan settingsfor whichever power plan you have selected. In my case, I clickChange plan settingsforHigh Performance.
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4) ClickChange advanced power settings.
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5) Scroll down and double-clickPCI Expressto expand it.
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6) Double click LinkState Power Management, and change its status toOff.
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7) Click Apply and OK to save the settings.
Restart your computer and it should fix the Windows 10 crashing issue.
Fix 3: Scan and repair system files
Corrupted or missing system files can cause the Windows 10 crashing issue. If you have corrupted system files, you may encounter a Blue screen issue or the Windows 10 crashing issue.
There are 2 ways to solve it. Here’s how:
- Repair corrupted system files automatically
- Check and repair system files manually
Repair & replaces corrupted system files automatically
Reimageis a professional andpowerful tool to repair and rebuild Windows. It can scan your system’s overall status, diagnose your system configuration, identify faulty system files and repair them automatically. Reimage Windows Repair is tailored to your specific system and gives you entirely fresh system components with just one click, so you don’t have to reinstall Windows and all your programs, and you don’t lose any personal data or settings. (ReadReimage Trustpilot reviews.)
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1)Downloadand install Reimage.
2) Open Reimage and run a free scan. This may take a few minutes.
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3) You’ll see the summary of detected issues on your PC. ClickSTART REPAIRand all the issues will be fixed automatically. (You’ll need to purchase the full version. It comes with a 60-day Money-Back Guarantee so you can refund anytime if Reimage doesn’t fix your problem).
![[FIXED] Windows 10 Crashing Issues | 2023 - Driver Easy (11) [FIXED] Windows 10 Crashing Issues | 2023 - Driver Easy (11)](https://i0.wp.com/images.drivereasy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/image-24.png)
Note:The Pro version of Reimage comes with 24/7 technical support. If you need any assistance, please contact Reimage support:
Phone:1-213-275-3200
Email:support@reimageplus.com
Check and repair system files manually
System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs corrupted system files. If there are corrupted system files in your computer, your system will be crashing without a doubt. So you should run SFC to fix the problem. To do so:
1) Typecmdin the search box on your desktop. Right-clickCommand Prompt(orcmdif you’re using Windows 7) to selectRun as administrator, and then clickYesto verify UAC.
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2) Once you see the command prompt, typesfc /scannowand pressEnter.
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3) Windows will now verify the system files, and automatically fix any issues.
4) Once verification is complete, exit the Command Prompt and try to launch the program that was giving you the error.
If Windows 10 still crashes, don’t worry. We have something else to try.
Fix 4: Disconnect external devices
If you’ve connected any external device to your computer, it’s possible to cause the Windows system to crash, because there may be a problem with the communication between your device and the Windows 10 system.
You should unplug or disconnect the external devices, such as a headset, Bluetooth, or SSD, then restart your computer to see if it fixes the Windows 10 crashing issue.
If your computer stops crashing, you should have resolved your problem. Then you can connect the external device once a time, and reboot your computer, in order to locate the cause.
Fix 5: Check malware and virus
If your Windows 10 computer is infected with malware or virus, the virus will crash your computer every now and then. So it’s necessary to run a full scan through the system.
Unfortunately, Windows defender alone may not be enough, so you should also try a third-party antivirus program, like McAfee or Norton.
If any problem has been detected, follow the instructions provided by the antivirus program to fix the problem. Then restart your computer.
Fix 6: Disable fast startup
The fast startup feature enabled can cause your Windows 10 computer to crash, so make sure to disable fast startup. To do so:
1) TypeControl Panelfrom the search box on your desktop, and clickControl Panelto open it.
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2) ClickPower Options(be sure to view Control Panel bysmall iconsorlarge icons).
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3) ClickChoose what the power buttons doon the left.
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4) If theShutdownsettingsbutton is grayed out and can’t be changed, clickChange settings that are currently unavailable.
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5) Uncheck the box next toTurn on fast startup (recommended). And clickSave changes.
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Restart your computer and see if it fixes the Windows 10 crash issues.
Fix 7: Restore to the previous state
If you’ve recently installed a new application or program, or if you’ve upgraded the Windows system, it’s likely to cause the Windows 10 crashing issue. So you can roll back to the previous state.
Way 1: Uninstall the programs that are recently installed
If you’ve installed new programs or applications, uninstall them.
1) On your keyboard, press theWindows logo key andRat the same time to invoke the Run box.
2) Typeappwiz.cpland clickOK.
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3) Select the program/application that you recently installed, andUninstallit.
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You’ll need to repeat the uninstallation if there is more than one application. Then restart your computer to fix the crashing issue.
Way 2: Perform a system restore
You can resolve Windows 10 crashing by restoring your system to a previous state. To do so, you should use the System Restore feature.
Note: there should be a system restore point created on your system before you can try this solution.
1) Typerecoveryin the search box on your desktop, and clickRecoveryin the list of results.
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2) ClickOpen System Restore.
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3) ClickChoose a different restore point, and select the restore point before the system crash occurs.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the restore.
So there you have it – seven effective solutions to fix Windows 10 crashing issues in your computer. Hope this post comes in handy and helps resolve your problem.
- crash
- Windows 10
FAQs
How do I fix a constant crash on Windows 10? ›
- Cool the computer.
- Reboot your computer.
- Make sure your CPU works properly.
- Boot in Safe Mode.
- Update your drivers.
- Run System File Checker.
- Upgrade RAM.
- Install or Upgrade Antivirus Software.
Some users also reflect that their Windows 10 keeps freezing on startup, it may be caused by corrupted system files, low disk space, external hard drives, bad sectors, or outdated drivers.
Why does Windows 10 crash randomly? ›The common reasons for computers keep crashing are but are not limited to: The display, power supply, or CPU is overheating. The internal hardware of the computer is loose. Software and hardware are incompatible.
How do I know if my Windows 10 driver is crashing? ›- Windows Key + R.
- Type in 'verifier' and hit enter.
- Make sure 'Create Standard Setting' is selected and hit next.
- Click on 'Select all drivers installed on this computer' and hit Finish.
- Reboot.
- Verify that the computer is set up to generate a complete memory dump file when a crash occurs. ...
- Locate the memory. ...
- On the other computer, download the Windows 10 SDK.
- Start the install and choose Debugging Tools for Windows. ...
- Select Open Crash Dump, and then open the memory.
If you're dealing with a logical failure, you may be able to recover computer files still by using data recovery software. If you can get your computer to run but are missing files due to a crash, you may be able to find and restore them by scanning your drive with data recovery software.
Why does my PC keep crashing and how do you fix it? ›A computer crash happens when the drivers are outdated, there is a fault in the hardware, or there is not sufficient airflow due to clogged fans. Bad sectors on the hard drive, corrupted registry, malware, and viruses can also cause an unexpected shutdown of your PC.
How do I stop Windows driver from freezing? ›- Mix your own car de-icer with vinegar, alcohol or salt, and apply it the evening before or in the morning.
- Use a make-shift car frost cover with a towel, piece of carpet, cardboard or even shower curtain.
- Park facing east.
- Cover side mirrors with a plastic bag.
At the same time, the virus is wreaking havoc: it can damage programs, delete files, and make devastating changes to your hard drive, all of which can result in reduced performance. Some viruses will even crash your entire system.
Will resetting Windows 10 fix driver issues? ›Yes, Resetting Windows 10 will result in a clean version of Windows 10 with mostly a full set of device drivers newly installed, though you may need to download a couple of drivers that Windows could not find automatically . . .
How do I fix corrupted drivers Windows 10? ›
- System Restore. Use the System Restore on your PC to get back to a previously set stable state.
- Run Blue Screen Troubleshooter. ...
- Uninstall Faulty Drivers. ...
- Reset Windows. ...
- How To Check If Bios Is Corrupted, Update Bios. ...
- Update Device Drivers.
...
What Happens If Your Operating System Is Corrupted?
- Problem loading Windows Explorer.
- Applications failing to launch.
- Applications crashing.
- Computer facing sudden BSOD (blue screen of death)
- Sudden errors causing applications to stop working.
The Crash Analyzer in Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (DaRT) 8.0 lets you debug a memory dump file on a Windows-based computer and then diagnose any related computer errors.
What do I do if my display driver keeps crashing? ›You may have to install the latest updates for your display driver. Visual effects, or too many programs running in the background may be slowing your computer down. The GPU is taking more time than permitted to display graphics to your monitor.
How do you troubleshoot a crashing? ›- Force stop the app. ...
- Restart the device. ...
- Reinstall the app. ...
- Check app permissions. ...
- Keep your apps updated. ...
- Clear cache. ...
- Free up storage space. ...
- Factory reset.
Physical contact or damage, heat, humidity, dust, power surges, or even time can cause hard drive failure. There are three basic types of issues a hard drive may experience: logical failures, mechanical failures, and firmware failures.
What causes an operating system to crash? ›An operating system crash commonly occurs when a hardware exception occurs that cannot be handled. Operating system crashes can also occur when internal sanity-checking logic within the operating system detects that the operating system has lost its internal self-consistency.
Why does my hard disk keep crashing? ›Causes. There are a number of causes for hard drives to fail including: human error, hardware failure, firmware corruption, media damage, heat, water damage, power issues and mishaps.
Can RAM cause Windows to freeze? ›Defective RAM can cause all sorts of problems. If you're suffering from frequent crashes, freezes, reboots, or Blue Screens of Death, a bad RAM chip could be the cause of your travails. If these annoyances tend to happen when you're using a memory-intensive application or game, bad RAM is a very likely culprit.
Can faulty RAM cause windows freeze? ›Check Your RAM
Hidden system files and cache issues can clog up your RAM over time and force your computer to freeze as it dumps memory between RAM and your hard disks. This isn't technically a hardware problem, but it can cause serious headaches.
Can old drivers cause freezing? ›
Outdated or damaged drivers can also be the reason behind frequent computer freezes. If video drivers being installed on your system are not updated, the computer might hang up while you attempt to play a video or a game. Analyze Windows Device Manager to ensure no ? Other Devices? are connected.
What drivers should I always update? ›If you want to squeeze every last bit of performance out of your system, you are required to ensure that your video card drivers are updated by using the manufacturer's drivers. You should also probably update your chipset, networking, as well as sound card drivers.
Is there an easy way to update all drivers? ›Update Drivers With Windows Update
By far, the simplest way to update your drivers is through Windows itself. If the device manufacturer sends out a driver update, you should get it through an official Windows Update. Windows 10 users can open Settings > Update & Security, then click the big Check for Updates button.
- You See a Ransomware Message. ...
- You Find Weird Apps on Your PC. ...
- Your Traffic Is Redirected. ...
- You Get Invasive Random Pop-Ups. ...
- You're Spamming People. ...
- Your Accounts Are Compromised. ...
- Your Peripherals Have a Mind of Their Own. ...
- Your Antivirus and Antimalware Are Disabled.
- Unexpected pop-up windows. ...
- Random sounds. ...
- Unexplained file or folder changes. ...
- Slow operation. ...
- Random connections to unknown websites. ...
- Unexpected images. ...
- Inability to download antivirus programs or updates. ...
- Spam sent from your email address or social media.
A clean install erases the hard disk, which means, yes, you would need to reinstall all your hardware drivers.
Can System Restore fix driver issues? ›Restore from a system restore point by selecting Advanced options > System Restore. This will remove recently installed apps, drivers, and updates that might be causing your PC problems. Restoring from a restore point won't affect your personal files.
Does startup repair fix drivers? ›Startup repair can help with: The computer cannot boot into Windows that is caused by corrupt registry entries. The computer cannot boot into Windows due to missing or corrupt system files or drivers.
Can corrupted hard drive be fixed? ›You can fix a corrupted hard drive by running the CHKDSK command in Command Prompt. Caution: The CHKDSK command known for scanning and repairing drive, allow to use /f and /r attributes to fix the corruption in the hard disk.
How do I know if my display driver is corrupted? ›A video card driver could become corrupt due to a bad installation or a virus. The most common sign of a bad video card driver is graphical corruptions called artifacts appearing on the screen; you'll know you have them when textures appear stretched out and odd colors and shapes appear in various spots on the screen.
Can Windows 10 repair itself? ›
If you've found yourself frustrated after investing time and money into fixing your machine, you might be surprised to learn that Windows can fix itself. Every Windows operating system has the ability to repair its own software, with apps for the task bundled in every version since Windows XP.
How can I run diagnostics on Windows 10? ›- Go to Start , then select Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback.
- Make sure that the Diagnostic data viewer setting is turned On, and then select Diagnostic Data Viewer.
Here are a few prominent reasons why your data gets corrupt: Malware attacks and viruses infecting your computer can corrupt your data. Data corruption can also result from improperly saving files. Incorrectly stopping a file relocation process can corrupt whichever file was being moved at that time.
How do you fix a computer that keeps crashing for no reason? ›- Fix 1: Reboot Computer.
- Fix 2: Make Sure CPU Works Properly.
- Fix 3: Check the Hardware Connection.
- Fix 4: Boot in Safe Mode.
- Fix 5: Run System File Checker.
- Fix 6: Upgrade RAM.
- Fix 7: Extend C Drive.
- Fix 8: Update Drivers.
- Then choose System under Windows Logs.
- Find and click Error on the event list. ...
- You can also create a custom view so you can view the crash logs more quickly. ...
- Choose a time period you want to view. ...
- Select the By log option.
- Go to the start menu search bar and type 'reliability. ...
- The Reliability Monitor window should now open. ...
- In the event that a crash or freeze of Windows was encountered, a red circle with an 'X will be indicated on the chart.
After your PC restarts, you'll see a list of options. Select 4 or press F4 to start your PC in Safe Mode. Or if you'll need to use the internet, select 5 or press F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
Why does my PC randomly crash and restart? ›Some of the multiple reasons include viruses, an underpowered PSU, CPU or GPU overheating, and incompatible graphics cards. However, you can remove these problems with easy-to-do fixes. Fortunately, there are easy ways to fix the issue of a computer restarting, even if it is frequent, while gaming.
Can a monitor cause a computer to crash? ›No. Monitor itself cannot cause any crashes. However if monitor is of higher resolution and refresh rate, it'll put GPU under higher load. So an issue might be related to your GPU or PSU.
How do you update your PC drivers? ›- In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager.
- Select a category to see names of devices, then right-click (or press and hold) the one you'd like to update.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Select Update Driver.
What are the signs of a computer malfunction? ›
You may notice that your computer slows down, freezes, crashes, or sends error messages. This is particularly worrisome if several programs are acting up and the problems persist even after rebooting. Problems with your mouse, monitor, or flash drive can also be warning signs.