PC Troubleshooting Tips
Even a well-built or carefully maintained PC can run into problems. Components age, dust builds up, software updates introduce bugs, and cables can work loose over time. When something goes wrong, guessing at the cause can waste hours or even make things worse. The fastest way to get your system running again is to troubleshoot methodically, ruling out one possibility at a time.
This guide covers the most frequent PC problems and how to identify their root causes. We’ll focus on practical, step-by-step checks that help you pinpoint the issue without unnecessary part swaps. Some fixes take only a few minutes, like reconnecting a cable or cleaning dust from a heatsink. Others require replacement parts, but knowing exactly what’s wrong before buying anything can save money and downtime.
Heads up! This guide is primarily for desktop PCs. If you need help with your laptop, check out our Laptop Troubleshooting Guide.
General troubleshooting approach
Effective troubleshooting starts with isolating the problem instead of replacing parts at random. Begin with the simplest checks first—make sure the system is plugged into a working outlet, the power switch on the PSU is on, and all cables are fully seated. Loose connections are a surprisingly common cause of problems, especially after a recent move or hardware change.
Next, try to reproduce the issue consistently. Intermittent problems can be harder to track, so note any patterns, such as the PC failing only after extended use, during specific tasks, or at startup. This can help narrow the list of possible causes.
Use built-in tools before resorting to hardware swaps. The BIOS can confirm whether components like RAM, storage, or the CPU are detected. Many manufacturers offer diagnostic LEDs, beep codes, or on-screen error messages that can guide you toward the failing part. In Windows, safe mode can help determine whether the issue is hardware-related or caused by software or drivers.
Work methodically, change one thing at a time and re-test after each adjustment. If a problem persists despite covering the basics, stop before blindly replacing expensive components. At that point, it’s worth consulting a detailed repair guide, running specialized diagnostics, or taking the system to a professional to avoid causing further damage.
No power / won’t turn on
A PC that shows no signs of life—no fans spinning, no lights, no beeps—usually has an issue with power delivery or a failed critical component. Start by verifying the basics: ensure the wall outlet or surge protector is functional by testing it with another device. Confirm the PSU’s power switch is in the “on” position and that the power cable is fully seated in both the PSU and wall outlet.
If those check out, inspect the case’s front-panel connectors. A loose or misaligned power switch cable on the motherboard can prevent the system from starting. Reseat the 24-pin motherboard power connector and the CPU power cable (4-pin or 8-pin) from the PSU. If the PSU has a voltage selector switch, make sure it’s set correctly for your region.
When the PC still won’t turn on, test the PSU directly. Many builders use a PSU tester or the “paperclip method” to confirm if the unit powers on when disconnected from the system. If the PSU works, the issue could be with the motherboard, CPU, or short circuits from improperly mounted hardware.
Overheating pc — causes and fixes
Excessive heat can cause sudden shutdowns, loud fan noise, or noticeable performance drops due to thermal throttling. Modern CPUs and GPUs automatically reduce clock speeds to protect themselves, but running hot for extended periods can shorten component lifespan.
The most common causes are dust buildup, poor airflow, failed or underperforming cooling hardware, and high ambient room temperatures. Start by monitoring system temperatures using software such as HWMonitor, HWiNFO, or MSI Afterburner. Idle CPU temps should generally be under 40–50°C, and under full load, most CPUs and GPUs should remain below 85°C.
If temperatures are high, shut down the system and inspect for dust on heatsinks, fan blades, and filters. Clean them carefully with compressed air, holding fan blades still to avoid damage. Verify that all fans are spinning and oriented correctly for airflow—front and bottom fans as intake, top and rear fans as exhaust.
If cleaning doesn’t help, consider reseating the CPU cooler with fresh thermal paste, upgrading cooling components, or improving case airflow. High-performance parts in cramped cases may require more powerful cooling solutions, such as larger air coolers or all-in-one liquid coolers.
No display signal — gpu or monitor issue?
When a PC powers on but nothing appears on the screen, the problem could be with the graphics card, monitor, cables, or display settings. Start with the simplest checks: make sure the monitor is powered on, set to the correct input source, and connected with a working cable. If possible, swap in a different cable or test the monitor with another device.
If the monitor works elsewhere, turn your attention to the PC. For systems with dedicated GPUs, ensure the display cable is plugged into the GPU’s output ports, not the motherboard’s. Reseat the GPU by removing it and firmly reinstalling it in the PCIe slot, making sure any required PCIe power connectors from the PSU are secure.
If you have integrated graphics available, try removing the GPU entirely and connecting the monitor to the motherboard’s video output. A successful boot here suggests the GPU may be faulty. Driver corruption can also cause display issues—boot into safe mode and reinstall the latest graphics drivers from the manufacturer.
Blue screen of death codes explained
A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is Windows’ way of stopping the system to prevent damage when it encounters a critical error. The screen displays a stop code that points toward the underlying cause. Common culprits include faulty drivers, failing RAM, overheating, power delivery issues, or corrupted system files.
When a BSOD appears, note the exact stop code and any accompanying file name. Codes like MEMORY_MANAGEMENT often point to RAM issues, while CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED or NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM can indicate storage corruption. If the problem started after installing new hardware or drivers, revert those changes and test again.
Start your diagnostics by running Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86 to check RAM stability. Use chkdsk or manufacturer tools to scan storage drives for errors. Ensure all drivers—especially GPU, chipset, and storage—are up to date. If overheating is a possibility, monitor temperatures under load.
Persistent BSODs with varying codes can be a sign of failing hardware, particularly RAM or the motherboard. In that case, test components individually to isolate the fault.
For a detailed list of common stop codes, their meanings, and targeted fixes, see our Windows Error Code Decoder Tool.
Strange noises from your computer
Unexpected noises from a PC often point to mechanical wear, electrical issues, or airflow problems. Common sounds include clicking, grinding, whining, or rattling, each with different likely causes.
Clicking or grinding often comes from failing mechanical hard drives. If you hear these sounds and your system still boots, back up data immediately—the drive may be near failure. Coil whine is a high-pitched buzzing or squealing that can come from GPUs or PSUs under load. While not necessarily harmful, it can be distracting. Fan rattling usually means dust buildup, a loose mounting screw, or worn bearings.
To pinpoint the source, open the case and listen closely while the PC is running, taking care to avoid touching components. Temporarily stopping a fan with gentle pressure on the hub (using a non-conductive tool) can help identify noisy units without damaging them. If the noise changes with system load, it’s more likely GPU, PSU, or drive-related.
Fixes range from cleaning and tightening mounts to replacing the offending part. Electrical noises from PSUs or GPUs that worsen over time should be taken seriously, as they may indicate impending failure.
Preventing future problems
Many common PC issues can be avoided with regular maintenance and a few preventive measures. Dust is one of the biggest long-term threats—clean your system every few months using compressed air, paying attention to heatsinks, fans, and intake filters. Keep airflow paths clear by cleaning dust from your PC prevents overheating and reduces noise from overworked fans.
Monitor system health proactively. Tools like HWMonitor, HWiNFO, or CrystalDiskInfo can track temperatures, fan speeds, and storage health. Setting up alerts for high temperatures or failing SMART values lets you address problems before they cause downtime.
Software maintenance is just as important. Keep drivers and firmware up to date to fix bugs, improve compatibility, and maintain stability. Avoid installing unverified programs that could introduce instability or malware.
Power protection is another overlooked safeguard. A quality surge protector or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can prevent damage from power spikes or sudden outages. Combined with proper cable management, these steps help ensure stable power delivery and reduce wear on components.
With consistent upkeep, most hardware will operate reliably for years, and you’ll reduce the likelihood of having to troubleshoot major issues in the first place.