We’ve all been there: you click an icon, and nothing happens, or an application crashes while you are in the middle of a task. Computers are a lot more stable than they used to be, but users still regularly encounter freezing and errors. Here are some basic troubleshooting steps you can take to fix malfunctioning programs before turning it over to the pros.
Close and Restart The Program
Sometimes, the application may be glitching temporarily. Close the program and reopen it to see if the issue persists. You might want to terminate the process from Task Manager before reopening. Task Manager can be accessed by right-clicking the start menu or hitting ctrl + alt + delete.
Restart Your Computer
It may seem remedial, but even experienced techs sometimes jump to complicated fixes before trying this most simple of methods. Restarting your computer can help clear temporary issues and conflicts that may be affecting the program.
Check For Updates
Make sure the program is up-to-date with the latest version and any available patches. Visit the software developer’s website or check for updates within the program itself. Microsoft Store apps can be updated from within the store, just click on the “Library” button and select “Get Updates.”
Check For System Updates
Ensure that your Windows system is up-to-date. Windows updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve issues with software.
Run As Administrator
Right-click on the program’s icon and choose “Run as administrator.” This can sometimes resolve problems related to insufficient permissions.
Check For Conflicting Security Software
Antivirus or firewall software can sometimes interfere with programs. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall and see if the issue persists. If the program works fine without them, you may need to adjust the settings of your security software.
Check System Resources
Insufficient system resources, such as RAM or disk space, can cause programs to malfunction. Ensure you have enough free space on your hard drive and close unnecessary applications to free up resources.
Run A Repair
Some programs may give you the option to repair the installation. You can access this feature through the Control Panel, under the “Programs and Features” menu.
Run a System File Check
Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the “sfc /scannow” command. This will check for and repair any corrupted system files that could be affecting the program.
Check For Compatibility Issues
Verify that the program is compatible with your version of Windows. If it’s an older program, you might need to run it in compatibility mode.
Reinstall The Program
If the issue persists, try uninstalling the program completely and then reinstalling it. Be sure to back up any user data that you need prior to uninstalling the software.
If you need help taming troublesome software, or with anything else related to your computer, call Mankato Computer Technology today, your trusted, local, technology partner.