Unlocking the Mystery- A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing PC Crashes on Windows

How to Check Why Your PC Crashed on Windows

Experiencing a computer crash can be frustrating and disruptive, especially when you have important work or personal data at stake. When your Windows PC crashes, it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause to prevent future occurrences. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to check why your PC crashed on Windows and help you take appropriate actions to resolve the issue.

1. Check the Event Viewer

The Event Viewer is a built-in Windows tool that records various system events, including crashes. To access the Event Viewer, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “eventvwr.msc” and press Enter.
3. Navigate to “Windows Logs” > “System” and review the event logs.
4. Look for events with a “Bug Check” or “Error” description. These events provide information about the crash.

2. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

Memory issues can often lead to system crashes. The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool can help identify faulty RAM. To run the tool, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “mdsched.exe” and press Enter.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the memory diagnostic test.
4. The tool will restart your PC and perform the test. Once completed, review the results to determine if there are any memory issues.

3. Use the Windows Performance Monitor

The Windows Performance Monitor can help you identify performance bottlenecks and potential causes of crashes. To use the Performance Monitor, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “perfmon.msc” and press Enter.
3. In the Performance Monitor window, click on “Add” to add a new counter.
4. Select the appropriate counters related to system performance, such as “Processor”, “Memory”, and “Disk”.
5. Monitor the counters for any unusual spikes or high usage, which may indicate a problem.

4. Check for hardware issues

Hardware problems can also cause your PC to crash. Here are some common hardware issues to check:

1. Inspect your PC’s hardware components for any signs of damage or loose connections.
2. Ensure that your PC’s power supply is functioning correctly.
3. Check for overheating issues by cleaning the dust from the fans and heat sinks.
4. Update your hardware drivers to the latest versions.

5. Perform a clean boot

A clean boot starts your PC with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help identify if a third-party application is causing the crashes. To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
3. Go to the “Services” tab and check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
4. Click “Disable all” and then “OK”.
5. In the System Configuration window, go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager”.
6. Disable all startup programs and close Task Manager.
7. Click “OK” and restart your PC.

6. Seek professional help

If you have tried all the above steps and still can’t identify the cause of your PC crashes, it’s best to seek professional help. A certified technician can diagnose and resolve the issue more effectively.

In conclusion, checking why your PC crashed on Windows involves a combination of using built-in tools, inspecting hardware components, and performing troubleshooting steps. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can identify the root cause of the crash and take appropriate actions to prevent future occurrences.