Troubleshooting: Laptop

Laptop audio not working

If your laptop is not playing audio, try the following. After each, check if the issue is resolved.

Confirm your speakers have not been muted by checking the speaker icon in the taskbar. If you have external speakers plugged in, confirm those are not muted.
(For Windows 10, although other versions will be similar.) Check your audio device: right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and choose Sounds. In the Playback tab, select the output device you want to use and click Set Default. If you can't find your device in the list, right-click and choose Show Disabled Devices.
Perform a hard restart. Save all open documents, and close all running applications. Press and hold the power button until the screen goes black. Press the power button again to turn the laptop back on.

If your laptop is slow, try the following. After each, check if the issue is resolved.

Restart your computer if you haven't done so in a while.
Run fewer programs at a time. Closing files and programs you aren't using should free up resources and speed up your computer.
(For PC) Use the Disk Cleanup tool to identify and remove files which can safely be deleted.
Run a full system scan using your antivirus program to remove any malware or viruses that might be slowing down your computer.
Ensure your laptop isn't overheating and remove anything that could be obstructing the fan and vents.
Uninstall any unnecessary programs on your computer.

If your laptop freezes often, try the following. After each, check if the issue is resolved.

If your laptop tends to freeze when running a particular application or software, ensure that application is up to date. Restart the application.
Restart your computer if you haven't done so in a while.
Ensure your laptop isn't overheating and remove anything that could be obstructing the fan and vents.
Run your laptop on battery power only. Charge the laptop before using it and unplug before starting it up.

If your computer keeps restarting, try the following. After each, check if the issue is resolved.

Run a full system scan using your antivirus program to remove any malware or viruses from your computer.
Ensure your laptop isn't overheating and remove anything that could be obstructing the fan and vents.
(For Windows 10, but similar for other Windows OS) Update network adapter and graphics card drivers:
- In Windows 10, go to Control Panel > Device Manager.
- Right-click the appropriate device and select "Update Driver Software".
- In the following dialog box, choose "Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software" and follow the prompts. Restart your computer.

If you have encountered a blue error screen on your PC (aka the "blue screen of death"), try the following.

Power cycle your computer: turn it off, wait at least 30 seconds, and turn it back on.
Run a full system scan using your antivirus program to remove any malware or viruses from your computer.
Run a troubleshooting tool such as Microsoft Fix It.

If your laptop battery is not charging, try the following.

If possible, use the charger that came with your laptop. Otherwise, ensure the charger you're using has the same wattage as the original charger.
Inspect your charger for damage. Check the cord for any kinks or breaks. Check the AC brick for warping, discoloration, or a burnt smell. If there is damage, you will need to replace or repair your charger.
Ensure your laptop is not overheating. Remove any paper or cloth obstructions near your laptop's vents, and avoid using your computer in high-temperature areas.
Update your drivers:
- On Windows, open Start and search "Device Manager". Under "Batteries", you should see a few items. Right-click each item and choose "Update Driver". After updating, restart your computer.
- On a Mac, shut down your computer but leave it plugged in. With the power off, press and hold the power button while pressing the Shift-Control-Option keys. Release the keys and power button simultaneously. Power on the laptop.

Updated 9 months ago