When something goes seriously wrong with your laptop you usually receive an advance warning. A virus might alter your security settings, for example, or a failing hard drive might start marking funny noise. If you catch these signals early, you can quickly diagnose and fix your laptops malfunction.
How to fix laptop Malfunction
Many of our recommended solutions involve a thorough malware scan. If you haven’t already installed antivirus and antimalware programs on your system, do that now. You can rely on the built-in Windows or macOS programs, or go shopping for another security suite. Just make sure to put in the research: check out an online buying guide for windows or macOS, read up on user and professional reviews, and find the right set of tools for your needs.
Don\’t let the price deter you—solid computer security is worth the money. In addition to your primary suite, consider considering getting a second opinion. You can employ a less-intensive scanner, one that requires you to install fewer files, alongside your main one. Instead of running regular checks, the secondary program would work on an on-demand basis: You only need to fire it up when you need it. We like Microsoft Safety Scanner for Windows and Malwarebytes for macOS.
With so many computer systems out there, problems may manifest differently on each type of machine. But by the time you\’ve finished reading this guide, you should have a much better sense of what various issues look like and get rid of your laptop malfunction. And the earlier you spot them, the earlier you can fix them.
Malfunction results in:
1. Slower Internet and Processing: A slower computer doesn\’t necessarily mean you have a virus, but if it\’s a sudden enough change in speed, it may be worth checking out. Use a speed test to check your internet speed and use your computer\’s task manager to measure processing power. If either seems slower than usual, perform a scan with your antivirus software.
2. Unexpected Computer Behavior: Viruses can do all kinds of strange things to your computer. If your computer stops responding to clicks, decides to open files on its own, scrolls or acts as if a key\’s been pressed when it hasn\’t, you may be experiencing computer virus symptoms. Your computer shouldn\’t seem like it\’s thinking for itself.
3. Missing or Extra Files: Keep track of the size of your hard drive. A virus may install copies of itself or unwanted files on your computer. Viruses also delete files unexpectedly. When you start seeing something strange or missing, it\’s time to run a virus scan.
4. Outgoing Emails: Viruses try to spread themselves by email. If you notice emails in your sent box that you didn\’t send, you probably have a virus. If you get an email from a friend that seems suspicious, they might have a virus. Do not click on any links or open any attachments in questionable emails.
5. Error Messages: Your computer knows something is wrong before you do. One of the most noticeable symptoms of a computer virus is the sudden appearance of pop-up messages warning you about missing system or application files. Research messages by putting them in a search engine to see if you can diagnose a virus.