Photo by ANTONI SHKRABA Productions
It’s frustrating when your laptop runs slowly when you need to meet that deadline. Or the screen freezes when you need to send that email. Or your device shuts down in the middle of an important virtual meeting.
Laptops experience different issues that can be costly if you delay fixing them.Â
The good news is that you don’t have to replace your laptop whenever it’s uncooperative. Some issues are easy to troubleshoot even if you aren’t a technician, saving you time and money. However, others need a professional.Â
Let’s look at the most common laptop issues and see which you can fix at home and which require a trained eye. Is your laptop’s problem beyond restarting? Contact the K-Professional Service Centre for laptop repairs in Nairobi, and we’ll fix it fast.
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- Laptop Won’t Turn On
You try turning on the laptop, and it doesn’t respond. Don’t panic. First, check the power supply and ensure the power cable is securely plugged in and the outlet works. You can also try a different power adapter or outlet to rule out power source issues. It could be as simple as that.
Or it could be a battery issue. If yours has a removable battery, take it out and attempt to power on using only the AC adapter.Â
If the laptop still doesn’t power on, perform a hard reset by disconnecting all power sources and peripherals. Then, press and hold the power button for 30 seconds to drain residual electricity. After this, reconnect the power and try turning it on again.Â
If it’s still not turning on, it points to hardware faults, such as the motherboard or power component issues, requiring expert laptop repair services.
- The Screen is Blank
So, your computer turns on, but the screen remains blank or is black, and it scares you.Â
Common causes of a blank screen include loose or damaged cables, a faulty display panel, problems with the graphics card or driver, improperly seated RAM, or even power supply issues. Other causes could be a dead battery, a faulty power adapter, or a malfunctioning motherboard or display panel.
You can fix a blank screen by first checking that the power cord and adapter are securely connected and the battery is charged. Then, connect your laptop to an external monitor. If the external display works, the issue is likely with the laptop’s screen or connections. Persistent problems indicate a deeper hardware fault and may require an expert to perform diagnostics.
Looking for a laptop repair shop near me? At K-Professional Service Centre, we offer free diagnostics.Â
- WIFI Connectivity Issues
Working from home or attending virtual classes is all fun until your laptop loses internet connectivity. Before you call in technicians, check whether you accidentally turned off the router. Or you changed the password. It might sound like common sense, but it’s possible to forget you did.Â
Check to see that the Wi-Fi functionality on your laptop is active. If not, maybe your device is on airplane mode. If your router and laptop are on, it’s time to perform the good old restarting of both.Â
It’s also important to stay within 10–15 feet of your router and remove obstructions to connect better. Don’t forget to clear your computer’s clutter—the caches and cookies, to optimize its efficiency.
If you still can’t connect to the internet after these steps, think outdated systems. A laptop can last up to 5 years. If your device’s hardware and software components have aged, you will likely experience unstable connections and slow internet speeds. You need an upgrade.
- OverheatingÂ
If your laptop feels too hot for comfort, it could be overheating. It’s a common laptop problem when the internal parts, like the processor and graphics card, generate a lot of heat when working hard. Overheating occurs especially during gaming, streaming, or running many programs simultaneously.
Your laptop relies on fans and air vents to regulate the heat. These fans get clogged with dust, or the vents are blocked, making the device feel like it’s cooking. To avoid future problems, regularly dust and clean the fans, and avoid placing the laptop on the bed or pillow.
The immediate solution to an overheating laptop is to turn it off completely. Unplug it from the power source, and remove the battery to allow it to cool down. Also, consider adjusting your laptop’s power settings by switching from “High Performance” to a “Balanced” or “Power Saver” mode to lower the processor’s workload and heat generation.
If the overheating persists and the device shuts down unexpectedly, you might lose data or unsaved files. It’s time to contact a technician.
- Battery Draining Quickly
Are you plugging in the laptop more than usual? The battery draining its juice too quickly is a common laptop problem.Â
To fix this, start by turning down your screen brightness because your display is like a little energy vampire sucking power all day long. Also, check if you have apps running in the background; closing those can save your battery.
Don’t forget to switch your laptop to a power-saving mode, which tells your computer to use less energy. And if your keyboard has a backlight, turning that off when you don’t need it can help, too.
Depending on your usage, a laptop battery can last up to five years with 300 to 500 charge cycles. If yours is older than that and draining quickly, it may be time to replace it.
Maintenance Tips to Reduce Laptop Issues
Taking care of your laptop can be easy and even a little fun! Here are some simple tips to maintain your laptop’s longevity and sleek appeal:
- Keep it clean: Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe your screen gently and compressed air to blow dust out from the keyboard and vents. Dust is sneaky and blocks airflow, causing overheating!
- Keep it ventilated: Always use your laptop on a flat, hard surface. Avoid soft spots like beds or couches that smother its vents and make it sweat. Bonus points if you get a cooling pad to keep things chill.
- Power smart: Don’t always leave your laptop plugged in—unplug once it hits 100% to save your battery’s life. Also, dim that screen brightness and switch to a power-saving mode when you can.
- Update and declutter: Keep your software and drivers updated so your laptop runs like a champ. And don’t forget to uninstall apps you don’t use; too much junk slows things down!
- Handle with care: Carry your laptop in a padded bag, avoid eating or drinking nearby (spills are the enemy!), and don’t stack heavy stuff on top of it.
K-Professional Service Centre: Experts in Laptop IssuesÂ
Most laptop problems are easy to troubleshoot from home. You can also avoid most issues with better care and by following the maintenance tips above.
Do you need laptop repair services in Nairobi and its environs? At K-Professional Service Centre, we have a team of certified technicians who offer comprehensive laptop repair services. We are committed to quality and use high-quality parts.Don’t let any repair or replacement issues ruin your work or play. Contact us now and let us fix what’s broken at an affordable price with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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