2 super common PC issues and their super easy fixes

PC issues are no walk in the park — especially if that issue happens to spring up in the middle of an important project or a hectic Monday morning.

But that’s life, right? Just another day in the office …

Maybe. Maybe not.

You see, the majority of common PC issues can be solved in 60 seconds or less. In other words, they’re not the end of the world. No IT expert is necessary. And no excessive downtime is required.

Don’t believe us?

Allow us to prove it to you — starting with that slow computer and that uncooperative mic.

My computer is slow.

Been here before, haven’t you? Heck, maybe you’re here at this very second.

Either way. It’s not a fun place to be.

If your computer is suddenly running slower than usual, here’s what you need to try:

Run a security scan.

Unfortunately, a slow PC might be the result of a pesky piece of malware. It’s best to run a quick scan just to be sure. If you don’t have the ability to do this, there are free solutions online. But be careful. You don’t want to download a virus scanner that gives you a virus. However, when it comes to the long-term security of your business devices, it’s often best to consult a managed security professional or to hunt down paid software from a reputable source.

Shut down all those tabs.

Take a look at your browser right now. How many tabs do you have open? How many separate windows? If you’re breaching 10 and your computer isn’t built to handle a lot of activities at once, then close them all out.

Uninstall unused applications.

Many computers come with a gang of applications you don’t need and will never use. Go ahead and uninstall those bad boys. They’ll do nothing but eat up your resources and slow down your computer. But be careful. Don’t uninstall something your computer needs to run effectively.

While you’re at it, check the Task Manager to see which applications are enabled at startup. You don’t always need 10 different applications to launch when you turn on your computer. Limit startups and your PC will be better off.

My microphone isn’t working.

It’s happening again. You hop onto a video conference, and the people on the other side of the computer say they can’t hear you.

Embarrassing, yes. Frustrating, of course. Fixable, definitely.

Here’s where you need to start:

Configure your mic.

1. Maybe you’ve changed some settings on your laptop recently, or maybe the driver needs to be updated. Or hey, you could be using a different device altogether. Either way, check to make sure your mic is configured correctly — this is typically the root cause of a muted video conferencing session.
2. Right-click the speaker at the bottom right corner of your screen. Select Recording Devices. Review the devices and make sure the right one is selected as default. If it is, click on the device, select Properties, and click the Levels tab. Make sure the levels are turned up and the sound is not muted. (There shouldn’t be a red X over the speaker icon to the left of your levels.)
3. While you’re at it, check the Advanced tab and make sure the box Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device is checked.
4. When you’re done, move back to the original pop-up window, speak into your mic, and see if the green bars rise (the ones next to your selected device in the pop-up window). If they do not, there might be something else going on — which means it might be time to seek out a professional.

Well, there you have it. Two common PC issues and their incredibly simple fixes. However, if problems like these are just the tip of the iceberg, feel free to shoot us a message. We provide managed IT services to companies across Florida, and we help these companies get a hold of their technology.