Skip to main content

Fix Hardware Issues

Dealing with hardware problems in Windows can be frustrating, but with a systematic approach, you can often diagnose and fix issues on your own. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you:

1. Check Device Manager​

Device Manager shows all your computer’s hardware. Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark, which indicates a problem.

  • Open Device Manager: Press Win + X, then select "Device Manager".
  • Identify Issues: Right-click on devices with issues and select "Properties" to see details.

2. Update Drivers​

Outdated drivers can cause hardware malfunctions. Use PowerShell to update them:

  • Update Drivers: Open PowerShell (Win + X and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)"). 
    # List installed drivers
    Get-WindowsDriver -Online

    # Update a specific driver
    Update-WindowsDriver -Name "DriverName"

3. Check Hardware Compatibility​

Ensure your hardware is compatible with your version of Windows. Check manufacturer specifications and compatibility lists.

4. Adjust Power Settings​

Improper power settings can affect hardware performance. Set a suitable power plan:

  • Manage Power Plans: Open PowerShell as administrator. 
    # List power plans
    powercfg /l

    # Set active power plan (replace GUID with desired plan's GUID)
    powercfg /setactive GUID

5. Test Hardware Components​

If you suspect hardware issues, testing components can help identify problems:

  • Check Disk Health: Use PowerShell to monitor disk health.

    Get-PhysicalDisk | Get-StorageReliabilityCounter

  • Check RAM: Verify RAM details.

    Get-CimInstance Win32_PhysicalMemory | Format-Table Capacity, Manufacturer, Speed

  • Check CPU: Get CPU information.

    Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Processor | Select-Object -Property *

6. Check Event Viewer​

Event Viewer logs system events, including hardware errors or warnings.

  • Open Event Viewer: Press Win + X, then select "Event Viewer".

7. Monitor System Temperature​

Overheating can cause hardware issues. Use tools or PowerShell to monitor temperatures:

  • Check System Temperature: Monitor temperatures to ensure components aren’t overheating. 
    Get-WmiObject -Namespace root\wmi -Class MSStorageDriver_ATAPISmartData | Select-Object -ExpandProperty VendorSpecific

8. Physical Inspection​

Inspect hardware for physical damage or loose connections. Ensure everything is properly connected.

9. Reinstall Hardware​

As a last resort, reinstall hardware components if issues persist.

Last updated on by Keith Tan