Resolving Application Crashes on Windows

Learn effective methods to troubleshoot application crashes on Windows with practical examples.
By Jamie

Resolving Application Crashes on Windows

Application crashes can be frustrating, but understanding how to troubleshoot them can save time and prevent loss of work. Below are three practical examples of resolving application crashes on Windows, each addressing different scenarios.

Example 1: Updating Software to Fix Compatibility Issues

In many cases, outdated software can lead to crashes. For instance, if you’re using a graphic design application that frequently crashes, it might be due to compatibility issues with your operating system or other software.

To resolve this, follow these steps:

  1. Check for Updates: Open the software and navigate to the ‘Help’ menu, then select ‘Check for Updates’.
  2. Install Updates: If updates are available, download and install them. Restart the application after updates are applied.
  3. Verify Compatibility: Ensure that your application version is compatible with your Windows version. Check the software vendor’s website for compatibility information.
  4. Monitor Performance: After updating, use the application for a while to see if the crashes persist.

Notes: If the application continues to crash, consider reinstalling the software, as it might have corrupted files.

Example 2: Running the Application in Safe Mode

Sometimes third-party software or services interfere with applications, causing them to crash. Running the application in Safe Mode can help identify if this is the problem.

For example, if your web browser crashes frequently, you can follow these steps:

  1. Restart Windows in Safe Mode: Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter. In the System Configuration window, select the ‘Boot’ tab and check ‘Safe boot’. Restart your computer.
  2. Open the Application: Once in Safe Mode, launch the web browser to see if it crashes.
  3. Identify Conflicting Software: If the browser runs smoothly, a third-party application is likely causing the crash. Disable startup programs by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, go to the ‘Startup’ tab, and disable unnecessary applications.
  4. Reboot Normally: Restart your computer again without Safe Mode and observe the browser’s performance.

Notes: Use this method also to troubleshoot other applications by adapting the steps accordingly.

Example 3: Checking for System Resource Issues

If applications crash due to insufficient system resources such as RAM or CPU, monitoring your system’s performance can help.

Consider a scenario where your video editing software crashes while rendering. To diagnose this:

  1. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch Task Manager.
  2. Monitor Resource Usage: Click on the ‘Performance’ tab to check CPU and memory usage. If either is consistently high, it could indicate that your system is overburdened.
  3. Close Unnecessary Applications: Go back to the ‘Processes’ tab and identify applications that are consuming significant resources. Right-click on them and select ‘End Task’ to close them.
  4. Increase Virtual Memory: If resource usage is high, consider increasing your virtual memory. Right-click on ‘This PC’, select ‘Properties’, then ‘Advanced system settings’, and under the ‘Performance’ section, click ‘Settings’. Go to the ‘Advanced’ tab and adjust the virtual memory settings.
  5. Test the Application: After making changes, restart your video editing software and attempt the rendering process again.

Notes: If crashes continue, hardware upgrades may be necessary, such as adding more RAM or upgrading the CPU.