A restart fixes a surprising number of computer problems, but not all of them. Here's how to tell when it's something a reboot won't touch.
1. Fans that are suddenly loud, all the time
Some fan noise under load is normal. Fans running loud even when the computer is doing nothing usually means dust buildup, a dying fan, or a CPU working harder than it should, and heat that isn't managed properly shortens the life of everything around it.
2. It shuts down or restarts on its own
Random shutdowns, especially under load (gaming, video calls, anything that makes the fans spin up) often point to overheating or a failing power supply. This one's worth taking seriously. It tends to get worse, not better, on its own.
3. Boot times that keep getting longer
A slow start that's gradually gotten slower over months is usually software clutter: too many programs starting with Windows, a nearly-full drive. A boot that used to be fine and suddenly takes several minutes is a different, more concerning pattern, and worth a proper look.
4. Clicking, grinding, or new noises from inside the case
Mechanical hard drives make a very specific clicking sound when they're failing. If you hear it, back up anything important immediately. This isn't a "monitor it for a while" situation.
5. Blue or black screens, more than once
One crash could be a one-off. A pattern of crashes, especially with the same error each time, usually means something specific: a driver, a failing memory stick, or a drive on its way out. Worth writing down the error code if you see one; it helps a lot.
None of these mean the computer is doomed. Most of them are fixable, often for less than a new machine. But they're also not restart-and-forget problems.
Not sure which of these apply, or whether it's worth fixing at all? Try the troubleshooting wizard or the repair-or-replace quiz first.