Some users are used to perceiving an operating system as something completely reliable and well-established, because it accompanies us every day and seems flawless. However, no program can be perfect, so even popular platforms like Windows and macOS are not free from all possible errors. The causes of failures can be quite diverse. The worst part is that sometimes the user’s incorrect reaction only makes the situation worse and more difficult to fix. Basic knowledge and the ability to act calmly and without panic will be enough to deal with most problems. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most common things that cause errors in Windows and macOS.
Identifying errors and resolving them
Everyday Windows crashes often manifest themselves in the form of spontaneous system restarts or unexpected freezes during operation. One of the most common causes is device driver conflicts, when a new printer or video card cannot interact properly with the operating system. Errors often appear after installing critical updates when they partially break existing settings. Such glitches can also occur due to incorrect user actions. For example, deleting system files in the hope of freeing up some space or optimizing computer performance. The system itself usually informs you of the nature of the problem: a corresponding error code appears, a dialog box with a brief explanation. If you react in time, you can avoid a crash.
Sometimes the same problem is displayed in different ways. For example, Windows may display “blue screens of death” when the system interrupts work instantly and reports a critical failure. Such situations are usually associated with hardware conflicts and incorrect BIOS settings. On macOS, you may notice an abrupt shutdown of the device or a “spinning rainbow death cursor” instead. Errors can also be hidden in applications that abruptly stop working, sending the user to a crash report window. Sometimes it is enough to simply restart the program or roll back the changed settings to restore the usual system stability.
To give you an idea, here’s a small scenario where a Windows computer becomes extremely slow after installing new antivirus software. At the same time, overloading the system gives a short-term improvement, but immediately after launching the updated antivirus, everything starts to slow down again. In this case, you should check the compatibility of the programs, disable all outdated or duplicate security features. If the problem persists, you should try another antivirus or temporarily work with the built-in protection of Windows Defender until you find a good solution.
macOS cannot be called a 100% secure system against unexpected errors either. Mac users often face problems with updates when, after installing a new version of the system, some applications stop running and windows with errors and a request to “update the program” appear. Another cause of failures can be a clogged system due to the accumulation of temporary files, cache, and residues from unsuccessfully uninstalled programs. Although macOS is generally better optimized, conflicts with devices, especially third-party ones, are still a problem. In addition, it happens that an incorrect version of a printer driver or an incorrect font installation causes unexpected crashes.
System errors related to the Internet connection are a separate category. In Windows, situations often arise when access to the network is lost, and the Network Connection Center indicates a driver malfunction. Mac users face the loss of Wi-Fi or the fact that the operating system cannot complete the connection process, although the router works without complaint. Such malfunctions can be resolved by updating the network system settings, checking the router, and restoring TCP/IP settings. Sometimes it’s enough to disconnect and reconnect Wi-Fi so that the system restarts the internal services responsible for the connection.
If the error is related to the driver, check if there is a more recent version on the official website of the hardware manufacturer. An outdated driver may not be compatible with updated system modules, which can cause a crash. Similarly, if a certain application does not work correctly in a new environment (for example, after a macOS update), then try downloading the latest version of the program from the App Store.
To prevent such problems, you need to follow a few simple but effective rules. First, always make sure that installed updates are compatible with your hardware and software. Secondly, you should regularly check the system status using built-in tools (Windows Update, Disk Diagnostics, etc.), and on macOS, you should not neglect the “Search for Updates” and use the built-in Disk Utility program to check the integrity of the media. Thirdly, you need to clean up cache files, temporary folders, and unnecessary programs that can negatively affect system stability. Finally, if you see the first sign of a failure, it is better to back up your data in advance and then find out where the source of the error is hidden.
In summary, when something goes wrong, the first thing to do is to stay calm and carefully collect information about the failure. If the system generates an error code, copy or write it down separately, as this will help you find a solution in the official Microsoft, Apple, and user forums. Don’t rush to change critical settings and delete suspicious files without a backup: there is a risk of making the situation worse. Then, if the usual methods don’t work (rebooting, updating drivers, checking for viruses), you will most likely need to reinstall the OS or contact a specialist. But in most cases, you can solve the problem on your own, provided that the diagnostics are carried out consistently and without haste.
There is no universal recipe that will completely protect against all errors, but both systems provide many opportunities for quick recovery from a failure. When the first symptoms appear, such as slow operation, strange error messages, or the inability to launch your favorite program, you should act immediately before the situation becomes critical. Operating systems, like living organisms, sometimes also need prevention and careful maintenance.