ASUS laptops are known for their reliability and performance. However, like any other electronic device, they can occasionally encounter issues that may disrupt your productivity. In this blog, we will explore common problems faced by ASUS laptop users, including slow performance, battery drain, and driver errors. We will provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve these issues and get your ASUS laptop back in optimal working condition. 

Problem 1: Slow Performance

Is your ASUS laptop running slower than usual? A slow-performing system can be frustrating, affecting your productivity and overall user experience. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to address the issues causing your system to slow down. Let’s take a look! 

Insufficient RAM

Insufficient random-access memory (RAM) can significantly impact your laptop's performance. Here's what you can do: 

  • Check your laptop's specifications to determine the maximum RAM capacity it supports. 
  • If your laptop has available RAM slots, consider adding more memory modules to increase the RAM capacity. 
  • Ensure that the RAM modules are securely seated in their slots. 
  • If your laptop has reached its maximum RAM capacity, consider closing unnecessary applications or upgrading to a faster RAM type (if supported). 

High CPU usage

Excessive CPU usage can lead to a sluggish system. You might have noticed that after constantly using your ASUS laptop at peak performance levels, the system starts to slow down. Applications take much longer to open or close. In some cases, the system might also get hung up or stuck for a few seconds. If this is the case with your ASUS notebook, follow the below-mentioned steps. 

  • Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc. 
  • Identify processes or applications that are consuming a significant amount of CPU resources. 
  • Close any unnecessary applications or processes that are running in the background. 
  • If a specific application is causing high CPU usage, consider updating or reinstalling it. 
  • Scan your system for malware using reliable antivirus software, as viruses can cause high CPU usage. 

Hard Drive Issues

A fragmented or nearly full hard drive can contribute to slow system performance. Take these steps to optimise your hard drive: 

  • Run the built-in Disc Cleanup utility to remove temporary files, system caches, and unnecessary files. 
  • Defragment your hard drive using the built-in disc defragmenter or a third-party defragmentation tool. 
  • Consider upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD), which offers faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard drives. 

Outdated drivers and software

Outdated drivers and software can hinder your ASUS laptop’s performance. It is very similar to running outdated software on your smartphone. Not only can you experience performance issues, but you can also run into multiple compatibility issues. To make sure that you stay up-to-date, follow the guidelines below. 

  • Visit the official ASUS website and navigate to the "Support" or "Downloads" section. 
  • Enter your laptop's model name or select it from the provided options. 
  • Download and install the latest drivers for your hardware components, such as the graphics card, chipset, and network adapter. 
  • Regularly update your operating system and applications to benefit from performance optimisations and bug fixes. 

Problem 2: Battery Drain

Battery drain is a common concern for laptop users, including ASUS notebook owners. Experiencing rapid battery depletion can disrupt your work and limit the portability of your device. Not only this, but a faulty battery can also pose a risk to other internal components of your laptop. Check out some of the steps to fix this issue on your ASUS laptop. 

Disable Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Function

The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions on your ASUS laptop can consume significant battery power. You don’t always use WiFi or Bluetooth. But whenever these features are turned on, the laptop will keep searching for signals. The result? Quicker battery drainage! 

  • Press the Fn key along with the corresponding function key (usually F2 or F3) to disable or enable Wi-Fi. 
  • Similarly, use the appropriate key combination to toggle Bluetooth on or off. 
  • Disable these functions when not required, especially when working offline or in areas without wireless connectivity. 

Adjust Power Settings

Modern ASUS laptops UK come with up to 700 nits of brightness. Of course, this comes in handy when you are working outdoors or in direct sunlight. But do we really need maximum screen brightness at all times? Not only does it take more battery, but it can also cause eye strain for the user. Here's how you can adjust the power settings on your ASUS notebook: 

  • Go to the Start menu, search for "Power & Sleep Settings," and open the corresponding settings page. 
  • Select the desired power plan (such as Balanced or Power Saver) to balance performance with energy consumption. 
  • Customise the power plan settings to suit your preferences, such as adjusting screen brightness and setting shorter sleep or hibernation times. 

Close unnecessary applications

Running multiple applications simultaneously can strain your laptop's resources and drain the battery faster. Follow these steps to close unnecessary applications: 

  • Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the Task Manager. 
  • Identify resource-intensive applications or processes under the "Processes" or "Applications" tab. 
  • Right-click on the selected processes and choose "End Task" to close them. 
  • Consider disabling or uninstalling unused or unnecessary startup programmes. 

Problem 3: Blue Screen Error in Windows (BSOD)

The dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is an unwelcome sight for any ASUS laptop user. If you are encountering this error on your Windows-powered ASUS laptop, here are some steps that can help you address it: 

Identify the cause

  • The first step in troubleshooting the BSOD is to identify the root cause. 
  • The error message displayed on the blue screen often provides crucial information. 
  • Carefully read the error message to look for specific error codes or keywords that might point to the underlying issue. 
  • It could be related to hardware, software, driver conflicts, or even system overheating. 

Update drivers and Windows

Outdated or incompatible drivers can trigger the dreaded BSOD. Ensure that your ASUS laptop UK has the latest drivers installed. 

  • Visit the official ASUS support page for your laptop model and download the most recent driver updates. 
  • Additionally, keep your Windows operating system up to date by installing the latest Windows updates and patches, as they often contain bug fixes and improvements that address known issues. 

Check for hardware issues

Faulty hardware components can also lead to BSOD errors. 

  • Perform a thorough check of your laptop's hardware components, including RAM, hard drive, and graphics card. 
  • You can use diagnostic tools provided by ASUS or third-party software to identify and fix any hardware-related problems. 
  • If necessary, consider contacting ASUS support for further assistance or seeking professional help. 

Scan for malware and viruses

Malware infections can cause havoc on your system, potentially causing BSOD errors. 

  • Run a comprehensive scan using reliable antivirus software to detect and remove any malicious programmes from your ASUS laptop UK. 
  • Make sure your antivirus software is up-to-date to effectively combat the latest threats. 

Utilise Windows Recovery Options

Windows offers built-in recovery options that can help resolve BSOD issues. 

  • Start by using System Restore to revert your ASUS laptop's settings to a previous point in time when it was functioning properly. 
  • If that doesn't solve the problem, you can try Startup Repair or use the Windows Recovery Environment to troubleshoot and repair system files. 

Problem 4: The ASUS Notebook is not turning on and shows a black screen 

If you are here, it means you have run into a problem with your ASUS notebook. First off, keep in mind that this isn’t necessarily a permanent problem and can be solved by following some basic troubleshooting steps. 

Possible Causes

Before diving into the solutions, it's essential to understand the potential causes of this issue. Some common reasons include: 

  • Power supply issues: Insufficient power or a faulty power adapter can prevent your notebook from turning on. 
  • Display-related problems: Connection issues or a malfunctioning display can result in a black screen. 
  • Hardware or software conflicts: incompatible or malfunctioning hardware components, outdated drivers, or conflicting software can interfere with the booting process. 

Troubleshooting Steps

  • Power Cycle the Notebook: Sometimes, a simple power cycle can work wonders. Follow these steps: 
  • Disconnect the power adapter and remove the battery (if removable). 
  • Press and hold the power button for around 15 seconds. 
  • Reinsert the battery (if applicable) and connect the power adapter. 
  • Press the power button to turn on your ASUS notebook and check if the black screen issue is resolved. 

Check the power adapter

Ensure that your power adapter is functioning correctly by following these steps: 

  • Verify that the power adapter is securely connected to both the notebook and a working power outlet. 
  • Check for any visible damage to the power adapter or its cable. 
  • Try using a different power outlet or an alternative power adapter to rule out potential power supply issues. 

Connect to an External Display

To determine if the black screen issue is related to the display, connect your ASUS notebook to an external monitor or TV. Follow these steps: 

  • Use an appropriate video cable (HDMI, VGA, etc.) to connect your notebook to the external display. 
  • Turn on the external display. 
  • Power on your notebook and observe whether the external display shows any visuals. 
  • If the external display functions properly, it indicates a potential problem with your notebook's built-in display. 

Reset BIOS Settings

Resetting the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings can help resolve hardware-related conflicts. Here's how: 

  • Turn off your notebook. 
  • Press the power button to turn it on, and immediately start tapping the F2 key repeatedly until you enter the BIOS setup utility. 
  • Locate the "Reset to default" or "Load Setup Defaults" option and select it. 
  • Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup utility. 
  • Restart your notebook and check if the black screen issue persists. 

Update drivers and BIOS

Outdated drivers and BIOS can cause compatibility issues and lead to a black screen. Follow these steps to update them: 

  • Visit the official ASUS support page for your notebook model. 
  • Download and install the latest driver updates for your graphics card, chipset, and other relevant hardware components. 
  • If available, download and update the BIOS firmware to the latest version specified for your notebook model. 
  • Restart your notebook and verify if the black screen problem is resolved. 

Note: All of these solutions are user-friendly and do not require any technical expertise. However, they may or may not work, depending on the issue persisting within your ASUS laptop.  

Problem still unsolved 

If you have followed all these steps and your ASUS notebook still fails to power on, then it is advisable to contact ASUS Support. If you have purchased your ASUS notebook from Laptop Outlet, our customer support team is available to provide guidance and help resolve this issue.  

Problem 5: Overheating

Overheating can lead to performance issues and potentially damage your ASUS laptop. If you are a serious gamer, a high-end programmer, or a professional user, using an overheated laptop may even cause system latencies or slowdowns. Before we jump into the solutions, let's understand the common causes of overheating on ASUS laptops UK: 

  • Dust Accumulation: Dust particles can clog the cooling vents and hinder proper airflow, leading to increased temperatures. 
  • Intensive Tasks: Running resource-demanding applications, such as gaming or video editing software, can put a strain on the laptop's components and generate excessive heat. 
  • Inadequate Cooling System: A faulty or inefficient cooling system, including fans or heat sinks, may fail to dissipate heat effectively. 

Now that we have looked at the top reasons behind laptop overheating, let’s check out some potential solutions to your overheating issues. 

Keep the vents clear

  • Maintaining clean and clear cooling vents is essential to ensuring proper airflow. Follow these steps: 
  • Power off your laptop and unplug it from the power source. 
  • Gently clean the cooling vents using compressed air or a soft brush to remove dust and debris. 
  • Be cautious not to damage the delicate components while cleaning. 
  • Perform this cleaning routine regularly to prevent dust buildup. 

Provide adequate ventilation

Improving the ventilation around your laptop can significantly help dissipate heat. Consider the following tips: 

  • Place your laptop on a hard, flat surface to allow proper airflow underneath. 
  • Avoid using your laptop on soft surfaces like beds or couches, as they can obstruct ventilation. 
  • Invest in a laptop cooling pad or stand with built-in fans to enhance airflow and cooling efficiency. 

Optimise Power Settings

Adjusting power settings can help reduce the strain on your laptop's components and lower operating temperatures. Here's how: 

  • Open the Power and Sleep Settings on your ASUS laptop UK. 
  • Choose a power plan that balances performance with energy efficiency, such as the Balanced or Power Saver plan. 
  • Customise the power plan settings, such as reducing screen brightness or setting shorter sleep or hibernation times. 

Monitor and manage CPU Usage

Resource-intensive tasks can cause your laptop to heat up quickly. Consider these measures: 

  • Use task manager utilities to monitor CPU usage and identify any applications consuming excessive resources. 
  • Close unnecessary background applications to reduce the strain on your CPU. 
  • Consider limiting CPU-intensive tasks, such as gaming or video rendering, to shorter durations or scheduling breaks to cool down the laptop. 

Update drivers and firmware

Outdated drivers or firmware can contribute to overheating. Keep your system up to date with the following steps: 

  • Visit the official ASUS support page for your laptop model. 
  • Download and install the latest driver updates, especially for the graphics card and chipset. 
  • Update the laptop's BIOS firmware if available, as it may include optimisations for heat management. 

How do I avoid troubleshooting issues with ASUS Laptops?

With 24/7 internet access at our disposal, solving minor issues or troubleshooting common errors has become very easy. But it’s still a hassle, and if you are a busy professional, troubleshooting can take up a lot of your precious time. To avoid troubleshooting issues with your ASUS laptop and ensure a smooth and trouble-free experience, here are some proactive measures you can take: 

Keep your laptop updated

Regularly update your laptop's operating system, drivers, and firmware. ASUS often releases updates that address bugs, security vulnerabilities, and performance improvements. Check the official ASUS support website for your laptop model to download and install the latest updates. 

Install reliable antivirus software

Protect your laptop from malware and viruses by installing reputable antivirus software. Regularly scan your system for potential threats and keep your antivirus software updated to defend against new threats. 

Be Mindful of Software Installations

Be cautious when installing new software on your ASUS laptop UK. Only download applications from trusted sources and avoid downloading from unreliable websites. Pay attention during installations to avoid bundled software or potentially unwanted programmes (PUPs) that can cause conflicts or system instability. 

Perform Regular Maintenance

Keep your ASUS notebook clean and free from dust and debris. Dust accumulation can obstruct airflow and lead to overheating issues. Clean the cooling vents regularly using compressed air or a soft brush. Additionally, wipe the laptop's exterior surfaces with a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and fingerprints. 

Practice Safe Power Management

Properly manage the power settings on your laptop. Optimise power plans to balance performance and energy consumption. Adjust settings to conserve battery life when necessary and avoid draining the battery excessively. Use the laptop's power-saving features, such as sleep or hibernation modes, when not in use for extended periods. 

Handle your ASUS laptop with care

Handle your laptop gently and avoid subjecting it to physical stress. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the laptop or placing it in environments with extreme temperatures or humidity. Protect your laptop by using a suitable carrying case or sleeve when transporting it. 

Backup your data

Regularly back up your important files and data to avoid potential data loss in the event of hardware failures, software issues, or accidents. Utilise external storage devices, cloud storage services, or backup software to create backups of your valuable data. 

Seek professional help when needed

If you encounter persistent issues or face challenges beyond your technical expertise, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Contact ASUS customer support or consult with an authorised ASUS service centre for expert assistance. 

Conclusion

ASUS laptops are renowned for their reliability, but occasional issues can still arise. By following the troubleshooting steps mentioned above, you can address common problems such as slow performance, battery drain, driver errors, and overheating. Remember to regularly update your software and drivers to ensure optimal performance and security. If the issues persist or you need further assistance, reach out to ASUS customer support, or consult a professional technician. Keep your ASUS laptop in excellent condition and enjoy uninterrupted productivity.