If your Windows computer crashes when transferring large files, the solutions provided in this article will help you. This issue usually occurs due to faulty hardware, such as RAM. Additionally, bad drivers and system file corruption can also cause this problem.
Windows computer crashes when transferring large files
Use the following fixes if your Windows 11/10 PC crashes when transferring large files:
- Check cable connections
- Run a Chkdsk scan and repair system image files
- Check the issue in Safe Mode
- Troubleshoot in a Clean Boot state
- Test your RAM
- Update BIOS
- Hardware fault
All these fixes are explained in detail below.
1] Check cable connections
If the issue occurs on an internal hard drive, the cable connecting the hard drive to the motherboard may be loose. This usually happens when you clean your computer or laptop by opening it. If you have not cleaned your computer recently, another possibility of this issue is a damaged cable.
If the issue occurs on an external hard drive, connect it to another available USB port.
2] Run a chkdsk scan and repair your system image files
There might be some bad sectors on the hard drive. Run a chkdsk scan to repair the bad sectors on your hard drive. Additionally, run the System File Checker and DISM scan to repair corrupt system image files.
3] Check the issue in Safe Mode
A driver might be responsible for this issue. To check this, boot in Safe Mode and then transfer your files. If your system does not crash on transferring the files in Safe Mode, you need to update your drivers. Now, exit Safe Mode.
Once you exit Safe Mode, open the Device Manager and expand all branches. See which driver is showing the warning sign. Right-click on the driver and select Properties. The Device Manager will show you the error code and warning message under the General tab. This error code will be one of the Device Manager error codes. Troubleshoot and fix it accordingly.
If you do not see any warning signs in the Device Manager, visit the Windows Optional Updates page in your system settings and see if any driver updates are available there. If not, you can use third-party driver updater software to update all your drivers with a single click.
4] Troubleshoot in a Clean Boot state
A third-party service might be causing this issue. To check this, start your system in the Clean Boot state. Be careful while disabling the services to enter the Clean Boot state. If you accidentally disable all the services, your computer will become unstable, and you will lose access to it.
Once you are in the Clean Boot state, copy files and see what happens. If your computer does not crash this time, you need to identify that problematic third-party service. For this, enable some of the services and restart your system. Transfer your files and see what happens. Repeat this process until you find the problematic third-party service.
Alternatively, you can also use the Event Viewer to view the BSOD logs. Or, you can read the Memory Dump Files to view the problematic file causing your system to crash.
5] Test your RAM
Your RAM might be faulty. Run the Memory Diagnostic Test using the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. The Memory Diagnostic Tool will generate a report for your system’s RAM that lets you know whether your RAM is faulty.
You can also test your RAM sticks individually. Open your PC case or laptop and remove all the RAM sticks. Now, insert one RAM stick at a time and start your system. Copy files. Repeat this process to test each RAM stick individually.
6] Update BIOS
If the issue persists, you can try updating your system’s BIOS. First, check the current version of your BIOS using the System Information. Now, visit the official website of your computer manufacturer and search for the updated BIOS version for your system model. If an updated version is available, download and install it.
7] Hardware fault
If none of these fixes help, there might be a hardware fault in your system. The issue might be with your CPU or your hard disk. You can perform benchmark tests on hardware components, such as CPU and RAM, and test their stability. If a benchmark test is performed incorrectly, it may damage your hardware. Therefore, perform this test only if you know the right way. Otherwise, it is better to take professional help. Take your computer to a professional computer repair technician for further assistance.
Read: Computer crashes when downloading Large Files or Games
Why does my PC lag when transferring files?
If your PC lags when transferring files, your PC hardware may be struggling to keep up with multitasking while transferring data. Bad sectors on your hard drive also cause this issue. If Windows is installed on an HDD instead of an SSD, you will also experience lag issues.
Can lag damage your PC?
It depends on the cause of the lag. If lagging issues occur due to overheating, your hardware will be damaged. Prolonged high temperatures can damage your system. If lag occurs due to corrupt drivers or other background applications, it does not negatively impact your hardware. However, it can affect your productivity. Therefore, if you experience lag, it is better to upgrade your hardware.
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