Windows Notifications: 5 Alerts That Save Your PC ⚠️
Many people find Windows notifications annoying and tend to dismiss them without even reading them. However, ignoring them all can be a serious mistake. Some alerts warn of critical problems with your system, and postponing action could put your device at risk. Here are the notifications you should never ignore. 🚨
1. Low Disk Space Notification
The alert “Low Disk Space” This appears when the main drive, usually C:, is almost full. Windows needs free space to store temporary files, install updates, and manage virtual memory. If there isn't enough space available, the system may slow down, freeze, or even shut down unexpectedly. Additionally, important security updates may not install correctly.
This notice is crucial for performance and stability. To free up space, go to Settings > System > Storage to identify what's taking up the most space. You can delete temporary files, uninstall unused apps, empty the Recycle Bin, or move large files to an external drive or cloud storage. 💾
2. Windows Defender: Threat Detected
Windows Defender displays the alert “Threat Detected” When it finds malware or harmful software, such as viruses, Trojans, spyware, or ransomware, that could compromise your computer. While Defender typically quarantines the file, sometimes manual actions are required to completely remove the threat and secure your device.
When you see this alert, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security and click on "Open Windows Security". Then, check the tab Protection history to view recent threats. Expand the details of the most recent event and follow the recommended instructions. Also, identify the source of the threat to prevent future problems.
3. Frequent Blue Screen of Death
A blue screen of death (BSOD) occurs when Windows detects a serious error from which it can't recover. A single occurrence may be caused by a faulty update, but if it occurs frequently, don't ignore it. Recurring BSODs can indicate serious hardware or software problems that need immediate attention.
Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek
To identify the cause, pay attention to the error code that appears, such as “MEMORY_MANAGEMENT,” which indicates memory problems. Use this information to run specific tests and troubleshoot the problem. Investigate any unknown codes online to find quick and effective solutions.
4. Warning on the Battery Icon
A yellow triangle on the battery icon is a sign you shouldn't ignore. It could indicate you're using an incompatible or low-power charger, that the battery isn't holding a charge well, or that it's failing. It could also indicate a problem with the controller. When you see this alert, generate a battery status report to assess its health.
Open Command Prompt and run the command powercfg /batteryreport. Review the report and update the drivers battery to rule out software issues. If you're using a third-party charger, switch to the original. If the battery is old and its health has declined, consider replacing it to avoid unexpected power outages.
5. There is a problem with this unit.
Windows displays the message “There is a problem with this unit” when it detects failures on a connected storage device. It often appears if the drive was disconnected incorrectly the last time. It can also be caused by system corruption, malware on the drive, or hardware issues.
When you see this warning, Windows will offer to scan and repair corrupted files on the drive. If the problem is minor, such as incomplete write operations, the scan usually fixes it. However, if the warning persists after scanning, it's a good idea to back up your data and format the drive. If the failure persists, the hardware may be faulty and requires replacement.
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6. Unusual Login Activity Detected
Microsoft sends an alert “Unusual Login Activity Detected” when it detects suspicious logins from new locations, unknown devices, at odd times, or after several failed attempts. Since your Microsoft account is linked to Windows and services like OneDrive or Outlook, this warning should be taken very seriously.
If you recognize the login—for example, from a new device or while traveling—you can safely ignore the alert. But if you think someone else is trying to access your account, act quickly. Go to your Microsoft account settings, remove unknown devices, change your password, and turn on two-step authentication if you don't already have it enabled. 🔐
Instead of viewing each notification as a nuisance, identify important ones like the ones mentioned here, investigate their meaning, and take the necessary action. Ignoring these alerts can lead to serious problems that compromise your device's security, put your data at risk, or affect your hardware's performance. 🛡️💡
