Sometimes it can be difficult to discern whether the cause of the failure is software or hardware. If it is an external device, try to test it on another computer.
If it is an internal component, it is more difficult. A good practice is to test the component before launching the operating system. Dell and HP offer a Preboot Diagnostic Test to diagnose issues outside the operating system.
Determine if any recent changes were made to your computer's hardware or software. Often, issues arise shortly after such modifications.
Boot your computer into Safe Mode to see if the problem persists. Safe Mode loads a minimal set of drivers and services, which can help isolate software-related issues. If the problem doesn't occur in Safe Mode, it's more likely a software issue. Alternatively, you might want to create a bootable USB drive with a minimal operating system or diagnostic tools (e.g., Medicat, DART, Gandalf, Hiren’s bootCD) and boot from it. If the problem persists in this environment, it's more likely a hardware issue.
Check whether Windows Device Manager shows any problems.
Examine the computer's event logs (in the Windows Event Viewer) for error messages and warnings. These logs can provide insights into software-related issues, including crashes and conflicts.
Ensure that your operating system, drivers, and software applications are up to date. Sometimes, software issues are resolved by applying updates or patches released by the manufacturers.
You might find the following methodology helpful.
Here are some training videos that might interest you.
Troubleshooting Common Hardware Problems