in computer vs on computer

Both 'in computer' and 'on computer' are commonly used, but they have different meanings. 'In computer' is used when referring to something physically inside the computer, like a component or a file. 'On computer' is used when referring to something that is being done using the computer, like working on a project or playing a game.

Last updated: April 10, 2024 • 881 views

in computer

This phrase is correct when referring to something physically inside the computer, like a component or a file.

Use 'in computer' when talking about something that is physically located inside the computer, such as a hardware component or a file stored on the computer.

Examples:

The data is stored in the computer's memory.
The graphics card is located in the computer.
I found a virus in the computer's system files.

Show examples from the web [+]

Sep 8, 2021 ... Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for ...
A Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field; A 3.0 GPA. If you do not meet the admission expectations above you ...
Earning a graduate degree in computer science can lead to positions in research institutions, government agencies, technology companies and colleges and ...
For future software developers, software engineers or programmers, a graduate degree in computer engineering combines training in electrical engineering and ...

Alternatives:

inside the computer
within the computer
within the system

on computer

This phrase is correct when referring to activities or tasks being done using the computer.

Use 'on computer' when talking about activities or tasks that are being performed using the computer, such as working on a project, playing a game, or browsing the internet.

Examples:

I'm working on my project on the computer.
She spends hours playing games on the computer.
He is researching information on the computer.

Show examples from the web [+]

Computer aided detection of small acute intracranial hemorrhage on computer tomography of brain. Comput Med Imaging Graph. Jun-Jul 2007;31(4-5):285-98. doi: ...
With IELTS on computer, there are more test dates available, test takers can ... you take the test on paper or on computer and the Speaking test is always ...
In addition to discount computers, you can also save with great deals on computer accessories to get the most out of your new laptop or tablet.
OET Speaking Test Online (at home). If you take OET on computer at a test venue, you will only take Listening, Reading and Writing ...
This paper examines the literature on computer games and serious games in regard to the potential positive impacts of gaming on users aged 14 years or above ...

Alternatives:

using the computer
with the computer
on the device

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9).

"Amazing! I like that the editors are REAL people and not A.I., like some use. The editors actually see clients as real people and not just apart of their job, and it shows. 💖"
moggie April 2025
"TextRanch has been a great help to me, especially at work because I often email my boss."
Jhey April 2025
"Thank you!"
Sachi Nakama July 2024
"I have literally been through chat, PI, claude, bard and bing and I got conflicting answers! Thank you! Human intelligence reigns!"
Retha July 2024
"Faster than AI"
CYNTHIA December 2023
"This was very helpful and I personally think this site is the best."
Kaden October 2023
"It was extremely thorough and very helpful!"
imperialelisa October 2023
"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"
Zubair Alam October 2023
"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."
Selena October 2023
"Without textranch I would be stuck!"
宏祐 October 2023
"Accuracy and fast response. Personal comments from editor. Thank you."
Clh September 2023
"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"
Arturo September 2023
"The fact that you can get reliable fast feedback on your texts."
Vinicius Antonio August 2023
"you guys are better than grammarly i'm being honest here"
ordinary July 2023
"OMG! This is really good than any other text correction tools I've used so far. Highly recommend this."
Vehan July 2023
"Very fast and accurate. thank you."
mojtaba July 2023
"I love this app because it's help to writing skills all of students ♥️"
Tarisini July 2023
"This was exactly the mistake I was looking for, the wording dind´t sound right at first. Better than grammarly!"
Ente July 2023
"The immediate help that I received was reassuring and very satisfactory. Thanks."
priiiyanshuu July 2023
"this helps A LOT for my studies."
kathnunez02 June 2023
"Woow!! I would never have expected such precision! Thank you soooo much!!"
Berta June 2023
"Real Time Editor and not AI. Many Thanks."
Priya June 2023
"The very first thing excites me about Textranch is how much your editors care."
sepideh June 2023
"The fact that texts are checked by human editors rather than by AI, etc. I appreciate this!"
Анна June 2023