[SOLVED] What to Do When Your Computer Keeps Freezing Randomly

System freezes usually happen because something else is going on. It might be a common glitch that can easily go away or a more complex problem that requires specific fixes. Whatever the case, I’ve nailed down all the hardware and software solutions that can help you patch things up.

Why Does My PC Keep Freezing?

Both hardware and software problems can cause computer freezing issues. You can find hints about the specific underlying problem by looking at how random PC lags manifest. Still, there may be numerous root causes behind a single instance of the freezing issue.

Starting with the suggested methods for your version of the freezing glitch improves your odds of resolving the problem. That said, you should try out other methods to cover your bases.

First Troubleshooting Steps if Your Computer Keeps Freezing

Let’s start with what you should do to get your system working again in the short term. These fixes are best suited to temporary glitches.

Fix 1: Force restart your computer

A forced reboot can resolve the issue if it is caused by common hiccups like software conflicts, memory leaks, insufficient virtual memory, and wrong power settings. Your system might also need to cool off a bit after a long period of handling heavy workloads like gaming. 

You can force the shutdown by pressing and holding the power button for about 30 seconds or unplugging your PC (if you use a desktop computer) from its power source to stop.

Fix 2: Identify problematic apps using Task Manager

If you can still manage to navigate various apps despite the drags and lags, open Task Manager to find applications that are using up system resources, causing conflicts, or triggering memory leaks. You will most likely see 100% disk, memory, or CPU usage caused by a specific app or Windows service.

Once you identify the culprit, right-click it and click End task. You can also go to the Details tab of Task Manager, right-click the app or service causing the issue, and select End process tree to close other instances of the program.

Restarting your computer could also resolve this issue unless the program is configured to launch at startup and is corrupt.

Fix 3: Clean your system

Dirt can cause more damage than you think. Clogged exhaust fans, vents, and PC internals can trigger the freezing issue because they prevent your computer from working well.

So take out your gloves and a cloth to get rid of the dust buildup. If possible, open up your computer to remove debris and other elements that can be causing your computer to crawl to a stop.

Fix 4: Remove peripheral devices

Some external hardware devices like speakers and storage drives may be experiencing driver glitches and causing Windows to hang. In some cases, your USB keyboard or mouse may have stopped working, which can make it seem like Windows is no longer responding. Unplug the devices one after the other to identify which is behind the problem.

Fix 5: Check available storage space

Press Win + I and click This PC on the left side of the File Explorer window. If your drive C is filled up, move large files to a different storage device, whether it’s another internal volume or an external hard drive.

Windows requires you to keep 15–20% of your disk space free for various operations, such as virtual memory management and recovery.

You can also go to Settings > System > Storage and click Temporary files to remove large Windows update files and other temporary files that may be taking up space.

Fix 6: Change your power settings

Power settings determine how much computing power Windows allows itself to use. If it is set to conserve power (Battery saver), your CPU might freeze whenever you throw too much workload at it because it is running on limited clock speeds.

Follow these steps to use a higher performance setting if you run Windows 11:

• Open the Settings app and select System.
• Click Power & battery.
• Select Best performance next to Power mode.

You can also go through the Control Panel window to change performance settings in Windows 10 and 11. Here’s how:

• Click the search box in the taskbar and type Control Panel.
• Once you launch Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound and select Power Options.

• Choose High performance.

• If you can’t find the High performance option, click Create a power plan in the left navigation pane.

• Now, select High performance, name the plan, click Next, choose the sleep and display settings, and click the Create button.

Fix 7: Scan for malware with Windows Defender or a trusted anti-malware tool

Malware programs are among the common causes of the freezing issue, especially if you cannot pinpoint the cause. They can mimic system files, corrupt drivers, and overload your CPU to make Windows grind to a halt.

Windows’ built-in antivirus tool is competent enough to root out even the most sophisticated malware programs. 

Follow these steps to run Windows Security’s antivirus: 

• Launch the Start menu and type virus.
• Click Virus & threat protection on the results page.

• Once the Virus & threat protection window opens, click Scan options.

• Select Full scan and click Scan now.

• The full scan may take a while because it goes through everything on your hard drive.
• Once the full scan is complete, reopen the Scan options page in the Virus & threat protection window. This time, select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now.

• This scan is more thorough, as it is configured to look for malware applications designed to evade security suites. 
• The scan restarts your computer and takes about 15 minutes to complete, according to Microsoft.

How to Resolve the Computer Freezing Issue: Fixing the Most Pressing Root Causes

This category of fixes contains solutions that are more likely to resolve the problem if the random or constant freezing is not the result of temporary glitches, peripherals, malware, or storage space issues.

Before you start: Learn how to log into Safe Mode

You may have to log into Safe Mode to apply some of the fixes I’ll be showing later if the freezing issue prevents you from doing anything or logging into your user account. Since it only loads minimal drivers and settings, your computer should be able to run in this environment without issues.

Here’s how to enter Safe Mode:

• If Windows makes it to your login screen, go to the bottom-right corner, click the power icon, hold the Shift key on your keyboard, and click Restart. Doing that will open the Advanced Startup interface.
• You can also open the interface by forcing your computer to reboot three times without allowing it to reach your login screen. Hold down the power button to force a restart after your computer OEM’s logo flashes.
• Click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Start-up Settings once you see the Choose an option screen.

If you went through the forced restart option, select Advanced options on the Automatic repair screen.

• Click Restart when the Start-up Settings window opens.

• Press 5 or F5 to choose Safe Mode with Networking after the reboot.

Method 1: Run Windows Reliability Monitor

Reliability Monitor is a built-in Windows utility that monitors Windows activities and reports application and operating system failures, warnings, and miscellaneous information and issues. You can check the program to understand what may have gone wrong.

Here’s how to open and use it:

• Open the Start menu and type reliability.
• Select View reliability history.

• Once Reliability Monitor opens, select each date where you see red and yellow icons to view the sources, summaries, actions, and dates of critical events, warnings, and general information.
• You can right-click an event and select View technical details to see more information about the issue.

If you see that a specific program kept crashing or stopped responding repeatedly, consider uninstalling the application.

Method 2: Restore your system

A system restore helps you undo recent changes that may be causing your computer to freeze. These changes could be buggy device driver or software installations, glitchy Windows updates, or recent forays into the Windows registry.

Follow these steps to restore your operating system:

• Open Run (Win + R), type rstrui.exe into the text box, and click OK.

• Click Next, select a restore point, and click Next again.

• Tap the Finish button to begin the process.

Move on to the next step if your computer continues to freeze.

Method 3: Update Windows

Microsoft periodically ships new software components to resolve existing issues or reverse some of the bugs they unknowingly sent to users in previous updates.

For example, the KB5051987 update was released to resolve numerous issues, such as HDR glitches and audio problems, but ended up breaking File Explorer. Microsoft released KB5052093 to resolve those File Explorer issues, introduce new features across Windows, and fix other problems.

Follow these steps to install the latest updates:

• Open the Settings app. 
• Click Windows Update.
• Select the Check for updates button to get started.

Method 4: Update your device drivers

Your computer freezing is one of the many symptoms of driver issues. For example, if Windows continues to hang whenever you launch a game, play a video, or run graphics or video editing programs, your display card driver is likely responsible.

Resolving the issue involves identifying and updating drivers that are the likely causes of the problem. You can check Device Manager (right-click Start and select the utility) for devices with yellow exclamation marks. You can also right-click the problematic driver, select Update driver and choose Search automatically for drivers or Browse my computer for drivers.

Another way to update drivers is by running the Windows Update client. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates, then select View optional updates to choose and update drivers.

Method 5: Resolve memory-related issues

Your computer’s memory is one of the major causes of the freezing. Let’s cover different troubleshooting methods targeted at your RAM.

Run the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool

Windows Memory Diagnostics helps you determine whether your PC randomly freezes because your RAM sticks are malfunctioning. 

Follow the steps to run the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool

• Press the Windows logo and the R keys to launch the Run dialog.
• Type mdsched in the text box and click OK to launch the utility.

• The dialogue will ask you to restart your computer and check for memory problems or run the test the next time you restart your system. Choose the first option to run the test right away.

• Once your computer reboots, the tool will test your RAM modules and restart Windows to the desktop environment.
• To check the test results, open the Event Viewer (you can search in the Start menu), navigate to Windows Logs > System in the left navigation pane, Ctrl + F to open the Find search tool, and type MemoryDiagnostics-Results. Find Next button, close the Find dialog, and double-click the highlighted result.

Test your RAM sticks

Whether you see an error or not, consider replacing your RAM stick (if you have only one) or removing one and testing the other (if you have two). If your computer stops freezing while one module is out, the uninstalled stick is the cause of the problem and should be replaced.

Turn off your XMP or AMD EXPO profile

An XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) contains preconfigured overclocking settings for compatible RAM modules that you can activate in your system’s BIOS. AMD EXPO is AMD’s version of the feature. While turning it on can help your RAM run at advertised high speeds, it causes issues like freezing sometimes, as experienced by many users. Try turning it off to check whether it is behind the problem you’re experiencing.

Follow these steps:

• Go to your BIOS or UEFI environment. You can press the Del, F2, F10, or Esc key after turning on your computer depending on your motherboard’s manufacturer. The correct key for your system should be visible under or on top of the OEM logo once you turn on your PC. You can refer to the manufacturer’s guide if you don’t know which key to press.
• Locate memory settings. This section goes by different names depending on manufacturers. You may have to go to AI Tweaker if you use an ROG board or OC Tweaker if your board is produced by ASRock. In some cases, you’ll see the XMP or EXPO setting once you enter the BIOS environment.
• Turn off XMP or EXPO. Select XMP from the RAM-overclocking related menu, such as AI Overclocking Tuner (Asus), Extreme memory profile (Gigabyte), or DRAM Profile Setting, among others.

Image credit: ASUS

• Save your settings and exit the BIOS.

Method 6: Disable startup applications

Startup applications are programs and services that launch once you log into your user profile. If your computer randomly freezes whenever you log in, there’s a chance that your startup apps are asking too much of your CPU and RAM. That’s why disabling them resolves the problem in many cases.

Follow these steps:

• Right-click the Start button and select Settings.

• Select Apps when the Settings window appears, and click Startup (on the right side in Windows 11 and the left side in Windows 10).
• Turn off the switch beside an app to disable it.
• Restart your computer and check for the freezing issue.

Method 7: Check for Power Supply Unit (PSU) issues

Your computer requests more power from your PSU whenever the CPU and GPU need to take on more tasks. If your unit cannot meet those power demands, your system will encounter issues, including freezing.

In most cases, a defective or old PSU is to blame. But you may also be using a unit that does not meet your GPU or CPU’s requirements, especially if you recently upgraded any of those components without upgrading the power supply.

Use a different PSU with the right configurations to confirm whether you need to replace your current unit.

Method 8: Adjust virtual memory settings

Windows expands your system memory by borrowing space from your hard drive. If this virtual memory (also called paging file) is not managed properly, the operating system could hang because critical tasks will fail to reach the CPU.

You can fix the problem by allowing Windows to manage the file if you’re currently using manual settings. Follow these steps:

• Open the search box in the taskbar and type performance.
• Click Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows in the results.

• Once the Performance Options dialog opens, click the Advanced tab and select Change in the Virtual memory section.

• Select the box for Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
• Click OK.

You may have to use the manual option if Windows is freezing while the automatic method is selected. Uncheck the box next to Automatically manage paging file size for all drives, select Custom size, and enter a number in MB that falls within the recommended size.

Advanced Fixes for Computer Keeps Freezing Issue

These solutions will help return your system to normal if issues other than the regular glitches are causing the problem.

Follow the instructions here carefully. If you don’t understand anything, go through the steps one more time or get help from an expert.

Solution 1: Run system file checker

The System File Checker is designed to find and replace corrupt and missing system files. It works alongside the DISM (Deployment image servicing and management) utility and can be run through the Command Prompt. Follow these steps:

• Launch the Command Prompt as an administrator. Open the Start menu, type CMD, and select Run as Administrator.
• Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter.

• After that, type sfc /scannow in a new line and hit Enter.

Solution 2: Delete your user profile

There’s a chance your user profile is corrupt if your computer keeps freezing right after you log in or before Windows reaches your account’s sign-in page. This issue could be caused by corrupt registry items, damaged system files, broken or conflicting permissions, and issues with startup services.

Unfortunately, you have to delete the user profile to fix the problem. The kicker here is that you need to sign into another administrator account to delete your profile. If the corrupt profile is the only one there is, then you can go through Safe Mode, as explained earlier, to create a new profile, grant it administrator privileges, and delete the corrupt one.

Follow these steps to create the new profile:

• Open the Start menu and launch the Settings app.
• Select Accounts and click Other users.
• Click the Add account button.

• Click I don’t have the person’s sign-in information on the next pop-up.

• Next, click the Add a user without a Microsoft account option.

• You can now enter the Username and password.

• Return to Settings > Accounts > Other users and select the user you just created.
• Click Change account type and select Administrator under the Account type drop-down.

Now, here’s how to delete a user profile and create a new one whether you’re in Safe Mode or using a different administrator account:

• Open the Start menu and launch the Settings app.
• Select Accounts and click Other users.
• Select the account you want to delete and click the Remove button.
• Confirm the action in the warning dialog.

Solution 3: Fix overheating

Whenever your system overheats, it shuts down operations to protect your internal components from the hazards of dangerous temperatures. This problem could be due to fans not working, dust build-up, faulty radiators, clogged water-cooling pipes, or diminished thermal paste.

You can start by clearing out dust from exhaust fans and pipes, as I suggested earlier. However, there’s more that you can do to reduce overheating:

• Reverse your overclocking settings, as they can cause your GPU or CPU to produce more heat than normal
• Increase fan speeds in your system utility
• Remove debris and gunk from your water cooling system
• Consider replacing your radiator
• Open your computer and replenish your CPU’s thermal paste (only if you know how to)
• Replace fans that are no longer spinning

Solution 4: Fix hard drive issues or replace your storage device

Hard drives, whether SSDs or hard disk drives nearing the end of their life span or suffering from physical damage, can cause Windows to freeze. That’s because the operating system will face difficulty when trying to read critical system and driver files.

You can check your hard drive’s health by using its SMART utility. Follow these steps:

• Open the Start menu, type CMD, and open Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type wmic diskdrive get status,model and hit the Enter key.

Once you know that your drive is damaged, replace it.

Take your PC to a professional

If you’ve tried everything and your PC keeps freezing, take it to a professional, as the issue may be beyond your technical expertise. For example, replenishing a laptop’s thermal paste is an advanced process that only people with experience should attempt. You may also have to fix other complex problems like replacing laptop fans or on-board components.

Start by contacting your OEM support or technical team for assistance.

What to Do When Your Computer Keeps Freezing Randomly: Explained

The freezing issue on Windows computers is a fairly common but frightening problem. I’ve seen a lot of these to know that they point to other minor or pressing matters that you need to handle. Faulty updates, buggy apps and background processes, malware, hardware problems, corrupt and missing system files, power settings, BIOS configurations, and overheating are issues that you must pay close attention to.

Once you’ve solved your current problem, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrences when you:

• Keep your drivers and operating system up to date
• Protect your system from malware
• Avoid overheating
• Installing apps from reliable and verified sources

It’s also my experience that creating system restore points and driver backups keeps you prepared for the worst. You can quickly revert your changes to help you resolve the freezing issue immediately.

Head to the comments section to share your version of the freezing problem and how you resolved it.

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