Computer freezing is a common problem we all face a lot of times. If you are here, that simply means you are looking for the reasons for computer freezing and tips to resolve it. There are four types of computer freezing in general. Which one do you experience?
Generic Freeze: It’s the situation where the system freezes automatically and get into an operating and functional state without any troubleshooting.
Single-app Freeze: This happens when the system freezes by operating a particular app, game, or website.
Hang: When a system hangs due to a specific function and needs to restart to get into a normal state.
Random Hang: When the system is frequently unresponsive, and needs a restart for normal functioning. It is a random hang.
Now you must have got the answer to which kind of computer feezing you are facing? Let’s discuss their causes.
Top Causes Of Computer Freezing
There is no certain reason behind computer freezing. It could be anything. You will have to see which issue is causing computer freezing to your device.
1) Multiple Apps In One Go
The computers work with the help of their supporting memory. Each app will consume some memory in the background. If you are running apps more than the computer’s capacity, you will face computer freezing issues more often.
You should close the apps or programmes that you are not working on at the same time. It will save time and make your computer more durable.
2) Unknown Viruses
Viruses are there to make your system unfunctional only. Therefore, there could be a possibility that your computer has a virus due to which it is not functioning properly.
3) Corrupted Files
Sometimes, the computer does not have the required files to function properly or the files get corrupted. You could be facing trouble due to this.
4) Driver Errors
The role of the driver is to make a smooth communication between the hardware device and the operating system. There is a high chance you are facing issues with the system if the driver is outdated or corrupted.
5) Excess Heating
If you have an older system that you are using for a long while, it may start heating up now. Check the computer components’ temperatures so it won’t affect the computer adversely.
6) Hardware Issues
Sometimes, the external hardware which is not configured properly to support your computer allows it to damage the computer. The incompatible or misconfigured hardware component can be the cause of computer freezing too.
To check, you just need to detach the hardware. If the computer starts working smoothly. Definitely, it was a hardware misconfiguration issue.
7) Operating System Problems
Your computer needs regular upgrades to function properly. Moreover, do not use corrupt files as they do not notify for the updates and hence the computer starts malfunctioning or computer freezing.
8) External Devices
If the system doesn’t support external devices such as USB, keyboard, mouse or any other external device, it may cause frequent shutdowns followed by computer freezing.
9) BIOS Settings
Sometimes modifying BIOS settings can cause severe damage to the memory or RAM. If so, reset the BIOS settings by removing CMOS and putting it back after a while.
Keep updating the BIOS settings to impede such issues.
10) Hard Drive Break Down
If your CPU starts beeping out a clicking sound, there could be a possibility that the hard drive has the issue. Check the computer company’s website for troubleshooting methods.
How To Fix Computer From Freezing
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Open Event Viewer, Check The Logs
Even after reading all the most common reasons behind computer freezing, if you are not sure what is causing computer freezing. You must check your logs. Fortunately, the computer stores all events in the logs. You can check and detect which issue is causing the trouble.
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Right-Click The Start Button
Open Event Viewer, Check all the logs with a yellow warning sign and red error sign
You must get the reason for computer freezing after opening these logs.
If you are unable to identify the cause, that simply means the log isn’t recorded.
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Run “System File Checker”
As we discussed above, the computer freezes due to corrupted or missing files. You can check the occurrence of the situation by running the system file checker to restore the original files.
Type sfc/scannow to launch the Command Prompt administrator. If the system finds any corrupted or missing files, it will try to restore them automatically. If not, then let’s try another solution.
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Update Windows And Drivers
Check if there is any update available for windows and the drivers. If yes, update the respective. You can update all the drivers and the Windows from Device Manager. Check if the problem persists.
However, if there is a graphic card, network card, etc. that needs an update. You should visit the manufacturer’s website.
Still, if there’s a problem, try another solution.
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Clean Up The System Drive
In case the system drive runs out of space, you must try cleaning it up for the smooth functioning of the computer. Begin with “Temp Folder” and delete all the files there.
Also,
Go to the “Disk Cleanup.”
Select the drive which has Windows installed. (In most cases, it is C: drive)
Select the data type you want to remove.
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Diagnose The System Drive
If storage is not the issue, better for you to run a diagnose for the system drive.
Go to Local Disk > Properties > Tools
To see the persisting issues, click Check for system errors. If there would be an error, you will get the solution to repair it.
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Disable “Power Saving”
Sometimes, advanced features can cause damage to the system if misconfigured. Usually, it happens due to PCI Express Link State Power Management.
Go to Control Panel> System and Security> Power Options
Select Change Battery Settings
Click Change Settings and edit the plan
Click Change Advanced Power Settings
Open PCI Express, disable Link State Power Management
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Check RAM
RAM could be the culprit behind the freezing issue. You need to undergo troubleshooting before checking the RAM.
You can check through Windows Memory Diagnostic. If nothing comes out, then the RAM is probably fine.
Summary
If nothing works out from the above solutions, the last solution you have is to change the hardware. However, do not take the independent decision. Go to the repair shop or the service centre, tell them the issue and let them know what all you have already tried. If they suggest changing the hardware, then only go for that option. Otherwise, let them detect the issue and take action accordingly. If you feel these tips to solve computer freezing are useful, share them with your friends and help them to get rid of their computer freezing issues.