We have all encountered scenarios where suddenly our computer screen freezes. The first thing that we often end up doing is to bang the mouse or violently tap the keys hoping the computer screen would somehow unfreeze. But that doesn’t solve the issue. Are you wondering how to fix your computer and what to do when such a computer freezing problem occurs? 

In this blog, we will look at the prime causes which cause computer freezing while simultaneously throwing light upon the common hacks that you can try to resolve those issues.

Computer Freezing Problems and Its Solutions

1. Computer Freeze Troubleshooting Method When Many Programs are Running Simultaneously

If multiple programs are functioning simultaneously, then the memory or computing power may fail to boost all the programs.

The Solution: Start your PC’s Task Manager by right-clicking on the taskbar. Under the “Processes” tab, check which program has frozen and click on “End Task.” This should solve the problem at hand.

This should solve the problem at hand.

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2. Computer Freeze Troubleshooting When There are Hardware Issues

If your computer keeps freezing due to hardware issues, then you might have to identify the exact cause and try to fix that issue.

CPU Overheating

Excessive heating can freeze your computer and may also damage the integrated circuit of your computer’s processor.

The Solution: Ensure that your computer is appropriately vented. You can use fans or computer casing in hot environments. You can also use a program like SpeedFan to check if overheating or voltage fluctuations are an issue.

Insufficient RAM

Computer freezing can frequently occur due to insufficient RAM.

The Solution: Ensure to upgrade your RAM or reinstall the operating system.

Hard Drive Problem

Hard Drive failure can often lead to computer freezing.

The Solution: You can check the hard drive’s S.M.A.R.T. data to detect if the hard drive is the cause of computer freezing using a program like CrystalDiskInfo and consider fixing it.

You can also clean the disk space by deleting unwanted data or programs located on the C drive to prevent freezing of your Windows 10 or Windows 7 computer. You can also try expanding your C drive with the help of software programs like Minitool Partition Wizard.

Not Having Enough System Memory

Freezing of your computer may also occur due to memory problems.

The Solution: This issue can be resolved by running the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool.

• Click Windows key+R key together. Type “mdsched.exe” in the text box and then press Enter.

• You will come across two options: One is checking the memory problem by restarting the computer and another is detecting memory problems on the next restart.

• Use the former option and wait for the tool to check the memory and finish. It may take a while for the tool to end testing for memory problems and fixing them.

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3. Computer Freeze Troubleshooting When Using Faulty External Devices

Sometimes, the mouse, keyboard, or the USB drive may be defective, which can cause computer freezing issues.

The Solution:  Consider replacing external devices. You can also update the USB device drivers to resolve this issue.

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4. Computer Freeze Troubleshooting Due to Software Issues

There may be several software issues that can make your computer screen freeze or hang up.

BIOS Setting Modification

If the BIOS setting (Basic Input/Output System) has been modified, then it may make your computer hang. 

The Solution: Restore to default settings to unfreeze your computer.

Corrupted or Missing System Files

Sometimes, backend application update or system updates occurring on your computer may lead to such issues. Frequent instances of computer freezing on Windows 10 & Windows 7 have been observed. 

The Solution: You can try the quick fix by uninstalling the system updates and restarting your computer. 

• You can also choose to perform a system restore under various scenarios, as mentioned below, either manually or using some suitable software.
• For Windows 10 users, you can use the Reset feature, which is located under the “Update and Recovery” section of the Settings, followed by clicking on the Recovery option. This will make the computer to return to its factory state.
• The recovery feature can be used when freezing of the computer occurs due to some third party application. If you are unsure about which app is causing the freezing problem, then you can also use the factory reset feature.
• Sometimes, if your system is failing to start, then also you may select the recovery option during the boot or by using a disc.
• You can also run System File Checker especially recommended for Windows 10 users as per the below steps:

• Input “cmd” to launch the Command Prompt.
• Right-click on the Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.

• Now type sfc/scannow, followed by pressing Enter.

• Once the Windows finishes running the scans for corrupted files, it will try to fix them. You can then input “exit” and followed by pressing the Enter key.

Viruses

Viruses or hidden programs may cause your computer to freeze or hang.

The Solution: You can scan your computer with the help of an appropriate antivirus program and let it deal with the virus.

Device Driver Problems

Drivers are responsible for the interaction between hardware devices and the operating system. If they have become outdated, corrupt, or are missing, then it may become the cause of freezing and may lock up of your system.

The Solution: You can use any suitable Driver Updater program like the Bit Driver Updater, which can scan your system and detect the missing, corrupted, or obsolete drivers and further update them or replace them. You can also choose to do the driver update manually. The following steps illustrate the procedure to update the drivers of Windows 10/8/7:

• Go to My Computer in Windows 7 or My PC in Windows 10/8 and then choose the “Manage” option.
• Further, click on Device Manager and navigate to the categories whose drivers need to be updated by selecting the “Update Driver Software.” This can be done in the case of Windows 8 & Windows 10 users.

• For Windows 7 users, right-click on the hardware’s name, select properties, and choose the “Update Driver” button located under the Driver tab.

Additionally, you can try to restart your computer when you encounter computer freezing problems. If your computer starts generally functioning after its restarts, then your problem is solved; otherwise,  you can choose to start the computer in “Safe Mode.” 

If in safe mode, the computer freezing does not occur, then it indicates a software problem on your system, which is the likely cause behind the freezing of your system. 

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Finally, if none of the solutions to fix the computer freezing issue works, then you can take the PC for service. 

Thus, if you are frequently suffering from computer freezing problems, then hopefully, the solutions in this article can help you troubleshoot those issues.