Does your Windows 11 PC keep freezing randomly or become unresponsive during use? Bother not! This is a common issue that has existed on Windows for ages. Having taken the issue for a task, I’m going to break down the 11 best tips and tricks to fix a frozen PC on Windows 11. Read on to resolve the problem and make your PC work again with the needed smoothness.
Best Tips & Tricks to Fix a Frozen PC on Windows 11
The freezing issues crop up on Windows due to many factors, such as outdated drivers, corrupted system files, and software glitches. In some rare cases, it can also be the byproduct of malware attacks.
1. Wait It Out for a Minute
It’s worth pointing out that sometimes a freeze is temporary due to high CPU or disk usage. Therefore, make sure to wait a few seconds to a minute—if the system becomes responsive, it might have just been a spike in usage.
2. Use Ctrl + Shift + Esc to Open Task Manager
If too many greedy programs are active, there is a high chance that they could be causing the problem.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch Task Manager.
- If it opens, check for programs that are using too much CPU, memory, or disk. Right-click the frozen program and select End task to force it to close.
3. Disconnect External Devices
Unplug unnecessary peripherals like USB drives, printers, or external hard disks. A faulty external device can cause system hangs, especially during startup or wake-up.
4. Restart File Explorer
If only the desktop is frozen but the rest of the PC works, rebooting the File Explorer will help you fix the issue.
- Launch the Task Manager Ctrl + Shift + Esc) on your PC > find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and select Restart to refresh your desktop environment.
5. Perform a Hard Reboot
If everything is completely unresponsive, hold the Power button for 5–10 seconds to force shut down. Wait a few seconds and power it back on.
6. Boot Into Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts Windows with minimal drivers, which makes it easy to determine the culprits.
- Press Win + R, type
msconfig, go to the Boot tab, check Safe boot, and restart. If the PC doesn’t freeze in Safe Mode, a third-party app or driver is likely the cause.
7. Update Drivers
Outdated or buggy drivers can cause freezing.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates and install any available driver updates. You can also update drivers manually via Device Manager.
8. Check for Malware
Malicious software can cause system instability. Hence, run a full scan on your PC to detect the corrupted software and delete it.
- Open Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection.
- Now, run a Full scan. You can also use third-party tools like Malwarebytes for an in-depth scan.
9. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
Corrupt system files can lead to freezes.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run these commands one by one:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth- These tools will scan and fix damaged system files.
10. Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft often releases stability patches. So, check for the updates and install them.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates to ensure your system is running the latest fixes.
11. Check for Hardware Issues
No solution as yet? Now, I’d recommend you run Windows Memory Diagnostic (search it in Start) to test your RAM.
Also, check your SSD or HDD health using third-party tools like CrystalDiskInfo. Failing hardware can definitely cause freezes.
