Computers · Repair guide

How to fix a computer that keeps freezing

9 fixes, easiest first4 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Restart the PC, install all Windows updates, then open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and close or uninstall whatever is using the most CPU, memory or disk. If freezes started after an update or new app, remove it.

What it means

A freeze is when the screen stops updating and the mouse or keyboard stops responding, sometimes for a few seconds and sometimes until you force a restart. The usual causes are an app or driver that has stopped responding, too little free memory or disk space, damaged system files, an overheating PC, or failing memory or storage.

Common causes

  • An app, browser tab or game that stops responding
  • An outdated or buggy graphics or other device driver
  • Too little free memory or a nearly full drive
  • A recent Windows update or newly installed program
  • Damaged Windows system files
  • Overheating from blocked vents or dust
  • Failing memory (RAM) or a failing drive

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01Get out of a freeze safelyEasy

  1. Wait a minute; a short freeze may clear on its own when a busy task finishes.
  2. Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver. A beep or screen flicker means it worked.
  3. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choose Task Manager. Select the app marked Not responding and select End task.
  4. If nothing responds, press and hold the power button until the PC turns off, wait a few seconds, then turn it on. Unsaved work will be lost.

Why it helps: These steps unfreeze the screen without losing more than you have to.

02Restart and install Windows updatesEasy

  1. Select Start > Power > Restart instead of only closing the lid or sleeping the PC.
  2. Open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates, then install what is offered.
  3. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates and install any driver updates listed.
  4. On Windows 10: use Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Why it helps: Updates include fixes for known freezes, and a full restart clears stuck processes.

03Find what is overloading the PC in Task ManagerEasy

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. On the Processes tab, select the CPU, Memory or Disk column heading to sort by the busiest apps.
  3. Close apps and browser tabs you are not using, or select one and choose End task.
  4. Check the Performance tab: if Memory or Disk sits near 100% when the PC freezes, that is the bottleneck.

Why it helps: A single heavy app or running out of memory is a very common cause of lock-ups.

04Check Reliability Monitor for the culpritEasy

  1. Select Search, type reliability and open View reliability history.
  2. Look for red error icons on the days the PC froze.
  3. Select a day and read the entries under the chart, such as Stopped working or Windows was not properly shut down.
  4. If the same app or driver shows up again and again, update it, reinstall it or remove it.

Why it helps: Reliability Monitor shows which app, driver or update failed around the time of each freeze.

05Free up disk space and cut startup appsEasy

  1. Open Settings > System > Storage and select Temporary files, choose what to delete, then select Remove files.
  2. Aim to keep at least 10-15% of the main drive free.
  3. In Task Manager, open Startup apps, right-click apps you do not need at startup and choose Disable. On Windows 10 the tab is called Startup.
  4. Uninstall programs you no longer use from Settings > Apps > Installed apps.

Why it helps: A nearly full drive and too many background apps leave Windows short of room to work.

06If it started after an update or new app, undo itMedium

  1. Back up important files first, for example to OneDrive or a USB drive.
  2. New app or driver: uninstall it from Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select More options (...) next to it and choose Uninstall.
  3. Windows update: go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, select the newest update and choose Uninstall.
  4. On Windows 10: use Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates.
  5. Restart and see whether the freezes stop. Some updates cannot be removed, and removing security updates leaves the PC less protected, so reinstall it once a fix is released.

Why it helps: Freezes that begin right after a change are usually caused by that change.

07Repair Windows system filesMedium

  1. Select Search, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  2. Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter. Wait until it finishes; it can take several minutes.
  3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Leave the window open until it reaches 100%.
  4. Restart the PC when it finishes.

Why it helps: Damaged Windows files can make the system hang; these built-in tools find and replace them.

08Test the memory and keep the PC coolMedium

  1. Save your work, select Search, type Windows Memory Diagnostic, open it and choose Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
  2. Wait for the test to finish. After you sign in again, a notification shows the result; it can take a few minutes to appear.
  3. Make sure air vents are not blocked, and use laptops on a hard flat surface rather than a bed or sofa.
  4. If the fans are loud and the PC freezes mostly during games or heavy work, it may be overheating.

Why it helps: Faulty memory and overheating both cause freezes that no software fix will cure.

09Run your PC maker's built-in hardware testMedium

  1. If you have a Dell: restart and press F12 repeatedly at the Dell logo, then choose Diagnostics.
  2. If you have an HP: turn the PC off, turn it on and press Esc about once a second, then press F2. Choose System Tests > Fast Test, and if it passes, try Extensive Test.
  3. If you have a Lenovo ThinkPad: turn it on and press F10 right away to open UEFI Diagnostics. On any Lenovo that still starts Windows, you can instead open the Lenovo Vantage app and choose Hardware scan.
  4. Other brands: check your PC maker's support site for its built-in test.
  5. If a part fails, note the error code or failure ID for the maker's support.

Why it helps: These tests check the drive, memory and other parts that commonly cause random freezes.

Check it's fixed

  • The PC runs for a full day of normal use without locking up.
  • Reliability Monitor shows no new red errors.
  • Task Manager shows CPU, memory and disk well below 100% when you are not doing heavy work.

When to get help

If the memory test or the PC maker's hardware test reports an error, or the PC still freezes after these fixes, contact the PC maker or a repair shop, since the memory, drive or another part may need replacing. Back up your files as soon as possible if a drive problem is suspected.

Questions

Why does my computer freeze but the mouse still moves?

Usually one app or File Explorer has stopped responding while Windows itself is still running. Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and end the app marked Not responding.

Why did my computer start freezing after a Windows update?

An update can bring a driver or change that does not work well with your hardware. Check for newer updates first, then uninstall the latest update if freezes continue.

Is it bad to hold the power button when my PC freezes?

It is fine as a last resort, but you will lose unsaved work. If you need to do it often, find and fix the cause rather than relying on it.

Can a full hard drive cause freezing?

Yes. Windows needs free space for temporary files and updates. Keeping around 10-15% of the drive free helps avoid slowdowns and freezes.

Related fixes

How to fix a computer that's running slowRestart the PC, then open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, close what is using the most CPU, memory or disk, and disable apps you don&#How to fix a computer that is overheatingPut the PC on a hard, flat surface with space around its vents, then open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and close any app using a lotHow to fix a blue screen error on WindowsNote the stop code, unplug any new hardware, then install all Windows updates and driver updates. If the crashes began after an update or neHow to fix a computer that keeps restartingIf Windows still starts, install updates and check Reliability Monitor for the crash behind each restart. If it is stuck in a loop, open theHow to fix Windows Update not installingRestart the PC, make sure you have at least 20 GB of free space, then run the Windows Update troubleshooter from the Get Help app or Setting

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