Windows 10 Freezing – Fix Random Hangs
Are you frustrated with your Windows 10 freezing randomly? Discover effective solutions to fix those annoying hangs.
Update your drivers
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
2. In the Device Manager window, expand the categories and locate the device drivers you want to update.
3. Right-click on the driver and select “Update driver.”
4. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Windows will then search online for the latest driver updates and install them.
It is also recommended to regularly check for driver updates from the manufacturer’s website for specific hardware components, such as graphics cards or sound cards.
Updating your drivers can improve system stability and performance, as well as resolve freezing issues. Remember to restart your computer after updating the drivers to apply the changes.
If your computer continues to freeze after updating the drivers, it may be caused by other factors such as malware or hardware issues. Consider running a full system scan with your antivirus software to check for any infections. Additionally, you can perform a disk cleanup and check for any file system errors using the CHKDSK command in the Command Prompt.
Clear your computer’s temp files
To clear your computer’s temporary files in Windows 10 and fix random hangs, follow these steps:
1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
2. In the File Explorer window, click on “This PC” in the left-hand sidebar.
3. Right-click on your main hard drive (usually labeled as “Local Disk (C:)”) and select Properties from the context menu.
4. In the Properties window, click on the General tab and then click on the Disk Cleanup button.
5. Windows will calculate the amount of space you can free up. Once the calculation is complete, check the boxes next to Temporary files and any other types of files you want to delete.
6. Click on OK and then click on Delete Files to confirm.
7. Windows will start deleting the temporary files. This process may take a few minutes, so be patient.
8. Once the deletion is complete, you can close the Disk Cleanup window.
By clearing your computer’s temporary files, you can free up storage space and potentially improve your computer’s performance. This can also help resolve random hangs or freezes that you may be experiencing.
Adjust your virtual memory
To fix random hangs and freezing issues in Windows 10, adjusting your virtual memory can help improve your computer’s performance. Virtual memory is a space on your hard drive that Windows uses as a temporary storage when your RAM is full.
To adjust your virtual memory, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key and type “Advanced system settings” in the search bar. Click on the “View advanced system settings” option.
2. In the System Properties window, under the Advanced tab, click on the “Settings” button in the Performance section.
3. In the Performance Options window, go to the Advanced tab and click on the “Change” button in the Virtual memory section.
4. Uncheck the “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives” option.
5. Select your system drive (usually C:) and choose the “Custom size” option.
6. Enter a value for the initial size and maximum size of the virtual memory. The recommended size is 1.5 times the amount of RAM you have. For example, if you have 4GB of RAM, you can set the initial size to 6144MB (4GB x 1.5 x 1024) and the maximum size to 8192MB (8GB x 1024). Remember to convert GB to MB by multiplying by 1024.
7. Click on the “Set” button and then click “OK” on all the windows to apply the changes.
8. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Adjusting your virtual memory can help prevent freezing and improve overall system performance. It provides additional space for your computer to store and retrieve data when your RAM is full.
python
import psutil
def check_cpu_usage():
cpu_percent = psutil.cpu_percent(interval=1)
if cpu_percent > 80:
print("High CPU usage detected. It may cause freezing.")
def check_memory_usage():
memory = psutil.virtual_memory()
if memory.percent > 90:
print("High memory usage detected. It may cause freezing.")
def check_disk_usage():
disk = psutil.disk_usage('/')
if disk.percent > 90:
print("High disk usage detected. It may cause freezing.")
def check_temperature():
temperature = psutil.sensors_temperatures()
for name, entries in temperature.items():
for entry in entries:
if entry.current > 80:
print(f"High temperature detected on {name}. It may cause freezing.")
def main():
check_cpu_usage()
check_memory_usage()
check_disk_usage()
check_temperature()
if __name__ == "__main__":
main()
The above code utilizes the `psutil` library in Python to monitor CPU usage, memory usage, disk usage, and temperature. It checks if any of these parameters exceed certain thresholds that could potentially lead to Windows 10 freezing.
Repair your system files
1. Open a Command Prompt window with administrative privileges. To do this, press the Windows key, type “cmd,” right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
2. In the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter. This will start the scanning process and may take some time to complete.
3. Wait for the scan to finish. The SFC tool will automatically repair any corrupted system files it finds. If it requires a reboot to complete the repairs, you will be prompted to do so.
4. Once the scan is complete and any repairs have been made, restart your computer.
5. After the restart, check if the random hangs issue has been resolved. If not, you may need to perform additional troubleshooting steps or seek further assistance.
Remember, the SFC tool can only fix issues related to system files. If the freezing issue persists, it could be caused by other factors such as malware, device driver problems, or hardware issues. It’s also a good idea to keep your system up to date with the latest Windows updates and run regular antivirus scans to ensure your computer’s health and performance.
Disable C-States in BIOS
To fix random hangs and freezing issues in Windows 10, you can try disabling C-States in the BIOS. C-States, also known as CPU power states, are responsible for managing power consumption in your computer’s processor.
Disabling C-States can sometimes resolve freezing problems, especially if the issue is related to power management. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings. This is usually done by pressing a specific key during the boot process, such as F2 or Delete. Refer to your computer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for the exact key.
2. Once you’re in the BIOS settings, navigate to the “Advanced” or “CPU” section. The exact location may vary depending on your motherboard and BIOS version.
3. Look for an option related to “C-States” or “CPU Power States”. It may be called “Intel SpeedStep”, “C-State Control”, or something similar.
4. Disable the C-States by selecting the option and changing it to “Disabled” or “Off”.
5. Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings. This is usually done by pressing the F10 key or selecting the “Save and Exit” option.
After disabling C-States, restart your computer and check if the freezing issue has been resolved. If the problem persists, you may need to explore other troubleshooting steps or seek further assistance.
Switch to ChromeOS
If you’re tired of dealing with random hangs and freezing on your Windows 10 computer, it might be time to consider switching to ChromeOS. ChromeOS is known for its stability and reliability, making it a great alternative to Windows 10.
To make the switch, follow these steps:
1. Back up your important files and data to ensure you don’t lose anything during the transition.
2. Purchase a Chromebook or Chromebox, depending on your needs and preferences.
3. Set up your new ChromeOS device by following the on-screen instructions.
4. Install any necessary apps or extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
5. Transfer your files from your Windows 10 computer to your ChromeOS device using an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
6. Explore the ChromeOS interface and get familiar with its features and functionalities.
7. Customize your ChromeOS device by adjusting settings and preferences to suit your needs.
8. Start using your new ChromeOS device and enjoy a smoother and more stable computing experience.
By switching to ChromeOS, you can avoid the frustrations of Windows 10 freezing and experience a more reliable and efficient operating system. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself.
Close background applications
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. In the Task Manager window, click on the Processes tab.
3. Look for any unnecessary or resource-intensive applications running in the background.
4. Select the application you want to close and click on the End Task button.
5. Repeat this process for any other applications that are causing issues.
6. Once you have closed the necessary applications, check if the freezing issue persists.
Closing background applications can help alleviate the strain on your system’s resources and improve overall performance. If the freezing issue continues, it may be worth considering other troubleshooting steps such as updating device drivers, running CHKDSK to check for disk errors, or performing a system file check using the System File Checker tool.
Remember to regularly update your computer, including installing Windows updates and keeping your antivirus software up to date. This can help prevent potential issues that may cause freezing or hanging.
By closing background applications, you can optimize your computer’s performance and potentially resolve random hangs and freezing problems on Windows 10.
Increase the RAM
1. Determine the amount of RAM needed:
– Check the minimum RAM requirements for the programs you use regularly.
– Consider increasing your RAM to at least meet or exceed these requirements.
2. Check your computer’s hardware compatibility:
– Ensure that your computer’s motherboard supports additional RAM.
– Check the maximum amount of RAM your computer can handle.
3. Purchase and install additional RAM:
– Research and purchase compatible RAM modules.
– Consult your computer’s manual or manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to install RAM.
– Make sure to power off your computer and unplug it before installing RAM.
4. Test your computer after installing the new RAM:
– Power on your computer and check if the random hangs have been resolved.
– If the issue persists, consider checking for other causes such as device drivers or software conflicts.
Check the power settings
1. Press the Windows key + X to open the Power User Menu.
2. Select “Power Options” from the list.
3. In the Power Options window, click on “Additional power settings” on the right side.
4. Make sure the “Balanced (recommended)” power plan is selected.
5. Click on “Change plan settings” next to the selected power plan.
6. Click on “Change advanced power settings.”
7. In the Advanced settings tab, expand the “Sleep” category.
8. Set “Sleep after” and “Hibernate after” to “Never” or a desired time.
9. Expand the “Hard disk” category and set “Turn off hard disk after” to “Never.”
10. Expand the “USB settings” category and set “USB selective suspend setting” to “Disabled.”
11. Expand the “Wireless Adapter Settings” category and set “Power Saving Mode” to “Maximum Performance.”
12. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
13. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
By adjusting the power settings, you can prevent Windows 10 from freezing randomly and improve overall system performance.
Check your hard disk for malfunctions
1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Command Prompt” from the menu.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type “chkdsk /f” and press Enter. This command will scan your hard disk for errors and fix them if necessary.
3. If prompted to schedule a disk check on the next restart, type “Y” and press Enter. Restart your computer to begin the disk check.
4. Once your computer restarts, the disk check will start automatically. It may take some time to complete, so be patient.
5. After the disk check is finished, your computer will restart again. Check if the random hangs issue is resolved.
By running this disk check, you can identify and fix any issues with your hard disk that may be causing Windows 10 to freeze. This can help improve your computer’s performance and stability.
Turn off fast startup options
To fix random hangs and freezing issues in Windows 10, one potential solution is to turn off the fast startup option. This feature, while designed to speed up the boot process, can sometimes cause conflicts and lead to system freezes.
To disable fast startup, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key and type “Power options” to open the Power Options menu.
2. Click on “Choose what the power buttons do” on the left-hand side.
3. Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
4. Scroll down to the “Shutdown settings” section and uncheck the box next to “Turn on fast startup (recommended).”
5. Click on “Save changes” to apply the new settings.
Disabling fast startup may help resolve freezing issues by ensuring a clean startup process. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to further troubleshoot other potential causes such as device drivers, memory paging, or file system errors.
Scan for malware and viruses on your system
To scan for malware and viruses on your Windows 10 system, follow these steps:
1. Open your preferred antivirus software. If you don’t have one installed, Windows Defender is a built-in option.
2. Update your antivirus software. This ensures that you have the latest virus definitions and can effectively detect any new threats.
3. Perform a full system scan. This will scan all files and folders on your computer for malware and viruses. Click on the “Scan” or “Full Scan” option in your antivirus software and wait for the scan to complete.
4. If any malware or viruses are detected, follow the instructions provided by your antivirus software to remove or quarantine them. Click on the “Clean” or “Remove” button to eliminate any threats found.
5. Restart your computer. This will ensure that any malware or viruses that were removed during the scan are completely eradicated from your system.
6. Consider running additional scans with other reputable antivirus software to confirm the results. Different antivirus programs may have different detection capabilities.
Run SFC scan
To fix random hangs and freezing issues on Windows 10, you can try running an SFC scan. This scan will check for and repair any corrupted system files that may be causing the problem.
To run the SFC scan, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X to open the Power User menu.
2. Select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
3. In the command prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
4. Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time.
5. Once the scan is finished, check if the freezing issue has been resolved.
If the SFC scan doesn’t fix the problem, you can also try other troubleshooting steps such as updating device drivers, checking for memory paging errors, or running a disk check. Remember to reboot your computer after making any changes or installing updates.
If the issue persists, it may be helpful to seek further assistance from Microsoft support or consult online forums and communities for additional troubleshooting advice.
