How to Fix a Frozen Computer

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

TroubleshootingComputersWindowsMacHardwarePerformanceDevicesSecuritySoftwareOptimization

Computer freezing is one of the most common problems faced by users. It can be caused by a variety of problems, such as software conflicts, hardware failure, or system overload. This guide will help you troubleshoot and fix a frozen computer. The steps are simple and easy to follow, and they apply to both Windows and macOS. Let's get started.

1. Wait and observe

Before you try to fix the problem, give your computer a few minutes and see if it unfreezes on its own. Sometimes, it just needs some time to process a task or clear some memory.

Example:

If you are running many applications at once, your computer may temporarily freeze while trying to handle the load. Waiting a few moments can sometimes solve the problem as the system resumes work.

2. Try ending the unresponsive program

If waiting doesn't work, you may have to manually end the process that's causing the interruption.

For Windows:

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open Task Manager.
2. Look for the application or process that is not responding. This is often labeled as "Not Responding."
3. Select the unresponsive application and click End Task.

For macOS:

1. Press Command + Option + Escape to open the Force Quit Applications window.
2. Select the application that is not responding.
3. Click on Force Quit.

3. Restart your computer

If ending the unresponsive program doesn't work, you may need to restart your computer. Resetting the system can solve a variety of problems.

Steps to restart:

1. For Windows: Click the Start menu and select Restart.
2. For macOS: Click the Apple logo and choose Restart.

If you can't access the Start menu or Apple logo, you may need to perform a hard restart by holding down the power button until the computer turns off. Then press the power button again to turn it back on.

4. Check for system updates

An outdated operating system or driver can cause your computer to crash. Keeping your system updated can help avoid such problems.

For Windows:

1. Click on the Start menu and go to Settings.
2. Navigate to Update & Security.
3. Click on Check for updates and install the available updates.

For macOS:

1. Click the Apple logo and select System Preferences.
2. Go to Software Update.
3. Click on Check Now and install the available updates.

5. Check for hardware problems

Sometimes a computer may crash due to a hardware problem. This could be due to a bad component, overheating, or insufficient power.

Steps to check hardware:

1. Make sure all cables and components are connected properly.
2. Make sure your computer doesn't overheat. Make sure there is adequate ventilation and that the fans are working properly.
3. If you recently installed new hardware, try removing it to see if the problem persists.
4. If possible, run hardware diagnostics to check for problems. This can usually be done through the BIOS/UEFI or by using dedicated diagnostic software provided by the manufacturer.

6. Free up system resources

Running too many applications or processes can overload your system, which can lead to system freezes. Freeing up system resources can help prevent this.

Steps to free resources:

1. Close any unnecessary applications or processes.
2. Disable startup programs you don't need. This can be done through Task Manager on Windows or System Preferences on macOS.
3. If your system consistently struggles with resource-intensive tasks, consider upgrading your hardware, such as adding more RAM or a faster CPU.

7. Scan for malware

Malware or viruses can cause your computer to crash. Running a malware scan can help identify and remove any malicious software.

Steps to perform a malware scan:

1. Make sure your antivirus or anti-malware software is up to date.
2. Perform a full system scan.
3. If any malware is found, follow the software's instructions to remove it.
4. Consider using additional scanning tools such as Malwarebytes for a more thorough check.

8. Check for software conflicts

Conflicts between different software applications can also cause your computer to crash. Identifying and resolving these conflicts can be helpful.

Steps to investigate conflicts:

1. Try to remember if the problem started after you installed a new application. If so, uninstall that application to see if that resolves the problem.
2. Check for any error messages in the system log that may indicate a software conflict. On Windows, you can do this through Event Viewer. On macOS, you can check the console.
3. Consider performing a clean boot. This involves starting your computer with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs to see if a specific application is causing the problem. Instructions for a clean boot can be found on the official support websites for Windows and macOS.

9. Reset your system

If none of the above steps work, you may need to reset your system. This can often solve serious system problems, but it will also remove your installed applications and settings.

For Windows:

1. Click on the Start menu and go to Settings.
2. Navigate to Update & Security.
3. Select Recovery and then click Get started under Reset this PC.
4. Choose whether you want to keep your files or remove everything, then follow the onscreen instructions.

For macOS:

1. Click on the Apple logo and select Restart.
2. Immediately press and hold Command + R until the Apple logo or spinning globe appears.
3. Select Reinstall macOS from the macOS Utilities window and follow the on-screen instructions.

10. Seek professional help

If you've tried all of the solutions above and your computer is still crashing, you may need to seek professional help. A technician can diagnose and fix hardware or software problems that may be beyond the expertise of an average user.

Dealing with a crashed computer can be frustrating, but by following the steps in this guide, you can often resolve the problem on your own. Remember to keep your system updated regularly, run malware scans, and free up system resources to prevent future problems.

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