Windows 10 computer randomly freezing in the middle of your work or entertainment can be incredibly frustrating. We have compiled a list of solutions to help fix this issue and get your Computer running smoothly again. We’ve covered you, from checking for malware to completely wiping and reinstalling Windows. Continue reading to learn how to fix Windows 10 freezing randomly.
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Windows 10 is a popular operating system used by millions of people worldwide. However, some users have reported that their Windows 10 system freezes randomly, which can be frustrating and disruptive. The issue could be caused by various factors, including incompatible hardware or software, outdated drivers, malware, or a flawed Windows update. If you are facing this issue, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve it. Read on to understand the process of fixing Windows 10 freezing randomly, step-by-step.
Symptoms
Windows 10 freezing randomly can be caused by many factors, ranging from software issues to hardware malfunctions. Some common symptoms include:
- The Computer freezes or becomes unresponsive for several seconds or even minutes without apparent reason. It can happen when doing various tasks such as browsing the internet, running applications, or playing games.
- Your mouse and keyboard may stop functioning correctly during these freezes. You may also notice that your audio stops working, and you cannot control any media playback on your Computer.
If you experience these symptoms frequently, addressing them immediately is essential to avoid losing progress on meaningful work or projects.
In the following sections, we will explore some of the most common causes of Windows 10 random freezing and provide practical solutions for fixing this annoying issue once and for all.
1. Check for Malware
Malware can significantly cause freezing and other performance issues in Windows 10. Some malware may even disguise itself as legitimate programs or system files, making it harder to detect and remove. Therefore, checking for malware should be one of the first steps when troubleshooting random freezes.
To check for malware, you can use various tools such as Windows Security (formerly known as Windows Defender) or third-party antivirus software like Avast or Malwarebytes. These tools can scan your Computer’s files and memory for suspicious activity or infections.
2. Disable Your Antivirus
Antivirus software is crucial to computer security, but sometimes it can cause problems. One common issue with Windows 10 freezing randomly is the conflict between antivirus programs and specific system processes. If you suspect your antivirus might be the culprit behind this problem, turning it off temporarily could help.
To turn off your antivirus program:
Step 1: Right-click its icon in the Taskbar or notification area.
Step 2: You should see an option to pause or turn off the protection; select whichever applies to your software. Some programs may require you to navigate through their setting’s menus instead.
It’s important to note that turning off your antivirus leaves you vulnerable to malware attacks if you’re not careful. Only do so if you’re confident there aren’t any active threats on your Computer at the time.
3. Free up space on your Computer
One of the most common reasons for a Windows 10 computer to freeze randomly is the lack of available space on the hard drive. When your hard drive runs out of reach, it can cause issues with system performance and lead to freezing or crashing.
To free up space on your computer, you can start by deleting any unnecessary files, programs, or applications that take up valuable space. You can also use disk cleanup tools provided by Windows 10 to remove temporary files, empty recycle bins, and clear browsing history.
4. Install the most recent Windows Update
Updating your Windows system is crucial to fix random freezing issues on your Computer. The latest update usually includes bug fixes and improvements that help resolve any underlying software problems causing the issue.
To check for updates:
Step 1: Click the Start menu and select “Settings.”
Step 2: Click “Update & Security” and “Check for Updates.” If any new updates are available, download and install them.
It’s important to note that some updates may take longer than others, depending on their size and complexity. Be patient while waiting for the update process to complete before restarting your Computer.
5. Reset the Winsock Catalog
The Winsock Catalog is a database of network-related settings, and resetting it can sometimes resolve connectivity problems.
To reset the Winsock Catalog:
Step 1: Open an elevated Command Prompt. To do this, press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu.
Step 2: Once you have opened an elevated Command Prompt, type “netsh winsock reset” and hit Enter. The command will reset the Winsock Catalog back to its default state.
After running this command, restart your computer changes to take effect. If everything goes well, you should notice improved network connectivity and fewer instances of Windows 10 freezing randomly.
6. Update the Drivers
Drivers are the software components that facilitate communication between hardware and operating system, and outdated or corrupted drivers can cause performance issues, including freezing.
To update drivers, you need to identify which ones need updating. You can do this manually by checking the manufacturer’s website for each component’s latest driver or using a reliable third-party tool to automate the process.
Most of the time, updating graphics card drivers resolves freezing problems since they play a crucial role in displaying high-quality visuals on your computer screen. However, other components like audio cards, network adapters, and drives may also require updates.
7. Update BIOS
Updating the BIOS can be daunting for some users, but it is an essential step in fixing Windows 10 freezing randomly. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) contains settings and configurations that control how your computer hardware works together.
To update the BIOS:
Step 1: Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest version of the BIOS firmware. Be sure to choose the correct version for your specific motherboard model.
Step 2: Save the downloaded file onto a USB drive formatted with FAT32 or NTFS file system. Then restart your Computer into BIOS setup by pressing F2 or DEL key during boot-up.
Step 3: Once inside the BIOS menu, look for “BIOS Update Utility” or similar options within the advanced settings menu. When prompted, follow the instructions carefully and select “Update from USB Drive.”
Step 4: During this process, ensure not to permanently turn off or unplug your computer and damage hardware components if interrupted. Once completed successfully, reboot your system – now with updated firmware.
8. Completely Wipe and Reinstall Windows
Completely wiping and reinstalling Windows is one of the most effective ways to fix freezing issues on your Computer. However, it’s important to note that this process will erase all data from your hard drive, so be sure to back up any important files before proceeding.
You’ll need a Windows installation disc or USB drive to begin the process.
Step 1: Insert the disc or plug in the USB and restart your Computer. Press the key required to access your BIOS settings (usually F2 or Delete) as it boots up. From there, change the boot order so your computer boots from the installation media.
Step 2: Once you’ve successfully booted from the installation media, select “Install Now” and follow all prompts until you reach a screen asking which type of installation you want to perform. Choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).”
Step 3: Select each partition on your hard drive on the next screen and click “Delete.” It will remove all existing data from those partitions. Once they’ve been deleted, select each unallocated space and click “New.” Follow prompts to create new cells as desired.
Complete all remaining install prompts until Windows finishes installing onto your freshly wiped hard drive.
9. System File Checker
The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that scans and restores any corrupted or missing system files. It’s a helpful tool for fixing issues like freezing, crashing, and other performance problems.
Step 1: To run the SFC command:
Step 2: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Step 3: Type “sfc /scannow” without quotes. It will start the scanning process, which may take several minutes to complete.
If SFC detects any errors, it will automatically try to repair them by replacing the corrupted file with a cached copy from your Computer or downloading it from Microsoft servers if necessary.
10. Turn Off Link State Power Management
If you’re experiencing random freezes or hangs on your Windows 10 computer, one of the possible culprits could be Link State Power Management (LSPM). The power-saving mode is designed to conserve energy by putting your network adapter into a low-power state when it’s not in use. However, this feature can also cause issues with stability and performance.
To turn off LSPM, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key and R at the same time. It will open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type powercfg.cpl into the Run dialog box and click OK.
Step 3: Click Change Plan Settings for your active plan.
Step 4: Choose Change Advanced Power Settings.
Step 5: Scroll down until you see PCI Express -> Link State Power Management. Expand that option by clicking on the + sign next to it.
Step 6: Choose Disable from the drop-down menu next to On battery and Plugged in.
Step 7: Click Apply and then OK at the bottom of the window
By disabling LSPM, you may notice improved system stability and responsiveness and a potential increase in network speed if you were experiencing slow connections due to LSPM-induced delays.
Conclusion
Windows 10 freezing randomly can be a frustrating experience for any user. However, with the above solutions, you can fix this issue and enjoy using your Computer without worrying about it freezing unexpectedly. By implementing these solutions, you’ll be able to resolve the random freezing issue on your Windows 10 PC and improve its performance in general.
