Microsoft launched Windows 10 in 2015, a unique operating system for PCs and laptops. Initially, it was efficient, but now it faces a downfall from its regular functionality. In particular, Windows 10 often freezes while using the laptop is a worldwide issue. Try the effective techniques from this article instead of worrying about Windows 10 freezes. Here you go!
Before getting into this article, you must know why Windows 10 freezes randomly. Various reasons are involved in Windows 10 freezes, such as problems with drivers, hard disks, virtual memory, etc. At first, try to diagnose what makes the computer freezes Windows 10, then continue fixing it. Let’s move on to the solutions!
Tip 1: Update Device Drivers
Drivers are software that allows the app or hardware to function on the Windows 10 PC. If you’re using outdated drivers on your laptop or PC, this might be the initial cause for Windows 10 freezes. It takes several hours to update all the device drivers, so open the task manager to access the shortcut.
For all you’ve to update the drivers, several hardwares like SSD, keyboard, sensors, etc., never miss any driver from updating. On the other hand, you can get updated drivers from the manufacturer’s site.
Ensure your Windows 10 laptop/PC is connected to the charger while updating drivers. Also, check your device is running on the Windows 10 OS. Restart your device after completing all the necessary updates, then review whether the Windows 10 issue is fixed.
Tip 2: Delete The ‘temp Files’
As the name indicates, Temp Files stores only the temporary data in the file format. After completing the process, these temp files automatically erase from your PC. It is usual for your Windows 10 PC to have temp files, but when it exceeds the limit, it may cause a mess on your device.
Clear your temp files regularly to get rid of this issue. To do this:
- Open Run on your device by pressing the Windows key + R simultaneously
- Type “temp” in the comment box on Run
- It shows all the temp files on your Windows 10 PC
- Before deleting them, make sure your PC is out of all the background running tasks
If you find Windows 10 freezes are not rectified even after deleting temp files, follow the methods below.
Tip 3: Take Advantage Of Event Viewer
Sometimes, you may overlook the Event viewer option as it records all events on your Windows 10 PC in a log file. This could be the reason for Windows 10 computer freezes. Changes in hardware, settings, security, etc., are all recorded in the event viewer.
To check the history of events in the event viewer, try the actions below
- Right-click on the Windows start
- Click on the Event viewer.
- In case of Windows 10 freezes, the event viewer shows the errors (encircled “!” symbol) and warnings (Exclamatory sign entangled in the yellow triangle)
When there are no errors and warnings in the event viewer, it fails to record such an event causing Windows 10 freezes.
Tip 4: Change Virtual Memory Settings
Virtual memory is a short-term memory that stores both hardware & software commands temporarily on your Windows 10 PC. Unlike RAM, it only operates when needing extensive tasking on your device. Making advancements in virtual memory settings can influence the device’s performance.
- Tap the Windows key along with the pause/break key to open the system settings
- Go to Advanced System Settings on the left side
- Select “Advanced,” which is labelled at the top
- Tap Settings
- Click “Advanced” again
- Select Change(on the virtual memory portion)
- Untick the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives
- Make sure to select local disk C
- Set the Virtual memory’s initial & maximum sizes
You can find the recommended initial size for virtual memory in its tab. For maximum size, it will be higher than your RAM size. Usually, setting it as 1.5 times the RAM size is enough; for instance, say your RAM is 4096 MB, set your virtual memory as 6144MB.
- After setting the limits, click Set
- Then tap Ok to complete the process
Tip 5: Troubleshoot Program Files
If you have missed any files essential for your system operation, it might cause the Windows 10 freezes. By default, your laptop/PC could have the built-in file checker tool, through which you can find the file status.
Except for broken DLL(Dynamic link library), the default file checker tool allows you to examine whether the file is corrupted or damaged. You can also restore them to your device. Moreover, this tool can only find critical files on the systems.
To access this tool, follow the below actions
- Tap the Windows button, search for the Command prompt
- From the search results, right-click the Command prompt
- It pops up with the list of options
- Click Run as administrator
- Then, it prompts with permission to allow
- Click Yes to open the command prompt(black window)
- In that, type “sfc/scannow” and tap Enter
Now, Windows starts searching for the error files and troubleshoots them. At first, it lists the corrupted files, leaving the other pages untouched until the process is completed.
Finally, when it shows no files are corrupted in your Windows 10 PC, conclude that there are other causes for the issue.
Tip 6: Run Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool
Windows 10 freezes might also be due to the defective memory card on your laptop/PC. Always try to diagnose the memory card whenever you’re buying a new PC. There is also an inbuilt tool to check the device’s memory chip.
- Press and hold the R + Windows key simultaneously to open Windows Run
- In the Run command box, type “mdsched.exe” and press Enter
- It pops up with the options
- Select Restart now and check for problems (recommended), or else
- Click the “check for problems the next time I start my computer” option
It runs the Windows memory diagnostics tool that shows the progress bar and result of diagnostics. The device’s memory chip is not the culprit when you see the text “no problems have been detected” on the Windows memory diagnostics tool.
Tip 7: Look At Hard Disks
Let’s look into the hard disk, which might be the culprit for Windows 10 freezes. To make it easier for you, follow the given steps
- Stop all the running tasks on your device
- Tap on Start (Windows logo)
- Type “File explorer,” then open it
- In the left column, click “This PC.”
- Find and locate the local disk that you want to diagnose
- Right-click on the disk to select properties
- Open Tools tab
- In error checking, press Check
If the result shows any errors on the hard disks, it is time for you to upgrade those disks. If the notification displays “No errors were found,” the device’s hard disks are free from accusation.
Tip 8: Disable C1E Function & Intel(R) C-State Tech
C- States refers to CPU states, the power saving feature that cuts off the power when you leave a PC idle for a long time. Disabling the power saving mode could help the computer freeze Windows 10 and lower the issues.
Use the steps given down to disable the CPU States
- Restart Windows 10 PC
- When it displays the first slide, click the setup key as mentioned by your PC maker
- Usually, it would be F1, F2, or Esc key
- It launches the BIOS setup
- Open Advanced tab
- You can see the CPU Configuration below and click on it
- Ensure that the C1E function & Intel(R) C-State tech is disabled
- If not, select the “Disabled” option and press enter
- Once you’ve changed the settings, save and exit the BIOS setup
- Again restart your computer to activate the settings
Tip 9: Turn Off The Laptop’s Link State Power Management
If you’re a laptop user, link state power management is essential for battery power saving. You can switch between your laptop’s power management link and active states. You must enable the LSPM(Link State Power Management), which is always better for your Windows 10 laptop.
Here are the significant steps for switching to LSPM
- Tap Windows key + R at the same time to open Windows Run
- In the Run, type “Control” and click ok
- In the control panel, select Hardware & Sound
- Next, click Power options
- Tap on the High performance
- Click “Change plan settings” next to the high performance
- Press “Change advanced power settings.”
- It prompts the Advanced settings
- Click on the “+” icon before PCI Express
- Below you can see the “+” sign in front of “Link state power management” click it
- Tap on Settings
- Make sure it is turned off on your Windows 10 PC
- After that, press Apply
- Lastly, click Ok to make changes on the settings
Tip 10: Do System Restore
Suppose the above methods are not helping with the Windows 10 issue on your PC. Try restoring the system settings to fix Windows 10 randomly freezes.
- Click the Windows Start key
- Open Settings
- Next, tap on the System
- On the left column, select “About.”
- On the about page, find the system protection on the right side and click it
- Press System restore
- Provide the location for restoring data (for, e.g., local disk C:)
- Click Next to start the System Restore
Now, your Windows 10 PC will restore the default settings and data. Try this method as soon as Windows 10 freezes.
Tip 11: Make Windows 10 Reinstallation
If your computer freezes Windows 10 after pursuing the above techniques, do this trick to resolve. Try Windows reinstallation, which might fix your Windows 10 freezes more often. Before getting into this method, it is crucial to back up all your data and memories on the Windows 10 PC.
Ensure to back up all the data while performing Windows OS reinstallation. Formatting the PC could increase the chance for the computer to have effective Windows reinstallation.
Once you’ve installed the OS, update the device’s drivers and test if the Windows 10 freezes are rectified.
Tip 12: Replace PC’s Hardware
These techniques won’t work for the hardware issues on your Windows 10 computer freezes. You can still replace the hardware to fix the screen freezes Windows 10. You are suggested not to change the device’s hardware by yourself besides using special tools.
Firstly, look at the drivers because they would be the culprit in most Windows 10 freezes. Replacing your hard disks costs lower than any other hardware on your Windows 10 PC. Furthermore, go for changing the system’s memory chips; this plays a crucial role in resolving Windows 10 randomly freezes. On the other hand, it may improve the system’s performance.
FAQ
Why does my Windows 10 computer freezes?
This article addresses all the possible causes of the Windows 10 freezes in this article for your reference. In quick view, problems with drivers, virtual memory, hard disks, BIOS settings, etc., will be the reason for the PC issue.
Windows 10 freezes while copying docs: Why?
Any malware or bugs from the external USB connected to the device could result in Windows 10 freezes. Scan & fix the external device before transferring files or media through a USB connection.
Use the steps below to get a solution for this issue
- Connect the USB hard drive to the PC
- Tap Windows + S at the same time to open a search bar
- Enter Command prompt
- Right-click the cmd prompt to select run as administrator
- In the command prompt box, type the following commands
- Chkdsk/f and Chkdsk/r, press enter after typing each Command
- Restart your computer to complete the scanning
How to fix my Windows 10 randomly freezes ?
In this method, you will learn about launching the task manager on your Windows 10 PC to repair it.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (at the same time) to run the task manager
- Find and select the Error program
- Tap on ‘End task.’
Wait a second for the PC to unfreeze Windows 10. This method is a quick fix for your computer freezing Windows 10.
Conclusion
This article covers all the possible tips & tricks for Windows 10 freezes. I hope one of this article’s solutions best fits your issue. However, when your complaint is also the query of many users, Microsoft will consider it and provide respective solutions on their forums. You can check Microsoft’s official site for any fixes related to your cause for Windows 10 freezes.