How to Solve Computer Freezes on Windows 11 OS

  • Windows 11 is still under development, and as a result, users encounter problems when some program features freeze or the computer freezes randomly.
  • This problem occurs not only on Windows 11 devices but also on Windows 10 devices.
  • Most users attribute Windows 11 hangs to a graphics problem.
  • Another cause of Windows 11 freezing could be corrupted files or files that the system failed to install when upgrading to Windows 11.

 

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on addressing the pesky freezing issues that Windows 11 users often encounter. In this article, we will delve into 12 effective methods to troubleshoot and resolve these annoyances, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable computing experience. So, let’s dive right in and bid farewell to Windows 11 freezing woes!

Before You Begin

Before you begin troubleshooting Windows 11 freezing issues, it’s important to understand the potential causes and gather some information about your system.

1. Check your computer’s specifications and ensure it meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.
2. Verify that your GPU drivers are up to date by visiting the manufacturer’s website or using the Windows Update utility.
3. Run a memory test using a tool like Memtest86 to check for any memory problems.
4. Update your system files by running Windows Update and installing any available updates.
5. Use the Windows Security utility to scan for malware or viruses that could be causing the freezing.
6. Check for any recently installed software or updates that may be conflicting with your system.
7. Disable unnecessary startup programs using Task Manager to reduce the load on your system.
8. If the freezing occurs during specific tasks or while using a certain program, try reinstalling or updating that software.
9. Consider running the Driver Verifier utility to identify any problematic drivers.
10. Make sure your computer is properly cooled and that the fans are functioning correctly.
11. If the issue persists, try booting into Safe Mode to isolate any third-party software conflicts.
12. If all else fails, consult Microsoft support or visit their community forums for further assistance.

Run a Malware Scan

To run a malware scan on your Windows 11 device, follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Security by clicking on the Start button and selecting “Settings” > “Privacy & Security” > “Windows Security.”

2. In the Windows Security app, click on “Virus & Threat Protection.”

3. Under the “Current threats” section, click on “Quick scan” to start a scan of your system for malware.

4. Wait for the scan to complete. If any malware is detected, Windows Security will guide you through the next steps to remove it.

5. For a more thorough scan, you can also click on “Scan options” and select “Full scan.”

6. It’s important to keep your antivirus software up to date. To do this, click on “Virus & Threat Protection” and then select “Check for updates.”

Running regular malware scans is essential for keeping your Windows 11 device secure and ensuring optimal performance.

Set an Appropriate Screen Resolution

To set an appropriate screen resolution in Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings” from the context menu.
2. In the Display settings window, scroll down to the “Scale and layout” section.
3. Adjust the slider under “Change the size of text, apps, and other items” to your desired screen resolution.
4. Click on the “Advanced display settings” link.
5. In the Advanced display settings window, select the display you want to adjust if you have multiple monitors.
6. Under the “Resolution” drop-down menu, choose the recommended resolution for your screen.
7. Click “Apply” to save the changes.
8. A prompt will appear asking if you want to keep the changes. Click “Keep changes” if the new resolution looks good.
9. Test the new screen resolution to see if it resolves the freezing issues.

If the freezing issues persist, it could be caused by other factors such as faulty drivers or system files. Consider updating your drivers, running a Memtest to check for memory problems, or seeking further assistance from Microsoft’s support forums or Q&A communities.

Reinstall GPU Drivers

To reinstall GPU drivers on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows key + E.
2. Navigate to the folder where your GPU driver is located.
3. Right-click on the driver file and select “Uninstall.”
4. Restart your computer.
5. Download the latest GPU driver from the manufacturer’s website.
6. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
7. Restart your computer again.

If you’re still experiencing freezing issues, you can try other troubleshooting methods mentioned in this article.

Windows Update

1. Restart your computer: Begin troubleshooting by simply restarting your computer. This can often resolve minor issues and refresh your system for optimal performance.

2. Check for Windows updates: Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date by checking for and installing any available updates. Open the Settings app, go to “Windows Update,” and click “Check for updates.”

3. Update your drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause freezing issues. Update your drivers by opening Device Manager, right-clicking on the device, and selecting “Update driver.”

4. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic: Use the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check for any memory-related problems. Press the Windows key, type “Windows Memory Diagnostic,” and follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Disable startup programs: Some programs may be conflicting with your system, causing freezing. Open Task Manager, go to the “Startup” tab, and disable any unnecessary programs from starting up.

6. Perform a clean boot: A clean boot can help identify if a third-party program is causing the freezing. Press the Windows key, type “msconfig,” go to the “Services” tab, and check “Hide all Microsoft services.” Then, click “Disable all” and restart your computer.

7. Check for overheating: Overheating can lead to freezing. Ensure your computer isn’t overheating by cleaning the vents, using a cooling pad, or checking the fan operation.

8. Scan for malware: Malware can also cause freezing issues. Run a full system scan using Windows Security or a reputable antivirus program to remove any malware.

9. Adjust power settings: Incorrect power settings can affect system performance. Open the Settings app, go to “System,” select “Power & sleep,” and adjust the settings to your preference.

10. Reset your PC: If the freezing issue persists, you may need to reset your PC. Open the Settings app, go to “System,” select “Recovery,” and click “Reset this PC.”

11. Seek professional help: If you’re still experiencing freezing issues, it may be time to consult a professional technician or Microsoft support for further assistance.

12. Join the Windows community: Engage with the Windows community by participating in forums, Q&A sites, or social media groups. Sharing your experience and asking questions can help you find solutions and connect with others facing similar issues.

Remember to back up your important files before attempting any troubleshooting steps to avoid data loss.

Perform DISM, SFC, and CHKDSK scan

Performing DISM, SFC, and CHKDSK scans can help resolve Windows 11 freezing issues. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” to open an elevated Command Prompt.
2. To perform a DISM scan, type “dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth” and press Enter. Allow the scan to complete.
3. Next, run an SFC scan by typing “sfc /scannow” and pressing Enter. Wait for the scan to finish.
4. Finally, initiate a CHKDSK scan by typing “chkdsk C: /f /r” and pressing Enter. If prompted, restart your computer and let the scan run.

These scans can help fix corrupted system files, which often cause freezing issues. Remember to replace “C:” with the appropriate drive letter if your OS drive is different. If the freezing persists, consider other troubleshooting methods or consult a professional for further assistance.

Set Virtual Memory

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “sysdm.cpl” and press Enter to open the System Properties window.
3. In the System Properties window, click on the “Advanced” tab.
4. Under the “Performance” section, click on the “Settings” button.
5. In the Performance Options window, go to the “Advanced” tab.
6. Under the “Virtual memory” section, click on the “Change” button.
7. Uncheck the “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives” option.
8. Select your OS drive from the list of drives.
9. Check the “Custom size” option.
10. Enter the initial size and maximum size for the virtual memory.
11. Click on the “Set” button and then click on “OK” to save the changes.
12. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Setting the virtual memory can help resolve freezing issues on your Windows 11 system. By manually specifying the virtual memory size, you can ensure that your computer has enough space to process tasks efficiently. This can be particularly useful if your computer freezes randomly or keeps freezing during specific tasks. Follow the steps above to adjust the virtual memory settings and improve your system’s performance.

Check Your RAM

If you’re experiencing freezing issues on Windows 11, one possible culprit could be your RAM. Faulty or insufficient RAM can cause your computer to freeze or crash. Here are a few ways to check your RAM and potentially fix the problem:

1. Open the Windows Start menu and search for “Windows Memory Diagnostic.” Run the tool to check for any issues with your RAM.

2. Use the built-in Task Manager to monitor your RAM usage. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then go to the “Performance” tab and click on “Memory.” Check if your RAM usage is abnormally high.

3. Test your RAM with a third-party tool like Memtest86. This software can help identify any faulty RAM modules.

By checking your RAM, you can determine if it’s the source of your freezing issues. If you find any problems, consider upgrading your RAM or replacing faulty modules to improve system stability.

Disable Hardware-accelerated GPU Scheduling

To disable Hardware-accelerated GPU Scheduling, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and search for “Settings”.
2. Click on “System” in the Settings window.
3. Select “Display” from the left-hand menu.
4. Scroll down and click on “Graphics settings”.
5. Under the “Graphics performance preference” section, click on the “Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling” toggle to turn it off.

Disabling Hardware-accelerated GPU Scheduling can help resolve freezing issues in Windows 11. This feature allows your GPU to directly manage its video memory, but it may cause conflicts with certain drivers or applications. By turning it off, you can potentially eliminate freezing problems.

If you’re still experiencing freezing after disabling this feature, it’s recommended to update your graphics drivers or run a memory test using tools like Memtest. Additionally, ensuring your computer meets the system requirements for Windows 11 and checking for any available updates may also help resolve the issue.

Disable Overclocking

To disable overclocking on Windows 11 and address freezing issues, follow these steps:

1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the designated key during startup.
2. Locate the overclocking settings in the BIOS menu.
3. Disable any overclocking options or features.
4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
5. Restart your computer and check if the freezing issues persist.

If disabling overclocking doesn’t resolve the problem, try the following additional troubleshooting steps:

1. Update your drivers by visiting the manufacturer’s website or using Windows Update.
2. Run the Driver Verifier tool to identify any problematic drivers.
3. Check for and install the latest Windows updates.
4. Verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.
5. Remove any recently installed software or updates that may be causing conflicts.
6. Clean your computer’s cooling system to prevent overheating.
7. Test your computer’s RAM using Windows Memory Diagnostic or other reliable tools.
8. Consider performing a clean installation of Windows 11 if all else fails.

These steps should help resolve freezing issues caused by overclocking or other related factors.

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Mark Ginter is a tech blogger with a passion for all things gadgets and gizmos. A self-proclaimed "geek", Mark has been blogging about technology for over 15 years. His blog, techquack.com, covers a wide range of topics including new product releases, industry news, and tips and tricks for getting the most out of your devices. If you're looking for someone who can keep you up-to-date with all the latest tech news and developments, then be sure to follow him over at Microsoft.