Hanging or freezing is a common issue that can affect Windows 10 computers, where the operating system stops responding to input. This results in an unresponsive, “frozen” computer that fails to register mouse clicks or keyboard input. While frustrating, this problem can often be fixed through some troubleshooting steps.
Windows 10 hanging is typically caused by software issues like an application crashing or hardware problems like overheating. The computer hanging may happen randomly while in use, during startup or shutdown, or when running resource-intensive programs like games. Understanding the various causes can help diagnose the root issue.
Diagnosing the Issue
When troubleshooting a Windows 10 system that is hanging or freezing, the first step is to diagnose when and how the issue occurs. Some key questions to consider:
– Does the hanging happen during startup, when logging in, or while using certain programs? Identifying whether it occurs at bootup vs. during normal use can help narrow down the cause.[1]
– Are there any particular actions that trigger the freezing, like opening a browser or using Office apps? Paying attention to what programs or system resources are being accessed right before the hang can provide clues.[2]
– Check for any error messages on the screen when the hang occurs, or in the system logs. Errors codes or descriptions often indicate where the problem lies.
– Note if the mouse cursor still moves during the hang, or if the system is completely unresponsive. This helps determine if it’s an application or hardware issue.
Thoroughly documenting when freezing happens and any other observable symptoms will make troubleshooting much easier.
Software Issues
One of the most common reasons for Windows 10 hanging or freezing randomly is software-related problems. Here are some of the main software issues that can cause freezing:
Buggy Device Drivers
Outdated, corrupt, or incompatible device drivers can lead to conflicts and instability in Windows 10, resulting in freezing or hangs. Keeping your drivers up-to-date is key to avoiding this issue. You can update drivers manually or use a tool like Driver Easy to update all drivers automatically [1].
Application Conflicts
Sometimes different applications end up conflicting with each other, especially after a major Windows Update. This can manifest as random freezing. Try uninstalling recently added applications or updates one by one to isolate the conflict.
Corrupt System Files
Over time, important Windows system files can become corrupted leading to stability issues. Running utilities like SFC and DISM can scan for and replace corrupted files, fixing freezing [2].
Full Hard Drive
If your hard drive is nearly full, it can cause Windows 10 to freeze while trying to write data. Free up space by deleting unused files and applications.
Hardware Issues
Hardware problems like overheating, faulty RAM, hard drive failures, and graphics card issues can also cause Windows 10 to hang or freeze randomly.
Overheating is one of the most common hardware-related reasons for freezing and crashing. If the CPU or GPU overheats due to inadequate cooling or a failed fan, it can cause Windows to freeze or slow down. Using a can of compressed air to clean dust buildup in your computer’s fans and vents can help improve airflow and cooling.
Faulty or failing RAM modules can also lead to random freezing in Windows 10. You can run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check for RAM errors. If errors are found, try reseating the RAM or replacing modules to resolve the issue.
Hard drive failures, especially with older mechanical hard drives, can cause system hangs and crashes in Windows. Check the S.M.A.R.T. status of your hard drive using tools like CrystalDiskInfo to see if the drive is failing or has bad sectors.
Finally, graphics card problems including driver issues, overheating, and hardware failure can lead to graphical glitches, freezes, and black screens. Use a program like FurMark to stress test your GPU and check for defects or overheating issues.
Fixing Software Issues
Many times Windows 10 hangs or freezes can be caused by outdated, corrupt, or incompatible software. Here are some steps to try fixing software issues that may be causing Windows 10 to hang:
Update Drivers – Outdated drivers can lead to conflicts and crashes in Windows 10. Go to Device Manager, find any devices with exclamation marks, and update their drivers. You can also use a free driver update utility like Driver Easy to update all drivers at once.
Uninstall Problematic Apps – If a particular app seems to cause your Windows 10 system to hang, try uninstalling it. Use the Settings > Apps menu or Control Panel > Programs and Features to uninstall. Restart after uninstalling to see if it fixes the issue.
Run SFC /scannow – This System File Checker scan will check Windows for corrupted files and replace them with cached copies. Open an admin Command Prompt and type “sfc /scannow” without quotes. Restart after it completes.
Clean Up Hard Drive Space – If your hard drive is nearly full it can lead to Windows 10 hangs and crashes. Use the Settings > System > Storage menu to delete unnecessary files and free up space. Or use a cleanup utility like CCleaner.
Fixing Hardware Issues
Sometimes hardware problems like overheating, failing components, or driver conflicts can cause Windows 10 to hang. Here are some common hardware issues to check:
Clean dust. Dust buildup in your computer can lead to overheating. Use compressed air to blow dust out of your computer’s case, heat sinks, and fans. Be sure to do this regularly to prevent dust buildup.
Test and replace RAM. Faulty RAM can cause freezing and hanging. Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to test your RAM. If you get errors, replace the RAM sticks.
Check hard drive health. A failing hard drive can freeze your system. Use a disk utility like CrystalDiskInfo to check the health of your hard drive. Replace it if it has bad sectors or is failing.
Update BIOS. An outdated system BIOS can cause compatibility issues leading to hanging. Check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest BIOS update. Flash your BIOS to this newer version.
Advanced Troubleshooting
If basic troubleshooting steps have not resolved the issue of Windows 10 hanging, there are some more advanced options to try:
Boot into Safe Mode
Booting into Safe Mode loads Windows with just the bare essential drivers and services. This can help determine if third-party software or drivers are causing the hanging issue (Source).
- Restart your PC and press F8 before the Windows logo appears.
- Select “Safe Mode” from the boot options menu.
- Log in and see if the hanging issue persists in Safe Mode.
Create New User Profile
Creating a new user profile resets user-specific settings that could be causing problems (Source).
- Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
- Click “Add someone else to this PC” and create a new user.
- Log in to the new profile and test if the hanging persists.
System Restore
System Restore resets the PC configuration to an earlier restore point before the issues began (Source).
- Open Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.
- Choose a restore point prior to the issue.
- Click Next, then Finish to restore the PC.
Reset Windows 10
Resetting Windows 10 performs a clean reinstallation of the OS, resolving software-related issues (Source).
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
- Choose to Keep my files or Remove everything.
- Follow the steps to reinstall Windows.
Preventative Maintenance
There are some basic maintenance tasks you can do regularly to help prevent Windows 10 hangs and freezes:
Install Regular Updates – Make sure you are keeping Windows 10 up-to-date by checking for and installing the latest patches and updates regularly. Updates often include bug fixes and optimizations that can prevent system hangs.
Perform Disk Cleanup – Over time, cached files, temporary files, and other unnecessary data can build up and slow down your system. Use the Disk Cleanup utility in Windows 10 periodically to clear this out and free up space.
Don’t Overload the System – If you consistently have many programs and browser tabs open all the time, especially while gaming or using other resource-intensive software, it could cause performance issues. Try closing unused programs and tabs to free up RAM.
Use Proper Shutdown – Always shut down your PC properly through the Start menu instead of force powering off. Abruptly cutting power can lead to file corruption over time.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you have tried the basic software fixes like Startup Repair, DISM, and SFC scans to no avail, it may be time to seek professional help for your Windows 10 issues.
Hardware issues that lead to Windows 10 hanging or crashing, like bad RAM or a failing hard drive, can be difficult to diagnose yourself. If you suspect a hardware problem but can’t identify the faulty component, professional IT support can run diagnostic tests to pinpoint the problem hardware.
Technicians have access to advanced tools and resources beyond what’s available in Windows itself. They can perform low-level diagnosis and repairs that home users can’t. For example, professional data recovery services may be able to recover critical files from a failed drive.
You have a few options for professional Windows 10 support:
- Microsoft’s paid support incidents allow you to get direct help from Microsoft technicians via phone or online chat 24/7. See: Microsoft Professional Support
- Local repair shops can provide in-person service and support.
- IT consultants can provide ongoing managed support services for your home or business.
The bottom line is that for complex or hardware-related issues causing Windows 10 crashes or hangs, professional help is your best bet for resolving the problem.
Conclusion
In summary, the most common causes of Windows 10 hanging are misbehaving software applications, outdated drivers, hardware incompatibilities, malware infections, and system file corruption. The first steps to try are running scans for malware, outdated drivers, and system file errors. Updating or uninstalling problematic software and freeing up disk space can also help.
Preventative maintenance is crucial for keeping Windows 10 running smoothly long-term. Regularly installing the latest Windows, driver, and software updates can prevent many issues. Periodically cleaning the system with built-in tools helps too. Backing up critical data provides peace of mind if more intensive troubleshooting becomes necessary down the road.
While many Windows 10 performance issues can be addressed with software tools and tweaks, don’t hesitate to seek professional IT support for hardware-related or persistent problems. They have the expertise and equipment to accurately diagnose complex faults and implement lasting fixes.