When the computer stops responding to your commands and actions, and the screen becomes unresponsive, and you cannot use the mouse or keyboard, it is called a Frozen PC. A frozen computer can be caused by hardware like RAM issues, HDD or SSD issues, or broken Power Supply. It can also be due to specific software that you just installed. In any case, it is important to fix this frozen PC issue otherwise it will lead to data loss, system damage and not to mention hampered work and mental stress.
Common Reasons for PC Freezing
There can be several reasons why your PC is freezing, and these include hardware problems, software issues, and malware infections. Let’s talk a little bit more about that:
1. Hardware Failure
When a PC overheats, it automatically shuts down to prevent damage. However, if the cooling system is not functioning correctly, your PC can freeze. Another hardware problem that can cause freezing is faulty components, such as a malfunctioning hard drive, RAM, or power supply unit. Sometimes, it is just a loose connection and once you place it back, it will start working again. We will talk about solutions later in this article.
2. Software issues
Outdated drivers, incompatible programs, and corrupted system files can cause your computer to freeze. For example, if you install a program that is not compatible with your operating system, it can cause your computer to freeze. Similarly, if your device drivers are outdated, your computer may not function correctly, leading to freezing.
Moreover, if you have installed any program from 3rd party website, there might be some serious problem with that program that is not compatible with your PC and which is leading to a frozen PC. If you have installed such software, make sure you uninstall them.
3. Malware infections
Malware infections can cause your computer to freeze as they consume system resources and interfere with normal system operations. In this case, your hardware is not able to connect with the software which ultimately leads to a frozen system. In this case, you have to remove that malware otherwise you will not be able to fix this issue and it will get worsen.
Now that we have basic reasons for why the PC is freezing, it is time to take some action and to fix this issue as soon as possible. Let’s check some practical solutions to fix this frozen PC issue.
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What Should I do When PC is Frozen
Frozen PC sometimes makes us completely helpless and there is nothing much we can do about that. If you don’t have any knowledge about PC building or PC hardware, you can simply call an IT expert but if you possess a little bit of knowledge and interest in PC building, you can follow these practical solutions to fix a frozen PC.
1. Check Hardware Components
To troubleshoot hardware problems, inspect the physical condition of your PC, including the cables, ports, and internal components. Ensure that everything is properly connected and secured. Clean the dust from the CPU fan, heatsinks, and other components to prevent overheating. Overheating can also cause your PC to freeze or shut down. Test your RAM, hard drive, and other hardware components for errors using software tools.
If any component in CPU is feeling hotter than usual temperature or you are getting a foul smell from your PC, there are chances of hardware failure, sparking in the circuit or burnout of any cable. If everything seems normal, you can simply clean the dust, remove the RAM and place it again after cleaning it. If you are seeing any loose cable connection, make sure you put it back tightly without any loose connection. Once you are done with it, try again and it might start working again.
2. Do an Installed Program Audit
Defective programs can cause your computer to slow down, freeze, or PC crash, and can even lead to security vulnerabilities. During an installed program audit, you can identify which programs are no longer being used or are outdated and remove them to free up space and improve system performance. You can also identify any programs that may be conflicting with other programs or causing issues. For cross-checking, if it’s a program issue, you can even restart your PC in safe mode. Simply press the F4 key while restarting and it will boot in safe mode.
By any chance, if you have installed any new program on your PC, that can also be the culprit of this frozen PC issue. Check the program requirements and even scan the program using Malware detecting tools to check if there is any problem in that program itself. If you found anything which is not good for your PC, simply remove the program and restart your PC. It will not freeze again.
3. Scan for Malware
To remove malware infections, use reputable anti-virus and anti-malware software to scan your PC for infections. Remove any malicious software found during the scan. Ensure that you have installed the latest security updates for your operating system and software programs to prevent future infections.
Malware cleverly occupies all the resources of your PC and that causes the PC to halt. Malware if not removed will cause more problems in the future like leaking private data, using your PC for mining, and hacking other devices connected to the same wifi connection. Once Malware is removed, simply restart your PC and it will work just fine.
4. Adjust System Settings
To prevent your PC from freezing, adjust your system settings. Reduce the number of programs running in the background to free up system resources. Disable unnecessary startup programs and services that you do not need. Remove all the unnecessary startup processes to get some extra memory for more important processing that can stop your PC from freezing.
5. Seek Professional Help
If you have tried all the above steps and your PC is still freezing, it may be time to seek professional help from a technician or IT expert. They can diagnose and fix any hardware or software problems that may be causing your PC to freeze. If your PC is under warranty, they will do it for free. On the contrary, if it is out of warranty, you might have to pay some fee.
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PC is Freezing: Fixed
A PC freeze can be caused by several factors, including hardware problems, software issues, and malware infections. To troubleshoot a freezing PC, check your hardware components, update your device drivers and software programs, scan for malware, adjust your system settings, and seek professional help if necessary. By taking proactive steps to prevent and resolve PC freezing issues, you can ensure that your PC runs smoothly, and you can avoid data loss, productivity loss, and system damage.
There is no single reason why your PC is freezing but by proper diagnosis, we can detect the error and take timely action to fix it. If it is a hardware issue, make sure you replace it as soon as possible because it can get worse if not replaced.
Hope your PC is not freezing anymore and if you have questions regarding a frozen PC, let us know in the comments below.
