How do I stop Windows 11 from freezing?

Answered by Willian Lymon

To stop Windows 11 from freezing, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try. I’ll walk you through each one in detail:

1. Run a system file scan: Windows 11 has a built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool that can fix corrupted system files. Open a Command Prompt as an administrator and type “sfc /scannow” without quotes. This will scan your system for any corrupted files and repair them if possible.

2. Run a disk scan: Another common cause of freezing is a faulty hard drive. To check for disk errors, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “chkdsk C: /f” without quotes, replacing the C: drive with the drive letter you want to scan. This will scan and repair any file system errors on the selected drive.

3. Reduce your monitor’s resolution setting: Sometimes, freezing issues can occur due to compatibility issues with display drivers. Lowering your monitor’s resolution temporarily can help identify if this is the cause. Right-click on your desktop, select Display settings, and adjust the resolution to a lower setting.

4. Check for RAM issues: Faulty or incompatible RAM can cause system freezes. To check for RAM issues, open the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool by pressing Windows key + R, typing “mdsched.exe” without quotes, and hitting Enter. Restart your computer, and it will perform a memory test. If any issues are detected, you may need to replace or reseat your RAM modules.

5. Expand virtual memory allocation: Insufficient virtual memory can also lead to freezing issues. To expand the virtual memory allocation, right-click on the Start button and select System. In the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab and click on the Settings button under Performance. In the Performance Options window, go to the Advanced tab and click on the Change button under Virtual memory. Uncheck the “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives” option, select your system drive, and click on the “Custom size” option. Set an initial and maximum size for the virtual memory and click OK.

6. Update your GPU’s driver: Outdated or incompatible graphics card drivers can cause freezing issues. Visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for your GPU model. Install it and restart your computer to apply the changes.

7. Uninstall Sonic Studio 3: Some users have reported freezing issues related to the Sonic Studio 3 application. If you have this software installed, try uninstalling it and see if the freezing problem persists.

8. Reset Windows 11 to factory defaults: If all else fails, you can try resetting Windows 11 to its default settings. This will remove all your installed applications and files, so make sure to back up your important data before proceeding. Open the Settings app, go to System, and select Recovery. Under the Reset PC section, click on the “Get started” button and follow the on-screen instructions to reset Windows 11.

Remember, these steps are troubleshooting suggestions and may not guarantee a complete resolution. It’s always a good idea to back up your important files before attempting any major changes to your system. If the freezing issue persists, it may be worth contacting Microsoft Support or seeking assistance from a professional technician.