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If your Windows PC freezes, locks up, or crashes, work through these eight troubleshooting steps in order—but treat them as a diagnostic sequence, not guaranteed fixes. The right path depends on whether the whole computer locks, Windows shows a stop code, the PC restarts, or only one app hangs. Microsoft groups freezing and crashing among problems where Windows starts but behaves unexpectedly; its guidance applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11 where indicated.
1. Restart and identify exactly what happened
Restart the PC, then note what the failure looks like. A single unexpected restart may clear after restarting, but repeated failures with the same stop code need further investigation. Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance distinguishes unexpected restarts from recurring stop-code problems (unexpected restarts; stop-code errors).
- The whole PC becomes unresponsive: record whether the screen and mouse stop responding, and whether the computer recovers on its own.
- A blue screen shows a stop code: write down the code and whether it recurs.
- The PC restarts by itself: note when it happens and what was running.
- Only one game or app hangs: distinguish that from a full Windows freeze; this sequence focuses on Windows-level symptoms.
The timing matters too: note whether the issue began after installing an update, connecting hardware, or changing a driver.
2. Disconnect hardware added shortly before the problem
If the trouble began after adding a device, shut down the PC and disconnect that hardware. Restart and see whether the problem returns. Microsoft includes removing recently added hardware among its stop-code troubleshooting steps (Microsoft’s stop-code guidance).
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If the computer becomes stable, that is useful diagnostic evidence, not proof that the device itself is defective. Reconnect it later only if you can do so safely, and check for an appropriate driver or setup guidance from the device maker.
3. Check whether Windows is stable in Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts Windows with a limited set of essential services and drivers. If the problem does not occur there, that helps narrow the investigation toward nonessential services, settings, or drivers; it does not identify the exact cause. Microsoft describes Safe Mode as a recovery troubleshooting option (Start your PC in Safe Mode).
Use Windows’ recovery path to reach startup settings and choose Safe Mode. The precise screens can vary by Windows version and how the PC starts. If Windows cannot reach the sign-in screen, Microsoft also documents entering the Windows Recovery Environment from startup. Avoid changing unrelated startup settings while testing.
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4. Inspect Device Manager and update the relevant driver
Open Device Manager and look for a device marked with an exclamation point, which can indicate a device problem. Microsoft recommends updating the relevant driver; for recurring stop-code errors, disabling or uninstalling the device may be a later diagnostic step if updating does not help (stop-code troubleshooting).
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5. Install Windows updates—or roll back the update linked to the failure
When the problem was not clearly triggered by a particular update, check Windows Update for available Windows updates and optional driver updates. Microsoft recommends keeping Windows and available drivers updated as part of performance troubleshooting (tips to improve PC performance).
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If crashes began immediately after a specific update, do not assume that installing or removing every update is the right answer. Microsoft’s recovery options include uninstalling a recent update; consider that route when the timing points to the update and the option is available for your Windows installation (Windows recovery options).
6. Check how much drive space is free
For stop-code troubleshooting, Microsoft gives keeping 10% to 15% of the drive free as a useful rule of thumb—not a universal minimum for every PC. Check the drive where Windows is installed and remove or move files only if you know they are safe to delete or relocate. Microsoft includes available storage among its stop-code troubleshooting checks (stop-code troubleshooting).
7. Repair Windows system files when the symptoms warrant it
Missing or corrupted critical system files can cause errors or freezing. Windows includes DISM and System File Checker (SFC) to repair certain system-file problems; they are not a fix for hardware faults, every driver issue, or every crash. Microsoft’s instructions explain the order for running the tools (use the System File Checker tool).
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Follow Microsoft’s current instructions for your Windows version, including opening an elevated command prompt if requested. Let each scan finish and follow its reported result; do not interrupt a repair in progress.
8. Use restore or recovery only after protecting your files
Microsoft cautions: “Before you start: Some recovery options can result in data loss.” — Microsoft Support, Recovery options in Windows (recovery guidance). Back up important files before using recovery actions that may alter Windows or remove data. An external drive for PC backup can protect files, but it does not fix crashes; Windows Backup or a cloud option may also suit your situation.
Microsoft presents recovery options from less disruptive to more disruptive. Choose based on when the problem began and which options your PC offers: a restore point may fit a recent system change, uninstalling an update may fit a failure that started directly afterward, and reinstalling Windows is a more substantial step. Review the effect of the specific option shown on your PC before proceeding. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so users still on Windows 10 should account for that support status when deciding how to proceed (Windows recovery options).
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