Freezes and Crashes: Finding the Cause of an Unstable PC

Freezes feel random, but they usually have a pattern. Finding it is half the repair.

Describe the pattern

Ask yourself:

• Does it happen with one program or everything?
• Does it happen after the computer has been on for a while?
• Does it happen under heavy use, such as games or video?
• Did it start after an update or new installation?

One program only

Update it, then try repairing or reinstalling it. Check whether a plug-in or extension is responsible. Look in Event Viewer, under Windows Logs and Application, for error entries at the time of the crash.

Everything freezes

• Check temperatures and clear dust.
• Make sure there is free disk space.
• Use Task Manager to see whether memory, disk or processor is stuck at maximum.
• Update graphics and chipset drivers.

Test the hardware

• Run Windows Memory Diagnostic for memory faults.
• Check the drive with the maker's tool or chkdsk.
• Remove any recently added hardware.

Check the software

• Install pending Windows updates.
• Run sfc /scannow from an administrator Command Prompt.
• Scan for malware.
• Disable startup programs one at a time to find conflicts.

Use a clean boot

A clean start with only Microsoft services running, set up in System Configuration, shows if background software is responsible.

Power problems

An ageing power supply or a failing laptop battery can cause freezes under load. If trouble comes when the computer is busiest, power is worth suspecting.

Keep a log

Write down the date, what you were doing and any messages. Patterns often appear after three or four entries.

When to get help

If problems persist after all of this, back up your data and ask a repair professional to test the hardware.

This guide is general information, not professional advice. Menus, features and prices change between versions and regions. See our disclaimer.