How to Fix Windows 11 Freezing: Effective Solutions and Tips

By / September 20, 2025

Windows 11 brings a fresh design and performance improvements, but some users still face a frustrating issue: random freezes. Your mouse stops moving, apps become unresponsive, or the entire system locks up. Sound familiar? Don’t worry — you’re not alone.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore why Windows 11 freezes and provide effective solutions and tips to fix it. By the end, you’ll have a stable, smooth-running PC again.

📝 Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)

  • Windows 11 may freeze due to outdated drivers, background apps, overheating, malware, or corrupted files.

  • Start with basic fixes: restart, update drivers, run Windows Update.

  • Advanced methods include disabling startup apps, checking RAM, scanning for malware, or reinstalling Windows.

  • Prevent freezing by keeping your system updated, avoiding bloatware, and managing hardware health.

Why Does Windows 11 Keep Freezing?

Common causes include:

  • Outdated drivers (graphics, chipset, audio).

  • Too many startup/background apps consuming resources.

  • Malware or viruses interfering with processes.

  • Corrupted system files or Windows updates.

  • Overheating hardware (CPU/GPU).

  • Faulty RAM or hard drive/SSD issues.

Step-by-Step: How to Fix Windows 11 Freezing

Let’s go through solutions from simplest to advanced.

1. Restart Your Computer

It may sound basic, but many freezes result from temporary glitches.

  1. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds.

  2. Restart and check if the issue continues.

2. Update Windows 11

Microsoft frequently releases bug fixes.

  1. Press Win + I → Windows Update.

  2. Click Check for updates.

  3. Install all pending updates.

3. Update Drivers

Outdated drivers often cause freezing.

  1. Press Win + X → Device Manager.

  2. Update Display adapters, Sound, and Chipset drivers.

  3. Alternatively, visit the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, Intel, AMD, Lenovo, Dell, etc.) for the latest drivers.

4. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Too many apps starting with Windows slow things down.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Task Manager.

  2. Go to Startup Apps tab.

  3. Disable apps with High impact that you don’t need at startup.

5. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files may cause freezing.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

  2. Run:

    sfc /scannow

  3. Then run:

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

  4. Restart PC.

6. Scan for Malware

Viruses can freeze your PC.

  • Run Windows Security → Full Scan.

  • Optionally, use third-party tools like Malwarebytes for deeper scanning.

7. Check for Overheating

Overheating CPUs and GPUs cause lockups.

  • Install tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp.

  • Clean dust from fans.

  • Ensure proper ventilation.

8. Free Up Disk Space

If your SSD/HDD is nearly full, Windows may freeze.

  1. Press Win + I → System > Storage.

  2. Use Storage Sense to remove temporary files.

  3. Move large files to an external drive.

9. Adjust Virtual Memory (Paging File)

Low memory can cause freezes.

  1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl.

  2. Go to Advanced > Performance Settings > Advanced > Virtual memory.

  3. Set it to System managed size.

10. Run Memory Diagnostic

Faulty RAM is a common cause.

  1. Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe.

  2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.

11. Check Disk for Errors

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).

  2. Run:

    chkdsk C: /f /r

  3. Restart PC.

12. Disable Fast Startup

Sometimes Fast Startup conflicts with drivers.

  1. Press Win + R, type control.

  2. Go to Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.

  3. Uncheck Turn on fast startup.

13. Perform a Clean Boot

This helps identify if third-party apps cause freezing.

  1. Press Win + R, type msconfig.

  2. Go to Services tab → Check Hide Microsoft services → Disable all others.

  3. Restart and test.

14. Check for Hardware Issues

  • Replace faulty RAM if memory errors persist.

  • Test your SSD/HDD health with tools like CrystalDiskInfo.

15. Reset or Reinstall Windows 11

If nothing else works:

  1. Press Win + I → Recovery.

  2. Select Reset this PC → Keep files or Remove everything.

Comparison of Fixes

Method Difficulty Effectiveness Best For
Restart / Update Easy High Quick fix
Driver Updates Medium High Common freezes
SFC/DISM Medium High Corrupted files
Malware Scan Easy Medium Infections
Hardware Checks Advanced High Faulty parts
Reset/Reinstall Advanced Very High Persistent issues

Tips to Prevent Windows 11 Freezing

  • Always install updates and drivers regularly.

  • Avoid installing too many startup apps.

  • Keep at least 15–20% free disk space.

  • Clean dust inside your PC/laptop every few months.

  • Use reliable antivirus protection.

Conclusion

Windows 11 freezing can be annoying, but in most cases, it’s caused by drivers, software conflicts, or overheating. Start with basic fixes like updates and driver checks, then move on to advanced methods like SFC, memory diagnostics, or clean boot.

If freezes persist after all steps, it may be time to check your hardware or reinstall Windows 11 for a fresh start.

FAQs About Windows 11 Freezing

1. Why does my Windows 11 laptop freeze randomly?
It may be due to outdated drivers, overheating, malware, or low system resources.

2. Does Windows 11 freeze more than Windows 10?
Not necessarily — freezes often come from drivers and apps, not the OS itself.

3. Can RAM cause Windows 11 to freeze?
Yes. Faulty RAM or insufficient memory can lock up your system.

4. How do I fix Windows 11 freezing without losing data?
Try updates, SFC/DISM, and driver fixes before resetting Windows.

5. Should I reinstall Windows 11 if freezing continues?
Yes, as a last resort. A clean installation often resolves deep software conflicts.

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