Tips for Dealing with Unresponsive Computers
Here are clear, practical tips you can use when a computer becomes unresponsive — whether it’s frozen, slow, or randomly locking up.
✅ 1. Basic Quick Fixes
🔄 Try the classic “wait and see”
Sometimes Windows is just busy processing a heavy task. Give it 10–30 seconds to catch up.
🔄 Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Opens Task Manager even when Ctrl + Alt + Delete doesn’t.
- End apps showing “Not Responding”
- Look for CPU or disk stuck at 100%
🔌 Unplug external devices
A bad USB drive or peripheral can freeze the system.
Try disconnecting:
- External HDD/SSD
- Printers
- USB hubs
- Docking stations
✅ 2. Quick Keyboard Commands
🪟 Windows Key + Ctrl + Shift + B
Resets the graphics driver without rebooting
(very effective for black screens, frozen apps, or GPU hangs).
Alt + Tab
Try switching apps—if the system responds, the freeze is likely app-level.
✅ 3. Full System Lockup Fixes
🖥 Hard Reboot (only if necessary)
Hold the power button for 5–10 seconds.
Use this if:
- The mouse is frozen
- Keyboard doesn’t respond
- No display activity
Not ideal, but sometimes required.
🔋 Desktop / Laptop power drain
For laptops:
- Power off
- Unplug charger
- Hold power 15 seconds
For desktops:
- Shut down
- Flip power supply switch
- Press power button 10 seconds
Clears stuck hardware states.
✅ 4. Prevent Future Freezes
🔍 Check for disk issues
Open command prompt (admin):
chkdsk C: /scan
If you suspect real damage:
chkdsk C: /f /r
(Will require reboot)
🔧 Run DISM + SFC
Fixes Windows corruption that often causes freezing.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow
🌡 Check thermals
Overheating CPUs/GPUs throttle or freeze systems.
Use:
- HWInfo
- CoreTemp
Clean out dust and ensure fans spin properly.
🧹 Startup cleanup
Disable unnecessary startup apps:
- Task Manager → Startup
- Turn off anything you don’t recognize or don’t need
🛑 Remove bad software
Common freeze-causers:
- Old antiviruses
- Browser toolbars
- Cracked software
- Faulty drivers
💾 Update drivers
Especially:
- GPU
- Chipset
- Network adapter
- Storage (NVMe/SATA)
✅ 5. Signs It’s a Hardware Problem
If any of these match, freezing is likely hardware-related:
- Random freezes without warning
- Freezes even in BIOS
- Freezes on a fresh Windows install
- System only freezes while moving laptop
- Clicking or grinding noises from HDD
- RAM errors during MemTest86