Check for overheating by monitoring temperatures and cleaning dust; 2. Update or roll back drivers via Device Manager or manufacturer websites; 3. Scan for malware using Windows Security and Malwarebytes, and repair system files with sfc /scannow and DISM; 4. Test RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic and check storage health using CrystalDiskInfo or chkdsk; 5. Disable unnecessary startup programs, identify resource-heavy apps in Task Manager, and test in Safe Mode; 6. Adjust power settings to High Performance and update BIOS only if necessary and carefully; 7. Consider hardware upgrades like more RAM or an SSD, or perform a clean Windows installation after backing up data — random freezes are typically resolvable by systematically addressing these common causes, starting with overheating and driver issues.
Computer freezing randomly can be frustrating, especially when you're in the middle of important work. The good news is that most causes are fixable with some troubleshooting. Here’s a practical guide to help you identify and resolve the issue.

1. Check for Overheating
Overheating is one of the most common reasons for random freezes. When your CPU or GPU gets too hot, the system may freeze to prevent hardware damage.
What to do:

- Listen for loud or constantly running fans — a sign of overheating.
- Use tools like HWMonitor, Core Temp, or Speccy to check component temperatures.
- CPU under load should stay below 85°C (ideally under 75°C).
- GPU should stay below 80–85°C.
- Clean dust from fans, vents, and heatsinks using compressed air.
- Ensure your laptop has proper ventilation (don’t use it on soft surfaces like beds or pillows).
- Consider repasting thermal compound on older systems.
2. Update or Roll Back Drivers
Outdated, corrupt, or incompatible drivers — especially graphics and chipset drivers — can cause system instability.
Steps to fix:

- Press Win X → Device Manager.
- Look for any devices with a yellow warning icon.
- Expand Display adapters, right-click your GPU, and choose Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Alternatively, go to your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest driver.
- If the freezing started after a driver update, try rolling back the driver in Device Manager.
Also update:
- Chipset drivers (from motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s site)
- Network and audio drivers if relevant
3. Scan for Malware and System Corruption
Malware or corrupted system files can cause unexpected behavior, including freezing.
Run these checks:
- Windows Security: Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection and run a full scan.
- Use Malwarebytes (free version) for a second opinion scan.
- Run the System File Checker:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type:
sfc /scannow
and press Enter. - Wait for the scan to complete and repair any corrupted files.
- Run DISM if SFC fails:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Check Your RAM and Storage
Faulty RAM or a failing hard drive/SSD can cause freezes, especially under load.
Test your RAM:
- Type Windows Memory Diagnostic in the Start menu.
- Choose Restart now and check for problems.
- Your PC will reboot and test RAM. Check results after reboot (you may need to run the tool again to see logs).
Check disk health:
- For HDDs/SSDs, use CrystalDiskInfo (free) to check drive health.
- Look for warnings like “Caution” or “Bad” status.
- If using an old HDD, consider upgrading to an SSD.
- Run
chkdsk
:- Open Command Prompt (Admin)
- Type:
chkdsk C: /f /r
(replace C: if needed) - Press Y, then reboot to let it run
5. Disable Problematic Software and Startup Programs
Some background apps or startup programs can overload your system.
Try this:
- Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab and disable unnecessary programs.
- In Processes tab, look for apps using high CPU, memory, or disk (especially if it’s 100% disk usage).
- Uninstall recently installed software that might be causing conflicts.
- Boot into Safe Mode to test:
- Restart while holding Shift, then Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart → Enable Safe Mode.
- If the system doesn’t freeze in Safe Mode, it’s likely a software/driver issue.
6. Power Settings and BIOS Updates
Incorrect power settings can cause instability, especially on laptops.
Fix power settings:
- Go to Control Panel → Power Options.
- Select High performance or Balanced.
- Click Change plan settings → Change advanced power settings.
- Expand Processor power management → set Minimum processor state to 5% and Maximum to 100%.
Update BIOS (careful!):
- Check your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s website.
- Follow their instructions exactly — a failed BIOS update can brick your system.
- Only update if you suspect a compatibility issue or if the changelog mentions stability fixes.
7. Consider Hardware Upgrades or OS Reinstall
If all else fails:
- Upgrade RAM if you’re running low (8GB or less for modern use).
- Replace old HDD with SSD — a major performance and stability boost.
- As a last resort, clean install Windows:
- Back up your data first.
- Use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool to make a bootable USB.
- Perform a fresh install to rule out deep software issues.
Random freezing is usually fixable once you pinpoint the cause. Start with overheating and drivers — they’re the most common culprits. Work through the list step by step, and test after each change.
Basically, it's about ruling things out — and most of the time, it’s not as scary as it seems.
The above is the detailed content of How to fix computer freezing randomly. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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