Frozen Computer? Here’s What Causing It and What You Can Do

An unresponsive computer can be one of the most frustrating and inconvenient problems you can experience. It can be caused by many reasons, ranging from simple hardware or software glitches to more serious problems. When your computer becomes unresponsive, it can mean that the system is not running properly or that it cannot process the tasks being asked of it.

What Causes Your Computer to Be Unresponsive?

Whether you’re trying to get work done or just having fun, an unresponsive computer can put a damper on your plans. There are a few common reasons why your computer might be unresponsive, so let’s look at some of the most common culprits.

1. Malware

Malware is one of the most common causes of a computer being unresponsive. Malware can range from annoying “pop-ups” to more serious viruses. If your computer is running slow or unresponsive, it’s a good idea to run an anti-virus scan to ensure there isn’t any malicious software on your system. 

2. Insufficient Memory

If your computer runs out of memory, it may become unresponsive. This is especially true if you’re running many programs at once. If this is the case, you may need to upgrade your RAM or close some programs to free up more memory.

3. Overheating

Another common issue is overheating. If your computer is getting too hot, it can cause it to become unresponsive. Make sure you’re keeping your computer in an area where it has proper ventilation, and the fans aren’t blocked.

4. Software Issues

If you’ve recently installed new software or updated an existing one, it can cause your computer to become unresponsive. Uninstalling or rolling back the software can help to resolve the issue.

5. Hardware Issues

If none of the above applies, your computer may have a hardware issue. A faulty power supply, a failing hard drive, or a failing motherboard can all cause your computer to become unresponsive. In this case, you may need to take it to a professional to have it fixed.

What Should You Do If Your Computer Freezes?

You may be in the middle of an important task, and suddenly your computer freezes. It could be due to a hardware issue or a software issue. Here are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue.

1. Reboot Your Computer

To do this, press the power button until your computer completely shuts down. Once it has completely shut down, press the power button again to restart your computer. This may help to resolve the issue.

2. Check for Hardware Issues

If rebooting does not work, you may need to check your computer for any hardware issues. If you have recently added any new hardware, such as a new hard drive, it may be causing the issue. If so, remove the new hardware and see if the computer starts working again.

3. Check for Software Issues

If the issue is not hardware related, you may need to check the software on your computer. Check to see any updates available for your operating system and other software. If there are, install the updates and see if the issue is resolved.

4. Use a System Restore Point

System restore points are snapshots of your computer’s system settings that were taken at an earlier point in time. If you have a system restore point, you can use it to restore your computer’s settings to the way they were when the restore point was taken.

5. Reinstall Your Operating System

If all else fails, you may need to reinstall your operating system. This will erase all your files and data, so ensure you have backed up your important files before attempting this.

Conclusion

There are many possible reasons why your computer might be unresponsive. It could be due to a hardware issue, a software issue, or a combination of both. If you’re not sure what the problem is, you can try restarting your computer or running a virus scan. If those don’t work, you may need to contact a computer technician for help.

If you need a computer repair in Fresno, you can contact us at ScreenWorks. Not only do we repair computers but also phones, tablets, and other smart devices. Get in touch with us to learn if we can help repair your device.

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