How to fix a frozen computer

Cover photo: Juha Lakaniemi on Unsplash

Reading time: 6 mins

The dreaded scenario: you're in the middle of an important task, racing to meet a deadline, when suddenly your computer screen freezes. Panic sets in as you realise that your unsaved work might be lost. Whether it's a personal device or your work laptop, a frozen computer screen always seems to pop up at the worst possible moment. But don't worry—there are several remedies available to help you minimise downtime and get back to work as quickly as possible.

In this guide, we'll walk you through 10 practical steps to unfreeze your computer, along with some tips to prevent it from happening in the future.

1. Force close frozen programmes

The first and easiest step to take when your computer freezes is to force close any unresponsive apps. On a Windows device, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open the Task Manager, or use Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Once the Task Manager is open, find the unresponsive app, click on it, and select "End Task." Alternatively, pressing Alt + F4 will close the active window or application quickly.

On a Mac, the process is similar. Press Command + Option + Escape to bring up the Force Quit window. Select the frozen app and click "Force Quit." If that doesn’t work, try using the Activity Monitor (found under Finder > Applications > Utilities) to close the problematic app.

Top Tip: If you find that certain apps regularly cause your computer to freeze, consider uninstalling them permanently. It's better to replace problematic software with more reliable alternatives.

2. Restart File Explorer on Windows

If your Windows computer is still unresponsive after force-closing apps, try restarting File Explorer. File Explorer (formerly known as Windows Explorer) is responsible for the user interface and can sometimes cause issues when it becomes unresponsive.

To restart it, open the Task Manager using the method mentioned earlier. Click on "More Details" if you haven’t already, then navigate to the "Processes" tab. Find "File Explorer" in the list, select it, and click "End Task." Afterward, click "File" in the Task Manager menu and select "Run new task," type "explorer.exe," and hit "Enter." This will restart File Explorer and may resolve the issue.

3. Perform a hard restart

If your computer is completely frozen and you can't even open Task Manager or Force Quit, it’s time for a hard restart. For Windows devices, hold down the power button until the computer shuts down. Wait a few seconds before turning it back on. If the problem persists, try rebooting in Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key repeatedly as the computer starts up.

For Mac users, press and hold the Command + Control + Power buttons simultaneously until your Mac shuts down. After a brief pause, press the power button again to restart the computer.

4. Check your hardware

Sometimes the problem isn’t with your software, but with your hardware. Double-check that all peripherals are properly connected. A dead keyboard battery, a frozen mouse, or loose cables can cause your computer to freeze.

Pro tip: Overheating is a common cause of frozen screens. Make sure your computer is well-ventilated and that the fans are working correctly. If you use a laptop, periodically check your battery’s health. If you suspect your computer is overheating, it might be time to clean the fans or use a cooling pad. You can also prop your computer up with a stand or a support at the back to allow airflow.  

5. Install any pending updates

Outdated software can also cause your computer to freeze. Regularly updating your system ensures that you’re running the latest patches, which can fix bugs and improve performance. Go to your computer’s settings and install any available updates, then restart your computer.

If your organisation uses a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, these updates can often be pushed remotely. Contact your IT department if you’re unsure about handling updates yourself.

Cybersecurity tip: Keeping your system updated isn’t just about performance—it’s also about security. Regular updates protect your device from vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.

6. Uninstall unused programmes

A lack of available storage can slow down your computer and cause frequent freezes. Free up space by uninstalling programs you no longer use. On Windows, navigate to the Control Panel, select "Programs and Features," and uninstall any unnecessary software. For Mac users, go to "Applications" and drag unused apps to the Trash.

If you notice that your computer often freezes when running a specific program, it may be worth finding an alternative that’s less resource intensive.

7. Scan for malware

Malware and viruses can wreak havoc on your system, including causing it to freeze. Regularly scanning your computer for infections is crucial. Both Mac and Windows have built-in security features that allow you to scan for threats, but you can also use third-party tools like WithSecure for more comprehensive protection.

Security tip: Ensure that you have up-to-date antivirus software installed, and schedule regular scans to catch any potential issues before they cause significant damage.

8. Reset PRAM or NVRAM on Macs

For Mac users, issues with PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory) or NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) can sometimes lead to freezes. If you’re experiencing problems with display resolution, volume controls, or other settings, resetting these memory parameters might help.

To do this, shut down your Mac, turn it back on, and immediately press Option + Command + P + R. Hold these keys for about 20 seconds before releasing them. Your Mac will restart, hopefully resolving any issues related to PRAM or NVRAM.

9. Repair disk permissions on Macs

Another common issue on Macs that can cause freezes is improper disk permissions. When you install or uninstall apps, disk permissions can become misconfigured, leading to performance issues.

To repair disk permissions, first save your work and close all apps. Use the shortcut Shift + Command + U to open the Utilities window, then select "Disk Utility." Once open, choose the hard drive you want to repair (usually "Macintosh HD") and click the "First Aid" tab.

Maintenance tip: It’s a good idea to repair disk permissions once or twice a year as part of your regular maintenance routine.

10. Clear cache and temporary files

Over time, cache and temporary files can build up and consume valuable space, potentially slowing down your computer and causing freezes. Clearing these files regularly can improve your computer's performance.

For web browsers:

• Google Chrome: Open the Chrome Menu (three dots in the upper-right corner) and select "Clear Browsing Data." Alternatively, use Ctrl + Shift + Delete to access this menu quickly. Check the box for "Cached images and files," then click "Clear Data."

• Firefox: Click the menu button (three bars in the upper-right corner), go to "Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data," and select "Clear Data."

• Safari: In the top-left corner, click "Safari," then "Settings." Under the "Privacy" tab, click "Manage Website Data" and then "Remove All."

Note: Clearing your cache may log you out of websites and reduce tracking, so only clear it when necessary.

What makes your computer freeze?

Understanding why your computer freezes can help you prevent it from happening in the future. Here are some common causes:

• Hardware issues: Faulty hard drives, memory cards, and peripherals can lead to freezing. Overheating is another common culprit.

• Software problems: Outdated or incompatible software can cause your system to freeze.

• Storage limitations: Running out of storage space often results in a sluggish or frozen system.

• Driver malfunctions: Drivers allow your hardware and operating system to communicate. A malfunctioning or outdated driver can cause issues.

• Malware or viruses: Infections can severely disrupt your system's normal operations.

Don’t let a frozen screen freeze your productivity

A frozen computer screen can be more than just a minor inconvenience—it can significantly impact your productivity and business operations. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly troubleshoot and resolve most freezing issues, ensuring that your workflow remains uninterrupted.

If you’re tired of dealing with tech issues on your own, deeploi's here to help. Our IT support team will get back to you within 30 minutes or less. Contact us today to learn more about how we can keep your systems running smoothly and efficiently.

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