This archive report was first published on 23 August 2021.
Computer Hangs: 6 Simple Troubleshooting Methods ¶
Published on August 23, 2021
Have you ever been working on your computer and suddenly it hangs or freezes? This frustrating issue can occur in any Windows version, from Windows XP to Windows 10.
When your computer hangs, it can be challenging to know what to do. However, there are several simple methods you can try to troubleshoot and fix the issue. In this article, we will explore six methods to help you get your computer up and running again.
Method 1: Have Patience and Wait
When your computer hangs, the first thing you should do is wait. Yes, you read that right! Most of the time, a computer hang is caused by a particular process consuming too much RAM and CPU resources. Waiting for a few minutes (5-10 minutes) can resolve the issue.
It's essential to avoid pressing any keys or clicking anywhere, as this can put an extra load on the computer processing unit and make things worse.
Method 2: Launch Task Manager with Ctrl+Shift+Esc
If waiting doesn't help, try launching Task Manager using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Esc. This will open Task Manager, and you can check which process is consuming the highest CPU resources and RAM amount. You can then select the culprit process and click on the End Task button to kill it.
Method 3: Use Ctrl+Alt+Del
If you're unable to open Task Manager, use the classic keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+Del. This will show a CAD screen that allows you to log off, switch user, or open Task Manager. You can also use power options such as restart, shut down, hibernate, or sleep from the CAD screen.
Method 4: Refresh the Screen with Win+Ctrl+Shift+B
If the traditional Ctrl+Alt+Del method doesn't work, try pressing the Windows logo key+Ctrl+Shift+B keys together. This hotkey will force Windows to refresh the screen by restarting the graphics card driver. You'll hear a short beep sound, and the computer screen will blink or dim for a second.
Method 5: Close and Re-Open the Laptop Lid
If your machine is a laptop, try closing and then re-opening the lid. This can sometimes help fix hanging and freezing issues in almost all Windows versions.
Method 6: Forcefully Power Off and Restart
As a last resort, if nothing works, try forcing your computer to power off by pressing the power button for a few seconds. This will power off the device, and you'll lose all unsaved work. Once you've powered off the device, you can switch it on again, and everything should be back to normal.
By trying these six simple methods, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix a computer that keeps hanging or freezing. Remember to always have patience and wait for a few minutes before trying other methods.
