"Big Windows Freeze" - How to Fix PC Freezes

The “big Windows freeze” is one of the most dreaded computer errors. Nothing is more annoying than working on your computer or playing a game when suddenly everything freezes up, you can’t move your mouse and you are forced to do a hard reboot. Not only is it a pain in the neck, but it’s also bad for your hardware.  Luckily, it’s possible to fix PC freezes and prevent them from happening without having to reinstall your operating system. Here are the steps for you to follow:

1. Remove computer viruses
Computer infections are the most common reason for Windows freezes. When malware and spyware infect your computer, they start consuming system resources and can cause your computer to start freezing up and even crashing. To fix it, download a reliable anti-malware and anti-spyware program and give your computer a thorough scan.

2. Update your PC
When your computer is malware-free, make sure that you have the latest Windows updates installed. Having an outdated operating system can cause compatibility issues, which can freeze Windows. The best way to update your Windows is to enable automatic updates. To do that in Windows 7, click on Start and type Update in the Search box. Then select Windows Update from the search results. In the left-hand pane, click on Change Settings. Then configure the update options.

Windows XP users can configure automatic updates by going to the Control Panel, clicking on Windows Update and configuring the options.

3. Update your drivers
Outdated drivers is another reason why computer freezes because they can cause hardware compatibility problems. That’s why you should regularly check for driver updates. You can do it either via your hardware manufacturers’ websites, use your computer’s Device Manager or use driver update software to update the drivers automatically in a hassle-free way.

4. Update your BIOS
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the most important part of your computer, as it makes your hardware function correctly. Problems with the BIOS can make Windows freeze and malfunction. Updating the BIOS is nowhere near as easy as updating your software or your operating system. An incorrectly applied BIOS update can damage your computer. That’s why it’s best to use a free BIOS update tool that will update your BIOS automatically.

Following these steps will help you deal with Windows freeze and keep your computer running in top form.