What we mean by "frozen"
A frozen computer is different from one that restarts itself, shows a blue error screen, or will not turn on at all. With a freeze, the machine stays powered on and the screen stays lit, but the mouse and keyboard stop doing anything. Sometimes the picture is stuck exactly where it was; sometimes the mouse still moves but clicking does nothing at all.
This is one of the more common calls we get, and one of the most fixable, because a freeze almost always points to a specific cause rather than a mystery.
The usual causes, in order of how often we see them
Too many programs fighting for limited memory is the most common cause, especially on computers a few years old. Overheating is next, dust builds up inside and the computer slows itself down to protect its parts, sometimes to the point of locking up. A failing hard drive can cause freezes too, especially ones that happen at random times with no pattern. Less often, it is a program or driver conflict, or in rare cases malware running quietly in the background.
- Too many programs or browser tabs open at once, especially on older computers
- Dust buildup causing the computer to overheat and stall
- A hard drive that is starting to fail, often with random timing
- A conflict between a program and the computer's drivers
- In rare cases, malware running without your knowledge
What to try, and when to just call us
If it happens once, holding the power button for ten seconds to force a shutdown, then turning it back on, is a reasonable first step. If it keeps happening, especially more than once a week, that is a pattern worth diagnosing rather than repeatedly restarting and hoping. Repeated freezing is often a sign of a part wearing out, and catching it early can save your files from being lost.
- Try one force restart, then watch whether the freezing comes back
- Note what you were doing each time it froze, if a pattern shows up
- Do not keep forcing restarts over and over without a look underneath
- Back up anything important if the freezing is frequent
How we diagnose it in your home
We check the computer's temperature and internal dust, run a health check on the hard drive, and review what programs are running at startup. Most of the time we can tell you the cause the same visit and either fix it on the spot or explain what part is needed. Call (615) 852-5565 Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM to get a visit scheduled.
Need patient, local help?
These Deskside services are the closest match for this guide.