Windows 11 Keeps Freezing, Not Responding or Restarting with BSOD? Here’s How to Fix It

Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 11 version 24H2, brings a modern look, new AI features and enhancements. However, it may still encounter issues such as system freezes, unresponsiveness, or the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Many users report PC keeps freezing after the recent Windows 11 update, for others, Windows 11 not respond at startup. In most cases, these issues occur due to driver conflicts, buggy updates, system file corruption, Malware, or third-party software conflicts. Whatever the reason, here are a few proven solutions to stabilize your system and prevent future issues.

Why Does Windows 11 Freeze or Crash?

Windows 11 may freeze or crash due to several reasons, including outdated drivers, insufficient resources, hardware issues, or software conflicts. High resource usage, overheating, and malware infections can also contribute to these issues.

• Outdated or buggy drivers, especially for graphics, audio, or storage, can trigger freezes or BSODs.
• Missing or damaged Windows system files can lead to unresponsiveness or crashes.
• Faulty RAM, failing hard drives, or overheating components can cause system instability.
• Buggy Windows updates or third-party software updates may introduce conflicts.
• Viruses or conflicting applications can cause freezes or crashes.
• High CPU or GPU temperatures due to poor ventilation or dust buildup can lead to system freezes.

Restart Your PC

First of all, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches causing freezes or unresponsiveness. Restarting the PC clears temporary system files and resets services that may be stuck or malfunctioning. It refreshes system memory (RAM), closes background processes that are consuming resources, and can resolve minor driver or software hiccups caused during long sessions or after a system update.

• Save your work and restart your PC from the Start menu > Power > Restart.
• If Windows not responding, Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Restart.
• If your PC is completely frozen, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force Shutdown, then turn it back on.

Disconnect External Devices

External devices like USB drives, webcams, and printers may have outdated drivers or faulty firmware that conflict with new Windows 11 updates. Disconnecting them helps isolate the issue. If your PC runs smoothly after disconnecting peripherals, one of the devices is likely causing the freeze or crash.

• Unplug all external devices (USB drives, external hard disks, printers, webcams, etc.).
• Restart the PC and test stability.
• Reconnect devices one by one to identify the problematic one, if any.

Check for Windows Updates and Driver Updates

Outdated system files or hardware drivers are common causes of freezing and BSODs. Microsoft regularly releases updates to patch bugs, improve performance, and enhance compatibility with hardware. Similarly, driver updates from Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, and other manufacturers ensure smooth interaction between Windows and your components. Updating helps eliminate known bugs and incompatibilities that could be making your system unstable.

To Update Windows 11:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Windows Update > Check for updates.
• Download and install any available updates, including optional driver updates.

To Update Drivers

• Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand categories (e.g., Display adapters, Sound) and right-click each device.
• Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.

Alternatively, Use manufacturer tools like NVIDIA GeForce Experience, AMD Adrenalin, or Intel Driver & Support Assistant, or use a driver updater tool to automate updates.

Run System File Checker and DISM Repair

Again, Corrupted system files can cause Windows 11 freezes or BSODs. The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) commands scan your operating system for damaged or missing files and automatically repair them. This is especially useful after a failed update, power loss, or malware infection.

Running SFC and DISM scan helps restore the integrity of Windows 11’s core files without needing a full reinstall.

• Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
• First, run the sfc /scannow command to scan and repair corrupted system files
• Next, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command to to scan the Windows image for corruption and attempt to repair it by downloading necessary files from Windows Update.

These commands repair Windows images and replace corrupted system files with cached copies. Wait for the scans to complete, then restart your PC and check if this helps.

Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Conflicts

Too many background apps or services can cause crashes. A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps you determine whether a background app or third-party service is causing the problem.

• Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
• Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
• In Task Manager > Startup, disable unnecessary startup apps.
• Finally, restart your PC to clean boot Windows.

If the system is stable after a clean boot, you can gradually re-enable services to find the culprit.

Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a hybrid shutdown feature that keeps system files in a hibernated state. While it speeds up boot times, it can also carry over glitches, driver conflicts, or corrupted sessions. Disabling it forces Windows to load everything from scratch at startup, which can solve freeze or boot-loop problems.

• Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power button does.
• Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
• Uncheck Turn on fast startup and save changes.

Check for Hardware Issues

Failing RAM, overheating CPUs, or a dying HDD can lead to system instability. Tools like Windows Memory Diagnostic and CrystalDiskInfo let you check the health of your components. Identifying and replacing faulty hardware ensures long-term stability and prevents recurring crashes that software fixes can’t solve.

Check RAM for errors:

• Press Windows + S, type Windows Memory Diagnostic, and press Enter.
• Select Restart now and check for problems.

• After the test, check results in Event Viewer (Windows Logs > System) for memory errors.
• If errors are found, replace the faulty RAM module.

Check the Hard Drive for errors:

• Open File Explorer, right-click C: drive > Properties > Tools tab.
• Under Error checking, click Check > Scan drive.
• Alternatively, run chkdsk C: /f /r in Command Prompt to fix file system errors and bad sectors.

• Alternatively, you can check SSD/HDD health with CrystalDiskInfo, Samsung Magician, or your manufacturer’s tool.

Monitor Temperatures:

• Use tools like Core Temp or HWMonitor to check CPU/GPU temperatures.
• If temperatures exceed safe limits (e.g., >85°C for CPUs), clean dust from fans, reapply thermal paste, or improve ventilation

Free Up System Resources

Running out of RAM, CPU, or disk space causes performance issues and crashes. Cleaning up storage, reducing startup items, and increasing virtual memory can relieve stress on your system, result faster response times and fewer freezes or crashes.

• Go to Settings > System > Storage and clear temporary files.
• Disable unnecessary startup apps via Task Manager > Startup apps tab.
• Upgrade your RAM or switch to an SSD if you’re using an older HDD.

Well, if the problem began after a recent update, that update might be buggy or incompatible with your system. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates. Uninstall the most recent update and restart your system.

Recently installed applications, especially third-party antivirus programs, can conflict with Windows 11, causing freezes or BSODs. Press Windows + X, select installed apps. Locate the suspected software, click the three dots, and select Uninstall. Restart your PC and check if the issue persists.

Run a full system scan with Windows Defender or a reputable antivirus to rule out malware

Reset or Reinstall Windows 11

If all else fails, resetting or reinstalling Windows 11 can resolve persistent issues. It removes third-party programs, corrupt system files, and registry errors. This is often the most effective fix when the root cause is unknown or when the system is severely damaged.

This process may delete files on the C: drive, so back up important data first.

• Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
• Choose Keep my files to reinstall Windows without removing personal data.
• Follow the prompts to complete the reset.