3 Ways To Stop A Windows Computer From Freezing

Everyday processes scatter your computer’s file data physically on the hard disk which then causes the computer to take longer in retrieving them. Defragmenting corrects this issue and may take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours depending on the size of the disk. Read Defragment-a-Disk-on-a-Windows-Computer or Use-a-Disk-Defragmenter for more detailed information.

Be sure to back up your data first! Formatting means everything on your hard disk will be deleted. On Windows 8 and up, you can use Refresh action and Windows will reinstall itself, without any DVDs and deleting your data. Check out Reinstall-Windows-7 or Reinstall-Windows-XP for more details on the reinstallation process.

Check on and install Windows OS updates by accessing Windows Update>Check for Updates>Install Updates[1] X Research source Many software programs will notify you of updates as they become available, but you can also search for the latest versions online or look into software update tools which periodically check for updates and deliver a report.

Alternately, Microsoft offers a software download called “Autoruns” that provides similar access and a few more options for software that automatically opens when Windows begins. [3] X Research source

Access the visual effects settings through Control Panel>Performance Information and Tools>Adjust Visual Effects.

For more detailed information read how to Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer.

Access Disk Cleanup through Settings>Control Panel>Administrative Tools. Remember to empty your recycle bin regularly! Files continue to be stored there unless emptied and can sometimes create slow down.

Although many 3rd party software registry cleaners exist, taking the time to clean your registry by hand is generally a better idea that will yield better performance results.

For more details, check out Clean-the-Inside-of-a-Computer. Pay special attention to dusting out the heat sink and other fans.