How to Fix Programs Not Responding or Freezing in Windows

It can be frustrating when a program becomes unresponsive or freezes, making it impossible to use. This issue is commonly caused by a lack of system resources, outdated software, or conflicting applications.

Steps to Resolve:

1. Force Close the Program:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find the unresponsive program under the Processes tab, and select End Task. This will close the program and allow you to reopen it.

2. Update the Software:

Make sure the program is up to date. Developers frequently release updates that fix bugs and improve performance. Check for updates within the app or visit the developer’s website to download the latest version.

3. Check for Software Conflicts:

Disable or uninstall any conflicting software (e.g., antivirus programs, third-party utilities). These can sometimes interfere with the proper functioning of other applications.

4. Run the Program as Administrator:

Right-click on the program’s shortcut and select Run as Administrator. This gives the program necessary permissions and may fix the freezing issue.

5. Check for System Resource Overload:

Open Task Manager and check the Performance tab to see if CPU, memory, or disk usage is too high. Close unnecessary applications to free up resources.

6. Perform a System File Check:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the command sfc /scannow to detect and fix any system file corruption that may be causing software issues.

7. Reinstall the Program:

If all else fails, uninstall and then reinstall the program. This can fix any corrupted files or settings that may be causing the program to freeze.

Conclusion:

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can resolve common issues with unresponsive or freezing programs in Windows, improving your overall system performance. Regular updates and good system maintenance can prevent such problems in the future.