Windows 10 Not Responding? Here’s the Fix

If your Windows 10 PC is frozen or constantly showing “Not Responding,” the fix usually starts with a forced restart (hold the power button for 10 seconds), then checking for driver or system file corruption. Below are the exact steps to resolve the most common causes, from a single hung app to a system-wide crash.

Why Windows 10 Freezes or Shows “Not Responding”

Windows 10 marks an app as “Not Responding” when the program stops sending messages to the operating system for a few seconds. This usually means the app is stuck waiting on something—a disk read, a network call, or a corrupted file—or it’s simply overloaded. A full system freeze (mouse and keyboard unresponsive) is more serious and often points to hardware drivers, overheating, or a failing drive.

Common triggers include:

Outdated or buggy graphics, chipset, or network drivers
Corrupted system files (often after a bad update or crash)
Low disk space (less than 10% free on the system drive)
Too many startup programs competing for memory
Faulty RAM or a failing hard drive/SSD
Malware or aggressive antivirus scans

First Steps: Recover the Frozen App or PC

Try to close just the hung app: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. Find the app under “Apps,” select it, and click “End task.” If the whole screen is frozen, skip to step 3.
Try the keyboard shortcut: Press Ctrl+Alt+Del and choose “Task Manager” or “Sign out.” Signing out often closes hung apps without a full reboot.
Force a restart: If the mouse and keyboard are unresponsive, press and hold the physical power button for 10 seconds until the PC shuts off. Wait a few seconds, then power back on. This is safe for the hardware, but you may lose unsaved work.

Fix 1: Run the Built-in Troubleshooters

Windows 10 includes automated tools that can fix common causes of freezes:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
Run “Windows Update” – fixes corrupted update files.
Run “Hardware and Devices” – checks for driver and device issues.
Run “Power” – resets power plan settings that can cause freezes.

These tools are safe and require no technical knowledge. If they find a problem, follow the on-screen instructions.

Fix 2: Check for Driver and Windows Updates

Outdated drivers, especially for graphics cards, are a leading cause of freezes. Here’s how to update them correctly:

Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” Install all pending updates, then restart.
Open Device Manager (right-click the Start button). Expand “Display adapters,” right-click your GPU, and choose “Update driver.” Select “Search automatically for drivers.”
If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, go to the GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest driver for your model. Do not use generic “driver updater” software; they often install the wrong version.

Fix 3: Repair Corrupted System Files

If freezes persist, system files may be damaged. Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools:

Right-click the Start button and choose “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This scans and repairs protected system files. It can take 15-30 minutes.
If SFC finds errors it can’t fix, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. This fixes the Windows image itself. Then run SFC again.

These commands are safe and won’t delete your files.

Fix 4: Free Up Disk Space and Disable Startup Programs

Low disk space on the C: drive can cause severe slowdowns and freezes. Aim for at least 10-15% free space (or 20 GB, whichever is larger).

Use Storage Sense: Go to Settings > System > Storage and turn on “Storage Sense” to automatically delete temp files and empty the recycle bin.
Manually clean up: Open Disk Cleanup (search for it), select your C: drive, and check “Temporary files,” “Windows Update Cleanup,” and “Thumbnails.”
Disable startup programs: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), go to the “Startup” tab, right-click any program you don’t need at boot, and choose “Disable.”

Fix 5: Check for Hardware Problems

If the above steps don’t work, the issue may be hardware. Run these checks:

Memory test: Search for “Windows Memory Diagnostic,” run it, and restart. It will test your RAM for errors.
Check disk health: Open an admin Command Prompt and run chkdsk /f /r. You’ll need to restart. This checks for bad sectors and file system errors.
Check temperatures: Use a free tool like HWMonitor to see if your CPU or GPU is overheating (above 90°C under load is a concern). Clean dust from fans and ensure proper airflow.

When All Else Fails: Reset Windows 10

If freezes continue after all these steps, a clean reset is the most reliable solution. You can keep your personal files:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
Under “Reset this PC,” click “Get started.”
Choose “Keep my files” – this removes installed apps and settings but keeps documents, photos, and other personal data.
Follow the prompts. The process takes 30-60 minutes and will reinstall Windows.

Before resetting, back up important files to an external drive or cloud service, just in case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my computer freeze for a few seconds then come back?

This is often caused by a program using 100% of your disk or CPU. Open Task Manager and look for the process with high usage. It could be Windows Update, an antivirus scan, or a background app. Disable or uninstall the culprit.

Will a factory reset fix “Not Responding” issues?

Yes, a reset will fix software-related freezes in most cases. It removes any corrupted system files, bad drivers, and conflicting apps. If the problem is hardware (e.g., failing RAM), a reset won’t help.

Can a failing hard drive cause “Not Responding”?

Absolutely. A failing drive can cause apps to hang while waiting for data. Run chkdsk and check the drive’s SMART status using a tool like CrystalDiskInfo. If it shows errors, back up your data immediately.

Is it safe to force a restart by holding the power button?

Yes, it’s safe for the hardware, but you may lose unsaved work. It should be a last resort, not a daily habit. If you rely on it often, the underlying cause needs fixing.

Why does my PC freeze only when playing games?

This usually points to a graphics card driver issue, overheating, or insufficient power supply. Update your GPU driver, monitor temperatures, and check that your power supply meets the GPU’s requirements.

How do I know if a freeze is caused by malware?

Run a full scan with Windows Defender (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection). If it finds nothing, try a second opinion with a reputable free scanner like Malwarebytes. Persistent freezes with high CPU usage can be a sign of malware.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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