What to Do When Windows 11 Freezes: 5 Fixes That Work

Windows 11 is your computer’s backbone, a powerful operating system that smoothly manages hardware and applications while providing an intuitive, user-friendly interface. Its design prioritizes current performance, offering smooth multitasking, clear visuals, and reliable functionality for both personal and business use. When everything runs properly, the experience is simple and enjoyable.

But, let’s face it, when things go wrong, particularly with the dreaded “Not Responding” message, your entire operation might come to a grinding halt. Whether you’re working on a project, streaming material, or simply surfing, these interruptions are more than just annoying; they can have a significant impact on productivity.

We recognize the importance of a stable system, which is why we’ve created this detailed guide to resolving the common “Not Responding” issue with Windows 11. With expert insights, this guide leads you through clear, effective solutions that are simple to implement, even if you’re not tech-friendly.

So, before you let the problem derail your progress, read on to learn the most effective ways to get your Windows 11 system back on track, smooth, stable, and efficient as it was designed.

Table of Contents

Common Reasons for the Windows 11 Not Responding Issue

Every problem starts with a glitch that the system gradually becomes unable to manage. The basic and accurate technique to solve any problem is to first determine the specific root cause of the problem. This process will save you time and effort since you will be able to focus on the specific root cause and address the problem without having to apply each troubleshooter individually.

If a system file is obsolete or corrupted, it causes performance concerns.
Running too many apps or background processes at once can strain your system’s memory and CPU, causing Windows to lag or stop responding.
Conflicting apps or background services can interfere with one another, causing programs to stop responding, especially if they compete for the same resources.
Malicious software can waste resources, change system files, and cause your system to stall or freeze, rendering it unresponsive.
Sometimes the problem isn’t with Windows itself, but with a specific application. If a program becomes corrupted or badly coded, it might cause the entire system to freeze.
Missing or partial updates might cause system instability and performance issues.
A malfunctioning or congested hard disk, particularly if it is near capacity, might impede file access and cause system unresponsiveness.

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List of Solutions for Fixing Windows 11 Not Responding Issue

If you already know what’s causing the problem from the points above, feel free to jump ahead and address it right now. If you’re unsure, don’t worry; simply test each solution one at a time. With a little patience, you’ll find the solution that works for your system and have everything working smoothly again in no time!

Solution 1: Run System File Checker (SFC)

System File Checker (SFC) is a Windows software that detects and repairs corrupted or missing system files. It is very important when Windows 11 becomes unresponsive or unstable due to corrupted core files. SFC helps to repair performance issues and ensures that your system runs smoothly without crashes or unexpected freezes.

Start the procedure by selecting the Start Menu.
In the search tab, type cmd and then hit the End tab.
Now, right-click the Command Prompt and select the Run as Administrator option.
Under the command window, enter sfc /scannow and then press the Enter key.
Simply wait for the scan to complete, which typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Once you’ve finished the process, click the Done tab. If corrupted files are identified, SFC will attempt to resolve them automatically.
At the very least, restart your device and check the progress of the issue.

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Solution 2: Check the Software and Driver Updates

Running an outdated driver can potentially be one of the causes of Windows 11 not responding. Windows Updates automatically downloads and installs driver updates for a variety of devices, including network adapters, displays, printers, and graphics cards. If you’re having problems with Windows freezing, make sure you have the most recent updates installed.

Start the process by selecting the Start tab and moving your cursor to the Settings section.
Click on the Updates & Security tab.
Launch Windows Update and select the Advanced options.
Then, select Optional updates in the Advanced section.
To expand, select the Driver Updates option.
Cross-check the box next to any updates that appear, then select Download and Install.
Finally, wait until the process is complete, then restart your system.

Solution 3: Remove All Temporary Files

When you uninstall a program from Windows 11, certain leftover files may remain on your system. These can consume precious space and potentially degrade performance, especially if you do not intend to reinstall the app. It is a good idea to entirely eliminate them. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you clean up properly.

First, access the Start menu and choose the Settings option.
Then, under the System section, select the Storage tab.
You now have to wait for the software to calculate the overall size of all the temporary files.
Click on that section once the calculation is complete.
Only files that can be securely deleted will be displayed. Check the box next to any files you wish to delete.
Finish the process by clicking the Remove Files tab.

Solution 4: Try to Update Windows 11

Running an outdated version of Windows 11 for an extended period of time without installing updates might cause performance difficulties such as freezing or Windows not responding. These updates frequently contain bug fixes, security patches, and performance enhancements. To overcome such issues, it is strongly advised to check for and install the most recent Windows updates; this may immediately resolve the problem.

Navigate to the Start tab and select the Settings option.
Search for and click on the Update & Security tab.
Select the Windows Update and then confirm any pending updates.
Select the Update Now option if you find any, then wait until the process is complete.
Agree to the terms and conditions and click the Install tab.
Be patient until the process is finished, and then resume your computer to determine whether the issue continues.

Solution 5: Verify Virus and Malware Infection

Virus or malware infections are another major cause of the “Windows 11 Not Responding” error. Harmful malware might slow down your computer, corrupt information, or cause apps to freeze. It is critical to check your computer on a regular basis for potential hazards. Follow the procedures below to detect and remove any viruses or malware that may be hurting your system’s performance.

Click the Start button and go to the Settings tab.
In the Settings section, click on the Privacy & Security.
Navigate to the Windows Security tab and pick the Virus and Threat Protection option.
Select the Quick Scan tab.
Note: If Windows discovers a problem during a quick scan, it may request a full scan. The subsequent four scan options are supported by Windows security:
- Quickly scan
- Full scan.
- Custom scan
- Microsoft Defender Offline Scan
If any of them are appropriate for you, click on it and wait for the process to complete.

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End Note!

To conclude, the “Windows 11 Not Responding” issue might be frustrating, but it is generally caused by preventable issues such as obsolete software, residual files, or system overload. To avoid future disruptions, make it a practice to update Windows on a regular basis, entirely delete unneeded programs, and conduct frequent virus scans.

Keep your computer clutter-free and steer clear of downloading applications from dubious sites. Also, rebooting your computer every now and then helps to clear temporary difficulties. Consider your system to be similar to any other device: it needs periodic maintenance to stay in good working order.