My Computer Keeps Freezing: A Hardware Troubleshooting Checklist

A computer that constantly freezes or becomes unresponsive can be incredibly disruptive and stressful. You’re right in the middle of an important task—be it a work project, online class, or a gaming session—and suddenly, everything stops. You’re left with a frozen screen, and the only solution seems to be a hard reboot, which could lead to lost data.

While software issues like a demanding program or a buggy driver can cause freezes, a significant number of these problems are rooted in hardware. At AS Computer Solutions here in Onoway, we know how to differentiate between the two. Before you assume the worst or start reinstalling Windows, try this hardware-focused troubleshooting checklist.

✅ Step 1: Check for Overheating

Overheating is one of the most common causes of system instability and freezes. When components like your CPU or GPU get too hot, they automatically “throttle” their performance to prevent damage, which can lead to freezing.

🔄 Check Your System’s Temperature

How to do it: Use a free tool like HWMonitor or Core Temp to monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures.
Diagnosis: Run the program and check the temperatures when the computer is idle and when you’re running a demanding application that usually causes a freeze. A CPU temperature over 80°C (176°F) or a GPU temperature over 90°C (194°F) under load is a red flag.
Try this:
- Clean the dust: Dust buildup in your computer’s fans and vents is a major cause of overheating. Use a can of compressed air to carefully blow out the dust from all fans and vents.
- Improve airflow: Ensure your PC tower is in an open area with good airflow. For laptops, use a cooling pad.

🛠️ Step 2: Test Your RAM (Random Access Memory)

Faulty or failing RAM can lead to a wide variety of symptoms, including random freezing, system crashes, and the dreaded Blue Screen of Death.

📌 Scenario 1: Random, Unpredictable Freezes

Diagnosis: This is a classic symptom of bad RAM.
Try this (Windows):
1. Search for “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the Start menu and run the program.
2. Choose “Restart now and check for problems (recommended).”
3. Your computer will reboot and run a test. If it finds any errors, your RAM may be faulty and need to be replaced.
Try this (physical test for desktops):
1. Power down your computer and unplug it.
2. Open the case and remove all but one stick of RAM.
3. Boot your computer and use it normally. If it doesn’t freeze, that stick of RAM is likely good.
4. Repeat the process with each stick of RAM individually to find the faulty one.

⚠️ Step 3: Check Your Storage Drive (HDD or SSD)

A failing storage drive can cause your entire system to lock up as the computer struggles to read or write data.

Diagnosis: Sluggish performance, long loading times, and freezing are all symptoms of a dying hard drive or a faulty SSD.
Try this:
- Run a diagnostic tool: For HDDs, a tool like CrystalDiskInfo can show you the “health” of your drive. For SSDs, most manufacturers have their own diagnostic software.
- Check for errors (Windows):
  1. Open File Explorer and right-click on your main drive (usually C:).
  2. Go to Properties > Tools > Error checking.
  3. Click “Check” and let Windows scan the drive for errors.

🔄 Step 4: Examine Your Power Supply Unit (PSU)

The PSU provides power to all your components. If it’s failing or can’t provide enough wattage, your system can become unstable and freeze under load.

Diagnosis: Freezing that occurs during demanding tasks (like gaming or video editing), especially when paired with a new GPU, can be a sign of an inadequate or failing PSU.
Try this:
- Check PSU cables: Ensure all power cables are securely plugged into your components and the motherboard.
- Note the symptoms: Pay attention to when the freezes occur. If they happen specifically when a component (like the GPU) ramps up, it could be a power delivery issue.

🧰 Still No Luck? Bring It to the Pros

If you’ve gone through this checklist and your computer is still freezing, the problem may be more complex. It could be a faulty motherboard, a CPU issue, or a software conflict that requires professional tools to diagnose.

At AS Computer Solutions, we can:

Use advanced diagnostic software to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem.
Professionally test and replace faulty hardware.
Address underlying issues like driver conflicts or system corruption.

🏡 Local. Reliable. Ready to Help.

Don’t let a freezing computer put a stop to your productivity. Try these steps first, and if you’re still stuck, give us a shout. We’ll get your system running smoothly and reliably again.

Call or visit us today: 📞 (780) 967 0215 🌐 www.site.ascsonoway.com📍 Onoway, Alberta 📧 [email protected]