Are you tired of dealing with a Windows 10 system that keeps restarting and freezing on you? You’re not alone. Many users have reported this frustrating issue, and the good news is that it can be fixed. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to diagnose and repair a Windows 10 system that’s stuck in a reboot loop or freezing constantly.
Understanding The Causes Of Windows 10 Restarting And Freezing
Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, it’s essential to understand the common causes of Windows 10 restarting and freezing. This will help you pinpoint the root of the problem and take the necessary steps to fix it.
Hardware Issues
One of the most common causes of Windows 10 restarting and freezing is hardware-related problems. This can include:
- Overheating: If your system is overheating, it can cause the system to shut down or freeze. Check your system’s temperature using software like SpeedFan or HWiNFO.
- Faulty RAM: Bad RAM can cause system crashes and freezes. Run a memory test using the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
- Hard Drive Issues: A failing hard drive can cause system crashes and freezes. Run a disk check using the built-in Check Disk (chkdsk) utility.
Driver Issues
Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible drivers can cause system instability, leading to restarting and freezing issues.
- Graphics Driver: A faulty graphics driver can cause system crashes and freezes. Update your graphics driver to the latest version.
- Sound Driver: A corrupted sound driver can cause system crashes and freezes. Update your sound driver to the latest version.
Software Issues
Software-related problems can also cause Windows 10 to restart and freeze.
- Malware Infections: Malware can cause system crashes and freezes. Run a full system scan using an anti-virus software like Avast or Norton.
- System File Corruption: Corruption of system files can cause system instability. Run a System File Checker (SFC) scan to fix corrupted system files.
Troubleshooting Steps To Fix Windows 10 Restarting And Freezing
Now that we’ve covered the common causes of Windows 10 restarting and freezing, let’s move on to the troubleshooting steps.
Step 1: Boot In Safe Mode
Boot your system in Safe Mode to isolate the problem. To do this:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, click on Restart now.
- Your system will restart and boot into Safe Mode.
If your system boots into Safe Mode without any issues, it suggests that the problem is related to a driver or software issue.
Step 2: Run A System File Checker (SFC) Scan
Run an SFC scan to fix corrupted system files.
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Step 3: Run A DISM Scan
Run a DISM scan to fix corrupted system files and registry entries.
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter: dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Step 4: Check For Driver Updates
Check for driver updates using the Device Manager.
- Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand each category and look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
- Right-click on the device and select Update driver.
Step 5: Run A Memory Test
Run a memory test using the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter: mdsched.exe
Step 6: Check For Malware Infections
Run a full system scan using an anti-virus software.
- Open your anti-virus software.
- Click on the Scan button to run a full system scan.
Step 7: Perform A System Restore
Perform a System Restore to revert to a previous point when your system was working correctly.
- Open the System Properties window.
- Click on System Protection.
- Click on System Restore.
- Follow the prompts to select a restore point.
Step 8: Reinstall Windows 10
If all else fails, you may need to perform a clean installation of Windows 10.
- Create a bootable USB drive using the Media Creation Tool.
- Boot from the USB drive and follow the installation prompts.
Additional Troubleshooting Steps
If the above steps don’t fix the issue, you can try the following additional troubleshooting steps:
Step 9: Check For BIOS Updates
Check for BIOS updates for your system’s motherboard.
- Visit your system manufacturer’s website.
- Look for BIOS updates for your specific motherboard model.
- Follow the instructions to update your BIOS.
Step 10: Check For Firmware Updates
Check for firmware updates for your system’s hard drive.
- Visit your hard drive manufacturer’s website.
- Look for firmware updates for your specific hard drive model.
- Follow the instructions to update your hard drive firmware.
Step 11: Check For Windows 10 Updates
Check for Windows 10 updates.
- Open the Settings app.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Check for updates.
Conclusion
Windows 10 restarting and freezing can be a frustrating issue, but it’s not impossible to fix. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to identify and fix the root cause of the problem. Remember to be patient and methodical in your approach, and don’t hesitate to seek additional help if you need it. Good luck!
What Are Some Common Causes Of Windows 10 Restarting And Freezing?
Windows 10 restarting and freezing can be caused by a variety of factors, including hardware issues, software conflicts, driver updates, and malware infections. In some cases, the problem may be related to a specific app or program that is causing the system to crash. It’s also possible that the issue is related to a Windows 10 update or a corrupted system file.
To troubleshoot the problem, it’s essential to identify the root cause of the issue. This may involve running diagnostic tests, checking the Event Viewer logs, and monitoring system performance to pinpoint the cause of the problem. In some cases, the solution may be as simple as updating a driver or uninstalling a problematic app. However, if the issue is more complex, it may require more advanced troubleshooting techniques, such as running a System File Checker (SFC) scan or performing a System Restore.
How Do I Know If My Windows 10 Restarting And Freezing Issue Is Hardware-related?
If your Windows 10 system is restarting or freezing frequently, it’s essential to determine whether the issue is hardware-related or software-related. One way to do this is to monitor the system’s temperature and performance. If the system is overheating, it may be a sign of a hardware issue, such as a faulty CPU or GPU. You can use tools like the Task Manager or third-party software to monitor system temperatures and performance.
Another way to determine if the issue is hardware-related is to run a diagnostic test on the system’s hardware components. This may involve running a memory test, disk check, or stress test on the system’s hardware. If the test reveals any issues with the hardware, it may be necessary to replace the faulty component to resolve the problem. Additionally, if the system is restarting or freezing during specific tasks, such as gaming or video editing, it may be a sign of a hardware bottleneck, which can be resolved by upgrading the system’s hardware.
How Do I Fix A Windows 10 Restarting And Freezing Issue Caused By A Driver Update?
If a recent driver update is causing your Windows 10 system to restart or freeze, the solution is to roll back the driver to a previous version. You can do this by opening the Device Manager, finding the device that was updated, and right-clicking on it to select “Properties.” From there, you can click on the “Driver” tab and select “Roll Back Driver” to restore the previous version of the driver.
Alternatively, you can use the “System Restore” feature to restore the system to a previous point in time when the driver was not causing any issues. To do this, you’ll need to open the “System Properties” window, click on the “System Protection” tab, and select “System Restore.” From there, you can choose a restore point and follow the prompts to restore the system. This should resolve the issue and prevent the system from restarting or freezing.
What Is The System File Checker (SFC) Scan, And How Do I Use It To Fix Windows 10 Restarting And Freezing?
The System File Checker (SFC) scan is a built-in Windows tool that scans the system for corrupted or missing system files and replaces them with healthy copies. If your Windows 10 system is restarting or freezing due to a corrupted system file, running an SFC scan can help resolve the issue. To run an SFC scan, you’ll need to open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type the command “sfc /scannow” to initiate the scan.
The SFC scan will scan the system for corrupted files and replace them with healthy copies. If the scan finds any issues, it will report the results and provide instructions on how to fix the problem. In some cases, the SFC scan may not be able to fix the issue, and you may need to use other troubleshooting tools, such as the DISM scan, to resolve the problem.
How Do I Perform A System Restore To Fix Windows 10 Restarting And Freezing?
Performing a System Restore can be an effective way to fix a Windows 10 restarting and freezing issue caused by a software or driver update. To perform a System Restore, you’ll need to open the “System Properties” window, click on the “System Protection” tab, and select “System Restore.” From there, you can choose a restore point and follow the prompts to restore the system.
When choosing a restore point, it’s essential to select a point in time when the system was working correctly. You can also create a new restore point before making any system changes to ensure that you can restore the system to a previous point in time if needed. After completing the System Restore, the system will restart, and any changes made since the restore point will be lost.
What Is The DISM Scan, And How Do I Use It To Fix Windows 10 Restarting And Freezing?
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scan is a built-in Windows tool that scans the system for corrupted system files and components and repairs or replaces them as needed. If your Windows 10 system is restarting or freezing due to a corrupted system file or component, running a DISM scan can help resolve the issue. To run a DISM scan, you’ll need to open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type the command “dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth” to initiate the scan.
The DISM scan will scan the system for corrupted files and components and repair or replace them as needed. If the scan finds any issues, it will report the results and provide instructions on how to fix the problem. In some cases, the DISM scan may need to be run multiple times to fully resolve the issue.
Is It Possible To Prevent Windows 10 Restarting And Freezing Issues In The Future?
Yes, it is possible to prevent Windows 10 restarting and freezing issues in the future by taking proactive steps to maintain system health and performance. This includes regular system maintenance tasks, such as updating drivers, running disk cleanups, and monitoring system performance. It’s also essential to keep the system and its components up to date with the latest security patches and updates.
Additionally, you can take steps to prevent software conflicts by uninstalling unnecessary apps and programs, and avoiding installing untrusted software. By following these best practices, you can reduce the risk of Windows 10 restarting and freezing issues and ensure that your system runs smoothly and efficiently.