A laptop freeze can be frustrating and at the same time indicate that something is wrong with your laptop. It can be caused by various factors and it is important to know the actual reason why laptop won’t turn on. Knowing the reason helps to find a good and lasting solution. Generally, the first line of action is to wait for your laptop to unfreeze before embarking on the task to prevent any future issues. Below are some causes of laptop freeze and their likely solutions. And if that won’t help you can sell laptop for parts and buy a new one.
Causes and solutions to laptop freeze
Running too many programs at the same time and insufficient RAM:
This takes a toll on the software and the hardware component of your laptop thereby making available little or no memory to run these programs. Also, if the programs being run are too much for the memory of the laptop, then a freeze is inevitable. A simple solution to this is to close as many programs as possible using the task manager. Right-click Task manager and then find processes and end as many programs as possible by clicking end task. Solutions to the RAM issue are;
- Reduce RAM’s workload.
- Upgrade laptop memory to accommodate more work or get a new laptop with more RAM if needed.
Overheating:
This can cause a laptop to freeze and can go as far as damaging the integrated circuit of your laptop. This can occur as a result of excess heat coming from the laptop or an external environment with high temperature. The possible solution to this is to ensure that the laptop’s fan is clean and working properly and the laptop itself is well ventilated. In other words, the laptop’s temperature should be properly controlled.
Computer viruses:
They could be the cause for a laptop’s freeze and can go on to prove deadly by further harming the health of your laptop. You should scan your laptop regularly for viruses while using a reliable antivirus.
Little or no space on your hard drive:
If your laptop’s storage is running out of space, it is important to declutter your storage (hard drive) by moving or deleting files from your hard drive or backing up some files and free up more space from your laptop.
Outdated or corrupted drivers:
Drivers serve as the connection between the operating system and hard drives as they ensure communication between the OS and the hardware. Corrupted, damaged or outdated drivers cause computers to freeze. Therefore, your next line of action is to update all device drivers to their latest update.
Defective external devices:
Attaching a faulty external device such as an external mouse or keyboard or a USB cord can cause a laptop freeze. The solution to this problem speaks for itself, do not connect faulty or damaged to your laptop. Also, the problem might arise as a result of the absence of a driver which can be updated.
Faulty software/ software error:
Some software especially third-party software could be the source of your laptop freeze. This can be a result of many factors most of which are memory-related. If this is the reason for your laptop freezing, the solution is either to delete the installed software or update it.
Another important solution to solving a laptop freeze is to go through a System restore although it is also important to note that some data are most likely going to get lost while going through this process. Visit a technician if the freeze persists.
A properly maintained laptop should last long regardless the make and model.
