Windows has upgraded itself to its version 10, a favorite with many users. The flexibility and ease of use in Windows 10 with Cortana feature have led to many updating their versions. However, as every good feature in technology come with some demerits, Windows 10 is no different. The problem in the case of Windows 10 is “freezing“. Recently the Anniversary Update of Windows 10 which has added few additional features is causing this freeze. The exact problem and its fixes are discussed below in details.
Cause Of Windows 10 Freezing
The new features that have come along with the Anniversary Update seem to have few glitches. This is causing many users to remote a temporary freeze or in worst cases a permanent freeze while working with Windows 10 operating system. This system freeze has been acknowledged by Microsoft and they have stated that there are many factors responsible for the freezing and they have been able to find out one of the causes. If the Operating System is installed on the main drive or Solid State Drive (SSD) and the apps and data associated with the operating system are stored on a different drive, the freezing problem is occurring. However, there are other reasons that have not been pointed out yet. Thus few general fixes that can reverse the windows 10 freezing below in this article.
Booting The OS In Safe Mode
The freezing is occurring due to few complicated glitches, thus the best option is to boot your OS in Safe Mode to fix the freeze. To boot in Safe Mode here are the steps you need to follow:
- Restart your system using the power button.
- When the sign in screen comes, press on Shift and click the Power button to click on Restart to access your boot screen.
- The Choose an Option screen will open. Select Troubleshoot and go to the Advanced Options. Then under Startup Settings click on Restart.
- Many Restart options will be listed down. Press F4 to restart in Safe Mode.
Reversing The Update And Accessing The Previous Version
The Anniversary Update is basically responsible for the freezing system problem you are facing. Since this update is a recent one, it is easier for users to roll back and work in the previous build of the operating system. To enable the rollback press Windows Key + I to access Settings. In Settings go to Update and Security and select the Recovery option under it. You will find the Go Back To An Earlier Build Option where you can click on Get Started for the set of instructions to rollback. If this fails to download the older version directly and reboot your OS with that version.
Changing The Drive Location Of Apps And Data
As pointed out by Microsoft one of the major causes of the freezing is the different drive locations of the operating system and the apps and data. Thus you can try changing the location of apps and data to stop the freezing. To enable this go to Settings and click on System. Select the Storage option you will find the Save Locations for your apps and data. Then use the drop-down menu for New Apps Will Save To and select the OS drive to store your apps and data. Click on Apply and Restart your system.
New User Account Creation: Local Account
There are usually two types of user accounts associated with your OS. One is the Administrator and the others are Local Accounts. Many times creating a new Local User Account can fix the freezing problem. To create an account open Settings. Then go to the option Accounts and select Family and Other People beneath it. Under Other People click on Add Someone Else To This PC. A new window will open where you have to choose I Don’t Have This Person’s Sign In Information. Then click on Add User Without Microsoft Account and start filling the required fields. Click on Next to enable a new account creation. Log out of your previous account and access the new one.
Uninstall An Outdated Antivirus
Microsoft has stated that another possible cause of the freeze might be a minor issue of an outdated Antivirus software installed in your OS. Thus you must first check your installed Antivirus in order to know its expiry date and effectiveness in the current OS. If it is faulty follows the given steps.
- Search the Programs menu in your System
- Click on Uninstall A Program to get a list of all installed programs in your OS.
- Select your outdated Antivirus software and click on Uninstall/Change. Follow the uninstalling step and remove to antivirus software completely from your system.
- Restart your system.
If this does not fix the problem you can re-install your antivirus software and try some other listed methods to fix the freezing. But if the fix works you must download an updated Antivirus software to protect your system.
