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3 Troubleshooting Tips to Fix a Frozen Computer

Call The Computer Wizard • January 12, 2021

It can be frustrating when you’re in the middle of a game, work project, or call on your computer when the screen suddenly freezes. You keep tapping the mouse and trying to close the program, but nothing happens. The next time this happens to you, there are a few useful tips you can try to get your system back up and running.

What to Do If Your Computer Freezes

1. Wait

Sometimes a computer will appear frozen, but it’s actually taking longer than normal to process the applications being used. This is a normal problem when performing CPU-intensive tasks. To give it a chance to catch up, stop clicking and attempting to open new programs. Many times, this will resolve the problem in a few minutes.

2. Identify Problematic Programs

If the computer doesn’t unfreeze, try pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the task manager. This will let you determine what’s causing your device to come to a halt. Under “processes,” click on the CPU tab to highlight the programs that are putting the most demand on the system. Select these programs and then hit “end task” to forcibly close them. This will cause you to lose any unsaved work.

If you're using a Mac® computer, you can try a similar process by pressing Command+Option+Esc. This will bring up all open applications, and you can identify those that are not responsive and force them to quit. 

3. Restart 

When a single program isn’t to blame, it might be a problem with Windows®. In this instance, you can press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to open a blue menu screen that will include restart and turn off options. If this doesn’t work, press Windows+Ctrl+Shift+B to restart the computer’s graphics drivers. On a Mac, try pressing Control+Command and then the power button to force a reboot.

If your computer is still unable to restart, you’ll have to try a hard shutdown by holding the power button down for nine seconds. However, after doing this to a Mac, you'll need to restart it in safe mode by pressing the Shift key as soon as you hear the welcome chime. Hold this key until the Apple® logo appears. This will cause the computer to go through a series of troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue and restart normally.

When your computer isn't working efficiently, the team at Call the Computer Wizard can determine what’s causing the issue. These technicians have over 40 years of experience providing IT support and repairs to individuals and businesses in the Greater Rochester, NY, area. Their average turnaround time for most services is 24-48 hours. To schedule an appointment, give them a call at (585) 729-4300 or go online.

A Quick Introduction to Computer Viruses

By Call The Computer Wizard • August 3, 2022
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By Call The Computer Wizard • February 9, 2022
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What Is an Uninterrupted Power Source & Why Is It Important?

By Call The Computer Wizard • November 19, 2021
If you’ve ever been in the middle of an important project on the computer only to lose your progress when the power shuts off, you could benefit from having an uninterrupted power source (UPS). These devices provide immediate backup in the event of power failures and can power anything from computers to IT equipment such as servers. Find out more about the essential role of these tools below.

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By Call The Computer Wizard • October 19, 2021
Families are relying on their computers more than ever for work, school, and entertainment. Unfortunately, when their devices fail or start to glitch, most people don't know where to start with computer repairs. However, the tips below will help you troubleshoot the problem to get your computer back into operation.

Can Data Always Be Recovered?

By Call The Computer Wizard • September 2, 2021
In many cases, lost data can be successfully recovered. However, in specific circumstances, recovery might not be possible. This is why it is crucial for any computer or smartphone user to perform regular data backup. Below, learn about a few instances when data can be retrieved, when it can't, and how to prevent nonrecovery incidents.

What Are the Differences Between Malware & Viruses?

By Call The Computer Wizard • July 14, 2021
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