How to Solve Screen Freezes but PC Keeps Running (2024 Answers)

PAGE CONTENT:

Causes for Screen Freezes but PC Keeps Running
How to Fix Screen Freezes but PC Keeps Running – 5 Solutions

Computers today have come far from where they were back in the day. Reliable Hardware and easy troubleshooting options have made PCs a commodity people can own and fix on their own as well. However, it doesn't make them any less prone to issues.

One such issue is a frozen screen, but the PC will keep on running. So, what causes it? And how do you go about fixing this? In this article, we'll explore a few possible reasons behind it and also talk about a few solutions. So, let's get started.

A lot of the time, people notice their screen has frozen, but the PC keeps on running. A simple scenario to imagine this issue would be you unable to move your cursor/mouse pointer. However, you notice that your PC is still running.

This is what happens when the screen freezes, but the PC keeps running. Sometimes, it can be caused by driver updates; other times, it's caused by Windows Updates, hardware changes, etc. So, let's keep digging to understand how this happens and how to fix it.

Causes for Screen Freezes but PC Keeps Running

There are a few common causes if your screen freezes but your PC keeps running. Sometimes, it Hardware related; other times, it's caused by bad or broken software. However, it's important to understand which of the causes resonates more with your case.

So, here are a few main reasons that a PC might be freezing:

Overheating CPU, GPU, NVME, and RAM: Hardware components like CPU, Graphics Card, NVME SSD, and RAMs are kept cool with the help of heat spreaders. However, if there isn't ample air circulation inside your PC case, it will overheat and cause the PC to freeze.
Corrupted or Outdated Drivers: Hardware drivers are one of the key programs in your computer. So, suppose one is outdated or corrupted. In that case, it'll definitely cause issues—particularly if it's drivers such as the chipset, GPU, or audio drivers.
Insufficient Hardware: if you're using an older computer, so your CPU, graphics card, or insufficient ram (less than 8GB) might cause stutters and constant screen freezes.
BIOS Configuration/Corrupted BIOS: If the BIOS configuration isn't right, it might also cause a frozen computer. On the other hand, a corrupted BIOS or CMOS battery will have the same effect.
Virus Attack: Perhaps the most common issue behind frozen screens is a virus attack—especially if your PC continues running.
Corrupted or Missing System Files: Missing system files are another

These are some of the most common reasons behind a screen freezing. However, the PC will continue to power on, as it's the driver, operating system, or one particular Hardware causing the issue.

How to Fix Screen Freezes but PC Keeps Running – 5 Solutions

In this section, we're going to explore a few solutions if your screen freezes but your PC keeps running. However, before you try these fixes, it's important to understand that you might lose some of your data with some of these solutions.

Hence, it's important to back up your important data with the help of Qiling Disk Master—a professional and good-quality backup and recovery software. But why this particular tool? Here's why:

Create a backup for files, folders, disks, systems, and APP data
Fast backup and restore speed
Multiple-path storage: internal & external hard drive, Cloud storage, security zone, network location
Smart/scheduled backup automatically
It offers 250GB of free cloud storage
Create a security zone to prevent data corruption
It is used for disk/system clone

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, 100% Secure

These factors ensure that you don't lose any important files if the fix/solutions go awry. So, once you're done with the backup, here are the five solutions you can try:

Solution 1: Perform A System Restore
Solution 2: Perform A Clean Boot
Solution 3: Free Up Hard Disk Space
Solution 4: Run the System File Checker
Solution 5: Check Hardware Temperatures

Solution 1: Perform A System Restore

The first thing you can do is a system restore. In case of a bad Windows or Driver update, screen freezing is one of the most common issues. So, rolling back to a previous system restore point can help fix this problem. Here's how to do that:

Step 1. Open Control Panel by typing it in the Start Menu.

open control panel

Step 2. In the control panel, search "Recovery" and open it.

search recovery

Step 3. Next, click on Open System Restore.

Step 4. In the System Restore wizard, pick Choose a different restore point.

Choose a different restore point

Step 5. Pick one of the options and click "next."

Step 6. Wait for the restoration to finish.

Step 7. Reboot your PC.

This will restore your PC to an earlier state. So, it'll most likely fix the issue of screen freezing. But, if it doesn't, move on to the next solution.

Solution 2: Perform A Clean Boot

There are times when a clean boot is all you need. Some applications, drivers, or services might cause the computer to freeze. Hence, it's important that you turn them all off to start your PC cleanly. Here's how you can do that:

Step 1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard.

Step 2. Type MSConfig in the run command.

MSConfig

Step 3. In MSConfig, switch to the Services tab.

Step 4. On the bottom-left, check the Hide all Microsoft services option.

Hide all Microsoft services

Step 4. Once all Microsoft services are hidden, click on the "Disable All" button.

Step 5. Click "Apply," then OK.

Step 6. Restart your PC

This will restart your PC without any services except for the necessary ones from Microsoft. So, this fix will also solve the issue for many users,

Solution 3: Free Up Hard Disk Space

Another one of the major reasons behind this issue is the lack of space in your system drive, aka C drive. That's why you need to find out whether your C Drive has ample space on it. If the space is less than 10GB, you need to know how to free up hard drive space. And here's what you can do to free up some space:

Step 1. Head into File Explorer.

Step 2. Right-click on the "C drive" and click "Properties."

Step 3. Under the Capacity section, click on "Disk Cleanup."

Disk Cleanup

Step 4. Select all the checkboxes and click on "OK."

Step 5. Wait for it to finish

This will most likely free up a few gigabytes—especially if you've never cleaned up your C drive before. However, what you can do is extend your C drive by adding more storage to it. Or, you can remove some unnecessary apps and programs.

Solution 4: Run the System File Checker

Corrupted, deleted, or missing system files are another common reason behind a computer freezing. Therefore, you're going to need help from CMD and a DISM command to see if any system files are missing or corrupted. Here's how:

Step 1. Press the Start button and type CMD.

Step 2. Open CMD as an Administrator.

run as administrator

Step 3. Type SFC /scannow in the command prompt.

Step 4. Wait for the process verification.

Step 5. See the next prompt.

see next prompt

Step 6. If the system has found and fixed corrupt files, then close CMD and restart your PC.

Step 7. If the scan went without any corrupt file detection, then type "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth."

Step 8. Wait for this process to finish.

Step 9. Close CMD and restart PC.

This will stop any corrupted or missing files from acting up. Once it's done, your PC will likely not freeze again. If not, move on to the next fix.

Solution 5: Check Hardware Temperatures

If all of the software solutions do not work, then it's likely that one or more of your Hardware might be causing the issue. If the system is freezing, the usual suspects are RAM, Graphics Card, CPU, or motherboard. One of the easiest ways to tell which is causing the issue is by checking their temperatures.

Now, you can go into the bios as you start your PC to see the CPU's temperature. If it's under 40, then it's likely not causing the issue. So, you can try using CPUID's Hardware Monitor. Once you download and install it, here's what to do:

Step 1. Open HWMonitor on your PC.

Step 2. Check the motherboard temps.

check Motherboard temps

Step 3. Check the CPU temperatures next.

CPU temperatures

Step 4. Scroll down and check RAM and Hard Drive temperatures.

check RAM and Hard Drive temperatures

Step 5. And lastly, check GPU temperatures too.

But what happens when you check the temps and find high temps on devices? Here are a few tips:

Dust your PC with an air blower or compressed air can
Replace the thermal paste on the CPU and GPU
Clean the connection points of NVME, SATA, and SSD drives with Isopropyl alcohol
Reseat hardware such as GPU, RAMs, NVME, and power cables

This will ensure that thermals aren't the ones causing an issue in your PC. If the problem persists, then one of the Hardware with high temperatures might be causing the issue.

The Bottom Line

These are some of the most common reasons behind screen freezing and their fixes. Therefore, make sure you check everything mentioned in this article, including hardware and software-related issues. However, before attempting any fixes, make sure you create a backup of your data. This way, you will avoid any unnecessary data loss.

FAQ on Screen Freezes, but PC Keeps Running

If you have further questions, then this section will answer them.

1. Why does my screen keep freezing PC?

One of the most common reasons behind that is hardware heating up. However, if that's not the case, then it's highly likely your operating system or drivers are corrupted. Hence, you might need a fresh Windows or driver reinstall.

2. How do you unfreeze a computer screen?

Usually, you would restart to break the freeze on any computer. However, if you can still move your mouse around, try to log out by pressing ALT + CTRL + DEL on your keyboard. Once the blue screen appears, click on "Sign Out," then sign back in.

3. How do you unfreeze your computer when Control Alt Delete doesn't work?

If you're unable to use your computer and CTRL + ALT + DEL method isn't working, try restarting your PC by using the reset button or holding the power button for 5 seconds. Once the system is powered off, turn it back on.