One minute you’re on a video call, checking your emails, and happily going about your day.
Until, all of a sudden, you’re contending with the doughnut of death. Otherwise known as the frustrating spinning wheel that appears when you have a frozen screen. But what to do about it?
Frozen screens are not only disruptive, they can downright ruin your schedule. Especially if you rely on using your PC for connecting with clients and securing business. In this post, we’ll show you how to fix a frozen screen on your PC, so that you can stay focused on your work.
Table of Contents
Have You Turned It Off and On Again?
It’s the oldest trick on the web and everyone from your IT support team to your nan will tell you to try turning your PC off and on again before attempting a serious diagnosis of your problem. Restarting tends to get rid of any small issues that could be making your PC sluggish and it’s easy to do yourself.
Before doing anything, make sure that you have an up-to-date backup, to avoid data loss should something go wrong. Then to restart a frozen PC, simply hold down the power button for ten seconds. Your computer will turn itself off and on again and if it does so without issues, chances are your problem has been solved.
But if restarting doesn’t fix your issue, the next step is to check external devices and the programs that your computer is running.
Check External Devices
If your frozen screen persists, unplug all external devices connected to your PC and then try to restart again. If it boots up as normal, chances are one of the devices is causing your screen issues.
Check them for any obvious signs of damage, such as overheating, or broken wires and if all looks well, you can reconnect them one by one. This should help you to identify what’s broken and you can then read the manufacturer’s manual for their troubleshooting recommendations.
Close All Applications
Although you might think that your PC is relatively uncluttered, lots of us have more applications running in the background than we think, and this slows down our computers. The way you close down applications differs depending on your operating system:
Windows Users:
- Simultaneously press CTRL + ALT + Delete
- Click “Task Manager” to view all open applications
- You can then force-close any or all applications.
Mac Users:
- To stop a process, click Command + period (.)
- Press Command + Option + Escape to open the “Force Quit Applications” window
- Restart your computer by hitting CTRL + Media Eject Keys
- Quit all apps and restart by pressing Command + CTRL+ Media Eject Key
If an application issue keeps appearing, i.e. if your computer freezes each time you use a particular application, uninstall it as it might be a red flag that it’s incompatible with your PC.
Scan for Viruses
If your PC is suffering from glitches and a slow running speed, it’s a good idea to run a malware scan to check the health of your device and rule out a virus as the source of your frozen screen. Viruses can do far more harm than just causing your computer to freeze, so risk it!
Running a scan doesn’t have to break the bank, and there are plenty of free anti-virus programs available, although it’s worth checking in with your IT service provider to make sure that the program you use is reputable and effective.
Test Your RAM
Poor memory can also be a cause of congested PC’s, so if you’re using a PC that is slowing down or one that’s over 4 years old, it’s a good idea to test your RAM.
To do so, search for the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool in your search menu and work through the process. If the test results come back ok, don’t rule out a RAM issue entirely- the problem could be that you don’t have enough RAM to cope with the demands your placing on your PC. You can check how much RAM you have, by opening the task manager when you experience a glitch and seeing if you’re memory is at capacity.
If memory turns out to be the issue, it’s an easy fix. You can usually replace the RAM in your PC for a reasonable price. However, some models solder the RAM to the motherboard, in which case, you’d need to purchase a new PC.
When All Else Fails, Call the Professionals
If none of the solutions above seem to work, then it’s time to call in the professionals. There might be a more serious issue affecting your PC that requires an expert hand.
A professional IT service provider can offer you ongoing IT support for an affordable price and spare you countless hours of troubleshooting pain. After all, if you tally up all the hours you’ve spent fixing your PC rather than doing your day job, you’ll probably find that you’d have saved money by reaching out sooner. For the best IT support, try New Jersey-based Ascendant and they’ll have you back to work again in no time!
Fix Your Frozen Screen With These Tips
There’s no denying that a frozen screen can ruin your day. Whether it’s wreaking havoc on your work life or preventing you from downloading your favorite TV show, don’t stand for it! Try out these tips to fix your frozen screen and if all else fails, call in the professionals.
If this post has helped you fix your screen issues be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more troubleshooting tips and advice.