None can imagine the frustration you may get from the constant laptop screen freezes. However, there might be ways to fix this. Let’s see what you can do in order to get rid of a frozen laptop screen.

1- Ensure the screen is unresponsive:

The first step to deal with the screen freeze issue is to always ensure that it is actually frozen. Sometimes, Windows might take its time to carry out some processes, given that the application you may be using puts a heavy load on the CPU. So, waiting for a while would determine if the screen is being unresponsive or is the processing taking its time to complete.

Depending on the exact issue, you may look for the suitable solution, given how often it occurs. Because screen getting stuck all the time is an issue but operations consuming ample time to give an outcome could also become a problem in case of daily use.

For instance, if you use Adobe Photoshop and the processing takes longer than expected, once in a blue moon, it wouldn’t be a big deal. On the contrary, if the overall performance of the laptop gets low and even simple tasks take time, it becomes an issue you wouldn’t want to deal with. In fact, slow operations might lead to complete screen freezes eventually.

That’s why it’s important that you pinpoint the issue based on how your laptop performs regularly and then move on to solutions.

2- Check your mouse and keyboard:

It could be possible that your laptop’s screen functions fine but the mouse or the keyboard doesn’t work. So, when you try moving the cursor, it doesn’t move due to the mouse being malfunctional. That’s why it’s necessary to make sure that all connected devices work fine before you jump to any conclusions. 

3- Force the program to stop:

If you’re using an application during which the screen gets stuck, you may open the “Task Manager” via the search and close the program by ending the task. This step should help you get rid of the frozen screen and allow you to use the laptop freely. You may reopen the same application after 5 to 10 minutes and see if it works fine. In case it causes the screen stuck issue again, you may reinstall the software or look for an alternative.          

Your browser also comes with the “Task Manager” feature which means if a webpage gets stuck and does not close when you cross it, then click on the three dots that you see on the right side of the browser against the search bar. Select “More tools” and click on “Task Manager.” Once it opens, close the webpage that causes the screen freeze.

4- Scan for Malware:

Malware can also be the source of screen freezes as it can infect your laptop in many ways and cause various kinds of system errors. Therefore, scanning the gadget for malware and eliminating it would protect your computer from multiple threats, including the frozen screen issue. Download a good antivirus system if you haven’t already and run a scan immediately to catch viruses, preventing the frozen screen and many other performance issues.

5- Lookout for overheating:

Overheating is another reason why your laptop’s screen could get stuck. So, you must take precautions against anything that may cause overheating to prevent screen freeze. For starters, you must ensure that nothing blocks the air vents of your laptop as that’s where the heat escapes from. This means that you do not use the laptop on any soft surfaces like the bed or blanket. Also, there shouldn’t be anything that covers the sides of the machine.

Moreover, cleaning the fans would also put a stop to overheating and help to regulate the machine’s temperature which would improve the notebook’s overall performance and resolve the frozen screen problem.

6- Hard drive needs replacement:

An old hard drive nearing its failure may also cause lagging and screen freezes. Even if it isn’t very old, it could still get damaged and instigate multiple complications. You may install a third-party software to check up on the hard drive. For instance, CrystalDiskInfo is a free software that may help you analyze your HDD. Also, if you hear any weird noises coming out from your laptop, then you may replace the hard drive which will allow the system to function normally, eliminating the frozen screen issue.

7- Go for a hard reset:

If you’re not able to use the laptop at all then go for a hard reset. Thumb the power button until the laptop shuts down. Wait for a few seconds and press the button again to open it. Once the laptop turns on, navigate through the programs to see if everything works fine without getting stuck.

8- Uninstall the drivers:

If your computer used to operate smoothly before you updated any drivers, then it could be that either the new drivers aren’t compatible with your laptop or they are conflicting with the old ones. Especially, ensure that your graphics card driver works fine as a corrupt GPU driver could cause major display issues.

You may go to the “Device Manager” and uninstall the drivers you installed recently. Check if the Windows work smoothly. In case the complication persists, you may reinstall the drivers as they might not be the culprit for your laptop’s screen freeze. 

9- Get rid of the bloatware:

Your laptop may have many programs and apps that you may never use in your life. These irrelevant apps come pre-installed in your OS by the manufacturers. The best way to avoid a frozen screen is to delete all software and apps that you don’t need. So, go to the Control Panel < Programs and Features and uninstall every application that is holding space in your laptop’s hard drive unnecessarily.

10- Check the RAM:

If the complications have developed in the RAM, then chances are that you’d have to upgrade your laptop. You may run the “Windows Memory Diagnostics” and check if there are any problems in the RAM. You may open this utility via the search. In case there are issues and it is the RAM that’s causing the screen to freeze, you’d have to replace the RAM stick. However, for that to happen, your laptop must be upgradeable or else you’d have to buy a new one.

11- Factory reset your laptop:

If none of the suggested solutions help, you may factory reset your laptop. The latest Windows versions allow you to factory reset without losing your data. However, all the custom settings and applications will be removed.

• Type “Reset” in the search bar via the start button.
• Choose the “Reset this PC” option from the results.
• Click on the “Get Started” button below the “Reset this PC” section.