Check for Windows updates
The first thing to ensure is that you’re running the latest version of Windows.
Hit the Start button at the bottom left, then type ‘Windows Update’ into the Start menu Search barOpen the Windows Update tool, which will alert you to any new updatesIf an update is available, be sure to download and install it
Clear out temporary files
The temporary file folder has a reputation for filling up very quickly. It’s something you should clean out regularly, since it can impact how Windows performs.
Press the Windows and R keys together to bring up the Run dialog boxType Temp into the Open field and press OK to open the Temp folderPress Ctrl + A to select all files in the folderPress the Delete key to remove them all
Run a memory check
Faulty memory is one of the most common causes of computer freezes, and luckily Windows has built-in software to check its integrity
Press the Windows key + RType mdsched.exe in Open field and click OKYou’ll be given the choice to check immediately (this will restart your computer) or wait until your next restartUpon your next restart you’ll see a blue screen (that will show you the progress of your memory evaluation
Adjust your virtual memory
Virtual memory is an extension of your computer’s physical memory, part RAM and part portion of your hard drive. If your computer runs out of RAM when attempting to perform an action, Windows will use this virtual memory to temporarily store files. We can adjust the amount of resources the virtual memory is able to access.
Head to Control Panel > System and Security > System > Advanced SettingsIn the Performance pane click Settings, then open the Advanced tabAt the bottom of the pane you’ll see information regarding Virtual Memory. Hit Change, then untick the checkbox at the top of the new window that appears
Select your drive and tick ‘Custom size’You’ll see the current size of your Virtual Memory at the bottom; use the Custom size option to increase it by 50- or 100% then click SetClick OK
Run a disk check
Another common issue is errors within your drive, and if you haven’t defragmented or error-checked it in a while then this could certainly be the cause of Windows crashing.
Open Windows Explorer, right-click your primary drive (most likely your C drive) and hit PropertiesHead into the Tools tab and, under the Error-checking pane, click ‘Check now…’Click Start to begin the process
If the problems persist there may be something more serious at issue, such as with your PC’s components themselves.
