Windows is slow, freezes or an app stops responding
Safe first steps for a slow or unresponsive Windows computer.
Reviewed 06 Nov 2026
Try these steps
- 1 Save your work, then close programs you are not using, especially browsers with many tabs.
- 2 If one program is frozen, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select the program and click End task. Unsaved work in that program may be lost.
- 3 Restart the computer (Start → Power → Restart). A restart clears many temporary problems; shutting the lid is not enough.
- 4 Check that the computer is plugged in and not in battery-saver mode if it is a laptop.
- 5 Check free disk space: open File Explorer → This PC. If the C: drive bar is red, delete or move files you no longer need from Downloads or the Desktop (only your own files).
- 6 Let Windows finish installing updates: Settings → Windows Update. If it asks to restart, do so at a convenient time.
Before you start
Work through the steps in order and stop as soon as the problem is fixed. Never share passwords or verification codes with anyone.
When to contact support
If the computer stays slow after a restart, shows a blue screen, or makes unusual noises, open a ticket and mention when it started.
Still not working?
Never share passwords or codes with anyone. Our team can take it from here.