"Windows 10 Freezes at Startup - Explore the Causes and Solutions"

"For the past 8+ months, my PC's performance has been far from satisfactory. Almost every time I boot it up, I'm stuck on a frozen BIOS screen. The overall behavior is unbelievably frustrating." - from a Reddit post in the "Windows 10 keeps freezing on Startup" thread.

Are you also troubled by the Windows 10 freezing on startup issue? This problem causes significant inconvenience and hampers the usage of Windows 10 for many users. Worse still, failure to resolve this issue promptly could result in the loss of crucial work and data.

Don't worry. This article will present the top five remedies to unfreeze a frozen Windows 10 computer. Continue reading to identify the reasons behind Windows 10 freezing randomly at startup and the corresponding solutions.

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Why Does Windows 10 Keep Freezing on Startup?

There could be numerous reasons why Windows 10 continually freezes during startup, and it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact cause without further examination. Here, we have compiled some potential causes for you:

• System File Damage: Numerous Windows system files are necessary for smooth Windows 10 operation. However, these files can become damaged or even deleted due to virus infections, power outages, or unexpected shutdowns. When Windows system files are corrupted, Windows 10 might freeze during startup, along with other issues.
• Low Disk Space: It's well-known that a computer requires adequate free disk space to function properly. If Windows 10 is in a low disk space situation, it will become slow and freeze frequently.
• Insufficient RAM: Insufficient Random Access Memory (RAM) can also cause Windows 10 to freeze on startup. When your computer lacks RAM, it relies on virtual memory, which is significantly slower, resulting in a significant decline in system performance.
• Outdated Drivers or BIOS: Outdated or corrupted drivers and BIOS can also lead to Windows 10 getting stuck on the startup screen. Drivers ensure proper communication between Windows 10 and hardware devices. If they are outdated or incompatible with Windows 10, the system might continually freeze during startup.

[Troubleshooting] Windows 10 Freezes at Startup

If Windows 10 consistently freezes during startup, it's crucial to implement measures to resolve the issue. Below, we've compiled the top five solutions for you. You may not need to attempt all of them; work through the list until Windows 10 no longer freezes at startup.

Fix 1: Run an SFC (System File Checker) Scan

System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in utility in Windows that can scan for and repair corrupted system files. To perform an SFC scan, follow these steps:

Step 1: Type "Command Prompt" in the Windows 10 search bar, then right-click on Command Prompt, and select "Run as administrator."

Step 2: Type sfc /scannow in the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

Step 3: The SFC scan will commence and may take some time to finish. After the SFC scan is completed, restart your computer to verify if the issue of Windows 10 freezing during startup has been resolved.

Fix 2: Clean PC Storage Space

As mentioned in the first part, insufficient disk space can also cause Windows 10 to freeze during startup. To free up storage space and resolve the issue of Windows 10 freezing, follow these steps:

Step 1: Type "Disk Cleanup" in the Windows 10 search box and select the program from the list of results.

Step 2: In the Disk Cleanup window, choose the categories of files you wish to delete and click OK.

Step 3: Click the "Delete Files" button in the confirmation window to begin cleaning up your Windows 10 storage space.

After that, restart your PC and see if Windows 10 still gets stuck during startup.

Fix 3: Test RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

If Windows 10 frequently freezes, it might indicate that your computer is lacking in Random Access Memory (RAM). To verify whether your system has sufficient RAM, you can utilize the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic utility. Here's how to do it: 1. Press the "Windows key + R" on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. 2. Type "mdsched.exe" in the dialog box and then press "Enter." This will launch the Windows Memory Diagnostic. 3. You'll be presented with two options: "Restart now and check for problems" and "Check for problems the next time I start my computer." Choose the one that suits you best. If you opt for the restart now option, make sure to save any unsaved work first. 4. Your computer will restart and begin running the memory diagnostic test. The process may take some time, so be patient. 5. Once the scan is complete, your computer will restart again. Windows will display a message indicating whether any issues were found or not. 6. If the tool detects any problems with your RAM, you may need to replace it. If no issues are found, the freezing could be due to other factors, such as software conflicts, driver issues, or hardware problems. It's always a good idea to keep your system updated, ensure all drivers are current, and perform regular maintenance to prevent such issues.

Step 1: In the Windows 10 search box, type "Memory" and select "Windows Memory Diagnostic" from the list of results.

Step 2: In the Windows Memory Diagnostic window, choose Restart now and check for problems (Recommended).

Step 3: Your computer will restart and begin RAM testing automatically. This process may take some time to complete.

Fix 4: Update All Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause Windows 10 to freeze during startup. To update your drivers and resolve the issue of Windows 10 freezing, follow these steps:

Step 1: Type "Device Manager" in the Windows 10 search box and select it from the list of results.

Step 2: In the Device Manager window, expand the category of the device for which you want to update the driver.

Step 3: Right-click on the device and choose "Update Driver Software" from the context menu.

Step 4: In the next window, choose Search automatically for updated driver software to let Windows 10 download and install the latest drivers automatically.

Fix 5: Reinstall the Windows Operating System

If all four solutions fail to fix the issue of Windows 10 freezing on startup, you might need to reinstall the Windows operating system. However, make sure to backup your important files and data beforehand to prevent any potential loss.

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Here are the top five solutions to fix the issue of Windows 10 freezing during startup. Hopefully, they will be helpful for you.

Bonus: How to Stop Windows 10 from Freezing During Startup

"Windows 10 constantly freezing on startup must be a frustrating issue that bothers you continuously. To overcome this problem and prevent Windows 10 from freezing during startup, here are some helpful tips:

• Maintain a clean computer by running antivirus software and routinely deleting unnecessary files.
• Free up storage space by removing unused applications and deleting temporary files.
• Regularly check for Windows updates and install them to ensure smooth system performance.
• Prevent overloading your computer by avoiding the use of too many programs simultaneously.

By following these tips, you can effectively prevent the issue of Windows 10 freezing during startup and maintain your PC in optimal condition.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Windows 10 Freezing on Startup

How can I prevent Windows 10 from freezing during startup?

As mentioned in the article, you can troubleshoot the issue by performing an SFC scan, cleaning computer storage space, testing RAM, updating drivers, or re-installing the operating system.

Why does my computer keep freezing at startup?

"Windows 10 freezing during startup" can be attributed to numerous reasons, including outdated drivers, insufficient storage space, corrupted system files, and more. You can attempt to resolve the issue using the solutions provided in this article.