🕷️ Crawler Inspector

Don't Lose Your Data! Learn How to Clone and Copy Your Disk Safely [See How](https://www.partitionwizard.com/clone-disk/clone-a-hard-drive.html?mt_from=pw-top-recommend) [](https://www.minitool.com/)[Partition Wizard](https://www.partitionwizard.com/) - [MiniTool Products]() - Disk & Data Manager - [Partition Wizard](https://www.partitionwizard.com/) - [Power Data Recovery](https://www.minitool.com/data-recovery-software/?utm_source=partitionwizard.com&utm_medium=redirection&utm_campaign=top-menu) - [ShadowMaker](https://www.minitool.com/backup/?utm_source=partitionwizard.com&utm_medium=redirection&utm_campaign=top-menu) - Media Toolkit - [MovieMaker](https://moviemaker.minitool.com/?utm_source=partitionwizard.com&utm_medium=redirection&utm_campaign=top-menu) - [uTube Downloader](https://youtubedownload.minitool.com/?utm_source=partitionwizard.com&utm_medium=redirection&utm_campaign=top-menu) - [Video Converter](https://videoconvert.minitool.com/?utm_source=partitionwizard.com&utm_medium=redirection&utm_campaign=top-menu) - [Support](https://www.partitionwizard.com/support.html) - [About](https://www.minitool.com/about-us.html) - [Store](https://www.partitionwizard.com/buy.html) - [For Home]() - [Partition Wizard Free](https://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html) - [Partition Wizard Pro](https://www.partitionwizard.com/partition-magic-free.html) - [Partition Wizard Bootable](https://www.partitionwizard.com/partition-wizard-bootable-cd.html) - [For Business](https://www.partitionwizard.com/partition-manager-server.html) - [Feature]() - [What's New](https://www.partitionwizard.com/upgrade-history.html) - [Comparison](https://www.partitionwizard.com/comparison.html) - [Resource]() - [User Manual](https://www.partitionwizard.com/help/) - [Resize Partition](https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/) - [Clone Disk](https://www.partitionwizard.com/clone-disk/) - [Disk Recovery](https://www.partitionwizard.com/disk-recovery/) - [Download Partition Wizard](https://www.partitionwizard.com/download.html) Free Edition: [Download](https://cdn2.minitool.com/?p=pw&e=pw-free) Pro Edition: [Try Demo](https://cdn2.minitool.com/?p=pw&e=pw-demo) Server Edition: [Try Demo](https://cdn2.minitool.com/?p=pw&e=pw-demo) [Download Partition Wizard](https://cdn2.minitool.com/?p=pw&e=pw-demo) - [Home](https://www.partitionwizard.com/) - [Resize Partition](https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/) - Top Solutions for Windows 10 Not Responding Problems # Top Solutions for Windows 10 Not Responding Problems By [Cecilia](https://www.partitionwizard.com/author/cecilia31/) \| Follow \| Last Updated October 15, 2025 [English](https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html) - [日本語](https://www.partitionwizard.jp/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html) - [Deutsch](https://de.minitool.com/datentraegerverwaltung/windows-10-reagiert-nicht.html) To fix the **Windows not responding** issue, you can refer to the methods provided by [MiniTool Partition Wizard](https://www.partitionwizard.com/). First, try restarting your computer or holding down the power button to force a shutdown. Next, you’ll need to update drivers, run a virus scan, and check the health of your hard drive. Quick Navigation : - [Why Is your Windows Not Responding?](https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html#why-is-your-windows-not-responding%3F-2577) - [How to Fix Windows Not Responding?](https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html#how-to-fix-windows-not-responding%3F-2577) - [How to Prevent Windows from Becoming Unresponsive?](https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html#how-to-prevent-windows-from-becoming-unresponsive%3F-2577) - [Bottom Line](https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html#bottom-line-2577) - [Windows Not Responding FAQ](https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html#windows-not-responding-faq-2577) It’s undoubtedly frustrating when your entire computer becomes unresponsive while you’re working on important tasks. System unresponsiveness can occur when you open a program, copy files, switch windows, or even when you boot up. There are many reasons why Windows may become unresponsive, such as excessive system resource usage and driver incompatibilities. In this article, I’ll explain the common causes of Windows unresponsiveness, provide a series of practical solutions, and finally share some effective preventative measures. ## Why Is your Windows Not Responding? This is usually caused by the following reasons: ### \#1. Software-Related Causes - **Recent Windows updates**: In some cases, newly installed updates, especially feature updates, may cause system errors or compatibility conflicts, leading to system unresponsiveness. - **Outdated or corrupted drivers**: Outdated or faulty device drivers can cause system conflicts, preventing Windows from functioning properly. - **Corrupted system files**: System files that become corrupted or missing due to an unexpected shutdown or software error can cause the system to become unresponsive. - **Malware and viruses**: Some viruses or malicious programs can cause system errors, resulting in computer freezes or even complete unresponsiveness. - **Software errors or conflicts**: Conflicts between programs or errors within Windows can cause system unresponsiveness. - **Insufficient system resources**: Running too many applications or background processes can consume a significant amount of system resources, causing the system to slow down or even become unresponsive. ### \#2. Hardware-Related Causes - **Overheating**: Overheating of computer hardware can cause system instability, even leading to automatic shutdowns or freezes. - **Hard drive problems**: Hard drive problems (such as bad sectors or insufficient disk space) can cause the system to read data more slowly or even freeze. After identifying the common causes of Windows 10 not responding, the next step is to look at how to fix these issues. ## How to Fix Windows Not Responding? When your Windows 10 system becomes unresponsive, here are a few ways to get it back to normal. You can start by performing a hard reboot to reset your computer. Next, you can update your device drivers and Windows system. Additionally, checking for disk errors can help identify and repair corrupted files. If you’re running low on space on your C drive, expanding its partition can improve overall system performance and stability. Let’s take a closer look at these solutions. ### \#1. Immediate Actions **Fix 1: Hard Reboot** When Windows 10 becomes unresponsive, one of the simplest and most effective initial steps is to perform a forced restart. Here are the steps: **Step 1**: Press and hold the power button. Locate the power button on your computer or laptop and press and hold it until the computer turns off. **Step 2**: Wait a few seconds. After the computer shuts down, wait a few seconds to ensure that the system is fully powered off and all hardware has stopped functioning. **Step 3**: Restart the computer. Release the power button, then press it again to start the computer normally. **Fix 2: Close Unresponsive Programs** If a specific program is unresponsive, you can also try closing it to restore your computer to normal operation. **Step 1**: Press the **Ctrl + Shift + Esc** keys to quickly launch the **Task Manager**. **Step 2**: In the **Processes** tab, browse the list until you find the unresponsive program. **Step 3**: Right-click the program and select **End Task** from the pop-up menu. The program will be terminated immediately, which often helps alleviate a slow or unresponsive computer. **Fix 3: Restart Windows Explorer** When desktop icons, the taskbar, or File Explorer become unresponsive or display issues, the problem may be with Windows Explorer itself. In this case, simply restarting Windows Explorer can quickly restore normal operation. **Step 1**: Open **Task Manager** by pressing the **Ctrl + Shift + Esc** keys. **Step 2**: Click the **Processes** tab at the top and find **Windows Explorer**. **Step 3**: Right-click it and select **Restart** from the menu. The screen may flash briefly and then quickly reload. This indicates that the explorer has successfully restarted. If the above steps don’t resolve the “programs not responding” issue, try the following steps. Before doing so, enter Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts Windows in a basic state, loading only a limited number of drivers and system files. Here are the steps to enter Safe Mode: **Step 1**: Click on the **Start** button. **Step 2**: Click on the **Power** icon, and hold down the **Shift** key on your keyboard. Then click **Restart**. **Step 3**: Select **Troubleshoot**. **Step 4**: Select **Advanced options**. **Step 5**: Select **Startup Settings**.  **Step 6**: Click **Restart**. **Step 7**: After the restart, you’ll see a list of options. Press **F5** to start your computer in Safe Mode.  ### \#2. Troubleshooting for Recurring Issues **Fix 1: Update Drivers** Outdated or damaged disk drivers can cause system incompatibility, abnormal resource usage, or unstable operation, leading to computer freezes and other issues. Updating drivers can fix these issues, improve system stability and performance, and prevent unresponsiveness. **Step 1**: Right-click the **Start** button and choose **Device Manager**. **Step 2**: Expand **Disk drives**. **Step 3**: Right-click the hard drive and choose **Update driver**. **Step 4**: Select **Search automatically for drivers**.  **Fix 2: Scan for Virus and Malware** Malware such as viruses and Trojans may run in the background, consuming significant system resources and tampering with system files. This can prevent normal programs from running properly, causing Windows to become sluggish or completely unresponsive. Performing a comprehensive scan of your computer using [McAfee](https://utilities.minitool.com/mcafee/?utm_source=minitool.com&utm_medium=redirection&utm_campaign=mainmenu) antivirus software can effectively protect your system and improve performance. After the scan is complete, exit safe mode to see if the computer can be used again. **Fix 3: Use System File Checker (SFC)** SFC is a built-in utility in Windows designed to scan the system for missing or corrupted files and repair them as needed. **Step 1**: Type **cmd** in the **Search** box and click **Run as administrator** from the right panel. Then click **Yes**. **Step 2**: Type the command **sfc /scannow** and press the **Enter** key.  If the above commands fail to repair certain system files, you can use **DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth** to repair deeper system problems in Windows. If the issue doesn’t occur in Safe Mode, it indicates that the problem isn’t caused by default settings or basic drivers. Then, try the following methods. ### \#3. Advanced Methods **Fix 1: Check for Disk Errors** Hard drive problems (such as file system corruption or physical bad sectors) can cause system freezes, unresponsiveness, or even data loss. This operation can promptly detect and repair these problems, ensuring normal system operation and data security. **Step 1**: First, you need to enter the [WinRE environment](https://www.minitool.com/lib/windows-recovery-environment.html), and click **Command Prompt**.  **Step 2**: In the new pop-up window, type **chkdsk \*: /f /r** (replace \* with the drive letter of your external drive) and press **Enter**. - **/f:** Fixes errors on the disk. - **/r:** Locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.  After the disk check is complete, the system will repair potential disk errors. This can help resolve issues such as an unresponsive system, freezing, or slow booting. **Fix 2: Extend C Drive** One reason you might experience Windows 10 becoming unresponsive is insufficient system partition space. To resolve this issue, you can try expanding the system partition. MiniTool Partition Wizard is a useful tool that can help you do this. To ensure the safety of your system data, we recommend [creating bootable media](https://www.minitool.com/help/general/create-minitool-bootable-media.html) before expanding the partition. **Note:** In the bootable version of MiniTool Partition Wizard, the system partition may have a different drive letter. Therefore, make sure to select the correct partition. **Use the Extend Partition Feature** **Step 1**: In the main interface of MiniTool Partition Wizard, select the system partition and click **Extend Partition** from the action pane. **Step 2**: Click the down arrow from “**Take Free Space From**” and choose a partition or unallocated space. You can drag the sliding handle leftwards or rightwards to decide how much of the available space it takes up. After that, click **OK** to go back to the main interface.  **Step 3**: Click the **Apply** button to execute all changes. **Use the Move/Resize Partition Feature** **Step 1**: Highlight the system partition, and then click **Move/Resize Partition** from the action pane. **Step 2**: Drag the arrow to the right to occupy the unallocated space. Click **OK**.  **Step 3**: Click **Apply** to perform the system partition extension operation. This software not only provides operations such as create/format/split/merge partitions, but also provides functions such as [convert MBR to GPT](https://www.partitionwizard.com/partitionmagic/mbr-vs-gpt.html), hard drive recovery, and [USB drive formatter](https://www.partitionwizard.com/partitionmagic/usb-formatter.html). Now that we know how to fix the Windows not responding issue, we can also take some preventive measures to avoid similar situations from happening again. ## How to Prevent Windows from Becoming Unresponsive? To prevent Windows 10 from becoming unresponsive, keep your drivers and Windows system up to date, run virus scans to remove malware, and perform disk error checks. - **Restart your computer**: A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches that cause application or system freezes. - **Run program troubleshooters**: Regularly use built-in system tools to detect and fix compatibility issues with older or malfunctioning programs. - **Check for resource-intensive applications**: Regularly use Task Manager to identify and close applications that consume excessive CPU, memory, or disk resources. - **Update Windows and drivers**: Regularly check for and install Windows updates and update drivers to fix bugs and improve compatibility. - **Run SFC scans and disk checks**: Regularly run **sfc /scannow** to check for and repair corrupted system files, and chkdsk /f /r to check for and repair disk errors. - **Manage hard drive space**: Keep at least 10-15% of your hard drive free to allow the system to create temporary files and function properly. [How to fix the laptop not responding issue? You can find the solution in this article.Click to Tweet](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html&text=How+to+fix+the+laptop+not+responding+issue%3F+You+can+find+the+solution+in+this+article.&via=MiniTool_) ## Bottom Line The Windows not responding problem is often caused by software conflicts or hardware issues. Most issues can be resolved through the various methods described in this article, such as updating drivers, running a disk check, and performing virus scans. To prevent similar issues, this article also provides preventative measures, such as regularly updating the system and cleaning the disk. If you have any questions or suggestions while using MiniTool Partition Wizard, you can contact us at [support@minitool.com](mailto:support@minitool.com) to get a quick reply. ## Windows Not Responding FAQ **1\. Does having too many Chrome tabs open cause the system to become “not responding”?** Yes. Each Chrome tab is equivalent to a separate process. The more tabs you have, the higher the memory and CPU usage. **2\. Will my computer be damaged if it remains unresponsive for a long time?** This typically won’t directly damage the hardware, but frequent forced shutdowns, power outages, or accidental deletion of system files can cause serious problems including data loss, system crashes, and other complications. **3\. What’s the difference between a hung application and a non-responsive application?** A hung application means that the program has stopped responding to user input, but may still be processing tasks in the background. A non-responsive computer usually means that the program has completely frozen. **4\. Can using a solid-state drive improve the unresponsiveness issue?** It usually significantly improves system responsiveness and reduces program lag. However, SSDs also require regular health checks and firmware updates. - facebook - twitter - linkedin - reddit ## About The Author [](https://www.partitionwizard.com/author/cecilia31/) [Cecilia](https://www.partitionwizard.com/author/cecilia31/) [Follow Us](https://twitter.com/CeciliaZhu29295) Position: Columnist Cecilia is a new member of MiniTool. She works as an English editor on the MiniTool team. She likes to learn articles about computers and is passionate about partition management and Windows operating systems. She is committed to allowing readers to use simple, efficient, and fast methods to solve the computer problems they encounter. To provide more professional solutions, she will continue to learn and master computer knowledge. ## User Comments : We use cookies to improve your experience. By continuing, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our [Cookie Policy](https://www.partitionwizard.com/privacy.html#cookie). Accept - Products - [MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Edition](https://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html) - [MiniTool Partition Wizard Pro Edition](https://www.partitionwizard.com/partition-magic-free.html) - [MiniTool Partition Wizard Server Edition](https://www.partitionwizard.com/partition-manager-server.html) - [MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable](https://www.partitionwizard.com/partition-wizard-bootable-cd.html) - [Compare Editions](https://www.partitionwizard.com/comparison.html) - Resource - [Resize Partition](https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/) - [Partition Manager](https://www.partitionwizard.com/partitionmanager/) - [Partition Magic](https://www.partitionwizard.com/partitionmagic/) - [Disk Recovery](https://www.partitionwizard.com/disk-recovery/) - [Clone Disk](https://www.partitionwizard.com/clone-disk/) - Support - [Software FAQ](https://www.partitionwizard.com/faq.html) - [Online Help](https://www.partitionwizard.com/help/) - [Reviews](https://www.partitionwizard.com/reviews.html) - Follow Us - [Language]() - [English](https://www.partitionwizard.com/) - [Deutsch](https://de.minitool.com/partition-manager/) - [Français](https://www.minitool.com/fr/gestionnaire-partition/) - [日本語](https://www.partitionwizard.jp/) [Terms & Conditions](https://www.partitionwizard.com/terms_conditions.html) \| [Privacy](https://www.partitionwizard.com/privacy.html) North America, Canada, Unit 170 - 422, Richards Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 2Z4 Asia, Hong Kong, Suite 820,8/F., Ocean Centre, Harbour City, 5 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Copyright © 2026 MiniTool® Software Limited, All Rights Reserved. [](https://systembooster.minitool.com/thank-you-download.html?from=mt-webmid-pop&mt_lang=en&r=https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html) [](https://systembooster.minitool.com/thank-you-download.html?from=mt-webright-pop&mt_lang=en&r=https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html)

To fix the **Windows not responding** issue, you can refer to the methods provided by [MiniTool Partition Wizard](https://www.partitionwizard.com/). First, try restarting your computer or holding down the power button to force a shutdown. Next, you’ll need to update drivers, run a virus scan, and check the health of your hard drive. Quick Navigation : - [Why Is your Windows Not Responding?](https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html#why-is-your-windows-not-responding%3F-2577) - [How to Fix Windows Not Responding?](https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html#how-to-fix-windows-not-responding%3F-2577) - [How to Prevent Windows from Becoming Unresponsive?](https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html#how-to-prevent-windows-from-becoming-unresponsive%3F-2577) - [Bottom Line](https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html#bottom-line-2577) - [Windows Not Responding FAQ](https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html#windows-not-responding-faq-2577) It’s undoubtedly frustrating when your entire computer becomes unresponsive while you’re working on important tasks. System unresponsiveness can occur when you open a program, copy files, switch windows, or even when you boot up. There are many reasons why Windows may become unresponsive, such as excessive system resource usage and driver incompatibilities. In this article, I’ll explain the common causes of Windows unresponsiveness, provide a series of practical solutions, and finally share some effective preventative measures. ## Why Is your Windows Not Responding? This is usually caused by the following reasons: ### \#1. Software-Related Causes - **Recent Windows updates**: In some cases, newly installed updates, especially feature updates, may cause system errors or compatibility conflicts, leading to system unresponsiveness. - **Outdated or corrupted drivers**: Outdated or faulty device drivers can cause system conflicts, preventing Windows from functioning properly. - **Corrupted system files**: System files that become corrupted or missing due to an unexpected shutdown or software error can cause the system to become unresponsive. - **Malware and viruses**: Some viruses or malicious programs can cause system errors, resulting in computer freezes or even complete unresponsiveness. - **Software errors or conflicts**: Conflicts between programs or errors within Windows can cause system unresponsiveness. - **Insufficient system resources**: Running too many applications or background processes can consume a significant amount of system resources, causing the system to slow down or even become unresponsive. ### \#2. Hardware-Related Causes - **Overheating**: Overheating of computer hardware can cause system instability, even leading to automatic shutdowns or freezes. - **Hard drive problems**: Hard drive problems (such as bad sectors or insufficient disk space) can cause the system to read data more slowly or even freeze. After identifying the common causes of Windows 10 not responding, the next step is to look at how to fix these issues. When your Windows 10 system becomes unresponsive, here are a few ways to get it back to normal. You can start by performing a hard reboot to reset your computer. Next, you can update your device drivers and Windows system. Additionally, checking for disk errors can help identify and repair corrupted files. If you’re running low on space on your C drive, expanding its partition can improve overall system performance and stability. Let’s take a closer look at these solutions. ### \#1. Immediate Actions **Fix 1: Hard Reboot** When Windows 10 becomes unresponsive, one of the simplest and most effective initial steps is to perform a forced restart. Here are the steps: **Step 1**: Press and hold the power button. Locate the power button on your computer or laptop and press and hold it until the computer turns off. **Step 2**: Wait a few seconds. After the computer shuts down, wait a few seconds to ensure that the system is fully powered off and all hardware has stopped functioning. **Step 3**: Restart the computer. Release the power button, then press it again to start the computer normally. **Fix 2: Close Unresponsive Programs** If a specific program is unresponsive, you can also try closing it to restore your computer to normal operation. **Step 1**: Press the **Ctrl + Shift + Esc** keys to quickly launch the **Task Manager**. **Step 2**: In the **Processes** tab, browse the list until you find the unresponsive program. **Step 3**: Right-click the program and select **End Task** from the pop-up menu. The program will be terminated immediately, which often helps alleviate a slow or unresponsive computer. **Fix 3: Restart Windows Explorer** When desktop icons, the taskbar, or File Explorer become unresponsive or display issues, the problem may be with Windows Explorer itself. In this case, simply restarting Windows Explorer can quickly restore normal operation. **Step 1**: Open **Task Manager** by pressing the **Ctrl + Shift + Esc** keys. **Step 2**: Click the **Processes** tab at the top and find **Windows Explorer**. **Step 3**: Right-click it and select **Restart** from the menu. The screen may flash briefly and then quickly reload. This indicates that the explorer has successfully restarted. If the above steps don’t resolve the “programs not responding” issue, try the following steps. Before doing so, enter Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts Windows in a basic state, loading only a limited number of drivers and system files. Here are the steps to enter Safe Mode: **Step 1**: Click on the **Start** button. **Step 2**: Click on the **Power** icon, and hold down the **Shift** key on your keyboard. Then click **Restart**. **Step 3**: Select **Troubleshoot**. **Step 4**: Select **Advanced options**. **Step 5**: Select **Startup Settings**.  **Step 6**: Click **Restart**. **Step 7**: After the restart, you’ll see a list of options. Press **F5** to start your computer in Safe Mode.  ### \#2. Troubleshooting for Recurring Issues **Fix 1: Update Drivers** Outdated or damaged disk drivers can cause system incompatibility, abnormal resource usage, or unstable operation, leading to computer freezes and other issues. Updating drivers can fix these issues, improve system stability and performance, and prevent unresponsiveness. **Step 1**: Right-click the **Start** button and choose **Device Manager**. **Step 2**: Expand **Disk drives**. **Step 3**: Right-click the hard drive and choose **Update driver**. **Step 4**: Select **Search automatically for drivers**.  **Fix 2: Scan for Virus and Malware** Malware such as viruses and Trojans may run in the background, consuming significant system resources and tampering with system files. This can prevent normal programs from running properly, causing Windows to become sluggish or completely unresponsive. Performing a comprehensive scan of your computer using [McAfee](https://utilities.minitool.com/mcafee/?utm_source=minitool.com&utm_medium=redirection&utm_campaign=mainmenu) antivirus software can effectively protect your system and improve performance. After the scan is complete, exit safe mode to see if the computer can be used again. **Fix 3: Use System File Checker (SFC)** SFC is a built-in utility in Windows designed to scan the system for missing or corrupted files and repair them as needed. **Step 1**: Type **cmd** in the **Search** box and click **Run as administrator** from the right panel. Then click **Yes**. **Step 2**: Type the command **sfc /scannow** and press the **Enter** key.  If the above commands fail to repair certain system files, you can use **DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth** to repair deeper system problems in Windows. If the issue doesn’t occur in Safe Mode, it indicates that the problem isn’t caused by default settings or basic drivers. Then, try the following methods. ### \#3. Advanced Methods **Fix 1: Check for Disk Errors** Hard drive problems (such as file system corruption or physical bad sectors) can cause system freezes, unresponsiveness, or even data loss. This operation can promptly detect and repair these problems, ensuring normal system operation and data security. **Step 1**: First, you need to enter the [WinRE environment](https://www.minitool.com/lib/windows-recovery-environment.html), and click **Command Prompt**.  **Step 2**: In the new pop-up window, type **chkdsk \*: /f /r** (replace \* with the drive letter of your external drive) and press **Enter**. - **/f:** Fixes errors on the disk. - **/r:** Locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.  After the disk check is complete, the system will repair potential disk errors. This can help resolve issues such as an unresponsive system, freezing, or slow booting. **Fix 2: Extend C Drive** One reason you might experience Windows 10 becoming unresponsive is insufficient system partition space. To resolve this issue, you can try expanding the system partition. MiniTool Partition Wizard is a useful tool that can help you do this. To ensure the safety of your system data, we recommend [creating bootable media](https://www.minitool.com/help/general/create-minitool-bootable-media.html) before expanding the partition. **Note:** In the bootable version of MiniTool Partition Wizard, the system partition may have a different drive letter. Therefore, make sure to select the correct partition. **Use the Extend Partition Feature** **Step 1**: In the main interface of MiniTool Partition Wizard, select the system partition and click **Extend Partition** from the action pane. **Step 2**: Click the down arrow from “**Take Free Space From**” and choose a partition or unallocated space. You can drag the sliding handle leftwards or rightwards to decide how much of the available space it takes up. After that, click **OK** to go back to the main interface.  **Step 3**: Click the **Apply** button to execute all changes. **Use the Move/Resize Partition Feature** **Step 1**: Highlight the system partition, and then click **Move/Resize Partition** from the action pane. **Step 2**: Drag the arrow to the right to occupy the unallocated space. Click **OK**.  **Step 3**: Click **Apply** to perform the system partition extension operation. This software not only provides operations such as create/format/split/merge partitions, but also provides functions such as [convert MBR to GPT](https://www.partitionwizard.com/partitionmagic/mbr-vs-gpt.html), hard drive recovery, and [USB drive formatter](https://www.partitionwizard.com/partitionmagic/usb-formatter.html). Now that we know how to fix the Windows not responding issue, we can also take some preventive measures to avoid similar situations from happening again. ## How to Prevent Windows from Becoming Unresponsive? To prevent Windows 10 from becoming unresponsive, keep your drivers and Windows system up to date, run virus scans to remove malware, and perform disk error checks. - **Restart your computer**: A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches that cause application or system freezes. - **Run program troubleshooters**: Regularly use built-in system tools to detect and fix compatibility issues with older or malfunctioning programs. - **Check for resource-intensive applications**: Regularly use Task Manager to identify and close applications that consume excessive CPU, memory, or disk resources. - **Update Windows and drivers**: Regularly check for and install Windows updates and update drivers to fix bugs and improve compatibility. - **Run SFC scans and disk checks**: Regularly run **sfc /scannow** to check for and repair corrupted system files, and chkdsk /f /r to check for and repair disk errors. - **Manage hard drive space**: Keep at least 10-15% of your hard drive free to allow the system to create temporary files and function properly. [How to fix the laptop not responding issue? You can find the solution in this article.Click to Tweet](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/windows-10-not-responding.html&text=How+to+fix+the+laptop+not+responding+issue%3F+You+can+find+the+solution+in+this+article.&via=MiniTool_) ## Bottom Line The Windows not responding problem is often caused by software conflicts or hardware issues. Most issues can be resolved through the various methods described in this article, such as updating drivers, running a disk check, and performing virus scans. To prevent similar issues, this article also provides preventative measures, such as regularly updating the system and cleaning the disk. If you have any questions or suggestions while using MiniTool Partition Wizard, you can contact us at [support@minitool.com](mailto:support@minitool.com) to get a quick reply. ## Windows Not Responding FAQ **1\. Does having too many Chrome tabs open cause the system to become “not responding”?** Yes. Each Chrome tab is equivalent to a separate process. The more tabs you have, the higher the memory and CPU usage. **2\. Will my computer be damaged if it remains unresponsive for a long time?** This typically won’t directly damage the hardware, but frequent forced shutdowns, power outages, or accidental deletion of system files can cause serious problems including data loss, system crashes, and other complications. **3\. What’s the difference between a hung application and a non-responsive application?** A hung application means that the program has stopped responding to user input, but may still be processing tasks in the background. A non-responsive computer usually means that the program has completely frozen. **4\. Can using a solid-state drive improve the unresponsiveness issue?** It usually significantly improves system responsiveness and reduces program lag. However, SSDs also require regular health checks and firmware updates.