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How to Fix Windows 10 Anniversary Update Freeze: Step-by-Step Solutions

The Windows 10 Anniversary Update is a major update that brings new features and improvements. However, some users have reported that their system freezes during or after the update. This can be frustrating and disrupt your workflow.

If you’re experiencing a freeze with the Anniversary Update, don’t worry. There are several simple solutions you can try to fix the problem.

This article will guide you through step-by-step instructions to resolve the freezing issue. Each step is explained in an easy-to-understand way.

Follow the solutions carefully, starting from the easiest and moving to more advanced options if needed.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

  • Ensure your PC is plugged into a power source to avoid interruptions.
  • Back up important files to avoid data loss during troubleshooting.
  • Make sure your internet connection is stable if updates or downloads are required.
  • Close all open programs before starting the fixes to prevent conflicts.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary glitches causing the freeze. To restart:

  1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of your screen.
  2. Select the Power icon.
  3. Click Restart.

Restarting clears temporary files and resets system processes, which can often resolve freezing issues quickly.

Step 2: Disconnect External Devices

External devices like USB drives, printers, or external hard disks can sometimes cause conflicts during updates. To check if they are the cause:

  1. Unplug all non-essential external devices from your computer.
  2. Restart your PC and see if the freezing stops.

If the freeze no longer happens, reconnect devices one by one to identify the problematic hardware.

Step 3: Boot Into Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and services. This can help determine if background programs are causing the freeze.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
  3. In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
  4. Check the box for Safe boot and select Minimal.
  5. Click OK and then Restart.

If your PC runs smoothly in Safe Mode, the freeze might be caused by third-party software or drivers. You can then try uninstalling recently added programs or updating drivers.

Step 4: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can identify and fix common update-related problems.

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security and then Troubleshoot.
  3. Scroll down and select Windows Update, then click Run the troubleshooter.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

This tool can automatically detect issues causing freezes and fix them without manual intervention.

Step 5: Check Disk Health Using CHKDSK

Corrupted files on your hard drive can cause freezes. Running CHKDSK checks for disk errors and repairs them.

  1. Press Windows + X and choose Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk /f /r

You will be asked if you want to schedule the scan on the next restart. Type Y and press Enter.

Restart your PC to let CHKDSK scan and fix disk problems. This process might take some time, so be patient.

Step 6: Update Device Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause system instability. To update your drivers:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand categories and locate devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
  3. Right-click the device and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Follow prompts to install any available updates.

Updating drivers helps ensure hardware works well with the Anniversary Update.

Step 7: Perform a System File Check (SFC)

The System File Checker scans and repairs corrupted Windows system files that may cause freezes.

  1. Open Command Prompt with administrator rights (see Step 5).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This scan can take several minutes. Do not close the window until it finishes. After completion, restart your PC.

Step 8: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal startup programs and services, helping identify software conflicts.

  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Services tab.
  3. Check Hide all Microsoft services.
  4. Click Disable all.
  5. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  6. Disable all startup items.
  7. Close Task Manager and click OK in System Configuration.
  8. Restart your computer.

If the freeze stops, gradually re-enable services and startup items to find the cause.

Step 9: Reset Windows Update Components

If updates are stuck or causing freezes, resetting Windows Update components can help.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

This process stops update services, renames update folders to reset them, and restarts the services.

Step 10: Consider System Restore

If the freezing started after the update and nothing else works, using System Restore can revert your PC to a previous state.

  1. Press Windows + S and type Create a restore point. Select the matching result.
  2. Click System Restore and follow the wizard.
  3. Select a restore point dated before the update was installed.
  4. Confirm and start the restoration. Your PC will restart.

This can fix issues by undoing recent changes without affecting personal files.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my PC freeze after the Anniversary Update?

Freezes can happen due to incompatible drivers, corrupted system files, or software conflicts introduced by the update.

Will uninstalling the update fix the freeze?

Uninstalling the update can help, but it is usually better to try the troubleshooting steps first to avoid missing important security fixes.

How long should I wait during the freeze?

If the system is completely unresponsive for more than 10-15 minutes, it is safe to proceed with troubleshooting steps.

Is Safe Mode permanent?

No. Safe Mode is temporary. To exit, open msconfig and uncheck Safe boot, then restart your PC.

Can I use third-party tools to fix the freeze?

Some third-party repair tools exist, but it is recommended to use built-in Windows tools first to avoid further issues.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps and your PC still freezes, you may need to seek professional help or contact Microsoft Support.

Consider visiting the official Microsoft support page for Windows 10 Anniversary Update issues: https://support.microsoft.com/windows.

As a last resort, you might perform a clean installation of Windows 10, but this will erase all your files, so backup is essential.

Conclusion

Freezing after the Windows 10 Anniversary Update can be caused by several factors, but most issues are fixable with simple steps.

Start by restarting your PC and disconnecting external devices. Then, try Safe Mode, troubleshoot updates, check your disk and system files, and update drivers.

If needed, perform a clean boot or use System Restore to undo problematic changes.

Following these steps carefully will help you resolve freezing issues and enjoy the new features of the Anniversary Update smoothly.

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