Solved: Laptop Freezes and Crash after Windows 10 update

Microsoft finally released Windows 10 version 21H2 build 19044 with a  number of new features and improvements. And Microsoft regularly pushes patch updates with security improvements, bug fixes to stable the latest OS build. But some unlucky users report an issue where feature update to “Windows 10 version 21H2 freezes or randomly crashes with different blue screen errors”.

There are various reasons that cause this issue (windows 10 freezes, Crashes, not responding). But the most common is the installed device driver (may the device driver not compatible with the current windows version or its get corrupted while windows upgrade process), Corrupted system files, Device driver conflict, Security software, incorrect configuration and more.

Windows 10 Freezes after update

Whatever the reason here are some solutions you may apply to fix Windows 10 version 20H2 freezes or randomly crashes with different blue screen errors etc.

Note: If due to windows freezes/Crashes you are unable to perform the below solutions, Then You need to Boot into safe mode with networking so that windows start with minimum system requirements and allow to perform troubleshooting steps.

Try a Windows key sequence to wake the screen, simultaneously press the Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B. A tablet user can simultaneously press both the volume-up and volume-down buttons, three times within 2 seconds. If Windows is responsive, a short beep will sound and the screen will blink or dim while Windows attempts to refresh the screen.

Install the Latest cumulative updates

Also, make sure you have installed the latest cumulative update for Windows 10 version 21H2.

Addresses an issue that may cause some devices to stop responding or working when using applications, such as Cortana or Chrome, after installing the Windows 10 version 21H2 Update.

You can check and install the latest updates from windows settings -> update and security -> windows updates and check for updates.

Uninstall recently installed applications (include Antivirus)

Previously installed third-party applications also cause the problem as this is not compatible with the current windows version. We recommend temporarily uninstall them from the control panel, programs and features. look for recently installed third-party applications and select uninstall.

Also sometimes Security software also causes this type of problem (windows not responding at startup, windows BSOD failure etc). For the time being, we recommend uninstalling the security software (antivirus/antimalware) if installed on your system.

Run DISM and system file checker

As discussed before corrupted system files also cause different startup errors, including system freezes, windows not responding to mouse clicks, and Windows 10 suddenly crashes with Different BSOD errors. We recommend to open the command prompt as administrator and run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) command. which repairs the Windows image or prepares a Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) image.

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth 

Wait until 100% complete the scanning process, After that run the command “sfc /scannow” to repair and restore the corrupted system files. This will scan the system for missing, corrupted system files. If found any the SFC utility will restore them from a compressed folder located on %WinDir%\System32\dllcache. Wait until 100% complete the scanning process and restart windows to take effect the changes.

Update or reinstall Device drivers

Installed device drivers, such as a corrupted, incompatible device driver “especially the display driver, Network adapter and Audio driver” mostly cause Startup problems as windows stuck at the black screen with white cursor or windows to fail to start with different BSOD.

• Press Windows + X keyboard shortcut and select device manager,
• This will display all installed device driver list
• Here expend every installed driver and look for any driver with a yellow triangle mark.
• May this one cause the issue and updating or reinstall the driver with the latest version will fix the problems for you.

Right-click on the problematic driver and select update driver. Next, click on the search automatically for the updated driver and follow on-screen instructions to allow Windows to automatically download and install the latest driver. After complete, the install process restart windows to take effect the changes.

If windows didn’t find any driver update, Then visit the device manufacturers website (Laptop users Dell, HP, Acer, Lenovo, ASUS etc and Desktop users visit the motherboard manufacturers’ website) look for the latest available driver, Download and save to local drive.

Again visit Device Manager, Right-click on the problematic driver select uninstall the device. Click ok when asking for confirmation and restart windows to completely remove the driver. Now on the next login install the latest driver that previously you have downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.

Disable your dedicated graphics card

This is another reason for Windows 10 April 2018 Update freeze or crash. If you are facing a blue screen error at startup then disable your display (graphics) drivers. Run your computer without a graphics driver to see if an error occurs again or not.  To disable your dedicated graphics card, do the following:

• Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.
• locate your dedicated graphics card in Device Manager and right-click it.
• Choose Disable from the menu.
• Check for the latest driver updates for the graphics card.

Also, Download the latest driver or last official driver for your graphics card. Avoid beta drivers and also do not download from Windows update.

Try this if Network & internet connection causing the problem

• Press Windows Key + X and choose Command Prompt(Admin) from the menu.
• Enter the following command and press Enter to run it:
  netsh winsock reset
• Close Command Prompt and restart your computer.

Also, Bad and corrupted network drivers can also freeze Windows 10 November 2019 Update. Visit your network adapter manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers. Also, update your Wifi card drivers. And if possible switch to a wired connection.

Also open the control panel, Power options. Here find your plan and click Change plan settings. Then click on Change advanced power settings ->  expend PCI Express -> Link State Power management. And change the setting to Off As shown image below. Click Apply and OK to save changes.

For some users, disabling Location Services can also fix these errors. If you have a desktop or laptop without a GPS device, disable the location service. One service is better. To disable Location Service Go to Settings> Privacy> Location and turn that off.

Did these solutions help to fix “Windows 10 Laptop Freeze and Crash Issues (version 21H2)”? Let us know on the comments below If you still having an issue we recommend reinstall windows 10 using the official Windows 10 media creation tool or the latest Windows 10 ISO.

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