6 Methods to Fix Computer Freezing When Playing Games
Experiencing your computer freezing while playing games can be incredibly frustrating. One moment, you're fully immersed in the action, and the next, your screen locks up, forcing you to restart the system. In this guide, we'll walk you through several methods to identify and resolve the problem, including the use of Driver Sentry to update your drivers.
Method 1: Check Your System Specifications
Sometimes, the issue of freezing during gameplay is simply due to your system not meeting the minimum requirements for the game you're playing. If your computer's hardware is underpowered, the game may struggle to run smoothly, causing it to freeze or crash.
Review the game's minimum and recommended system requirements: Check the game's website or Steam page to confirm that your computer meets the necessary specifications.
Compare your hardware: If your CPU, GPU, RAM, or hard drive falls short of the game's needs, you might experience performance issues, including freezing.
Upgrade your hardware: If your system doesn't meet the minimum specs, consider upgrading key components like the graphics card, adding more RAM, or using a faster SSD.
Method 2: Update Your Graphics Drivers
New games often require the latest version of drivers to ensure smooth rendering and optimal performance. If your graphics card drivers are outdated or incompatible with the system, it can also cause game freezing. A simple and quick solution is to use Driver Sentry.
Download Driver Sentry: Click here to download the Driver Sentry installer and follow the prompts to install the tool.
Run the scan: Open Driver Sentry and scan your system to find outdated or missing drivers.
Upgrade the graphics driver: Once the scan is complete, Driver Sentry will display any outdated graphics drivers. Click the "Upgrade" button to automatically download and install the latest drivers.
Reboot your computer: After the update is finished, restart your computer to ensure the new drivers take effect.
Check if the issue is resolved: After restarting, run the game and check if the freezing issue is fixed.
Method 3: Monitor and Manage Your System's Temperature
Overheating is a common cause of freezing during games, especially if you're playing graphics-intensive titles. When your computer's components, particularly the CPU and GPU, overheat, they may throttle performance or freeze entirely to protect the system from damage.
Check system temperature: Open Driver Sentry and go to Hardware to view the CPU and GPU temperatures.
Clean your computer: Over time, dust accumulates inside your computer, blocking airflow and causing components to overheat. Use compressed air to clean out dust from your CPU, GPU, and cooling fans.
Ensure proper airflow: Make sure your PC case has adequate ventilation, and your fans are working properly. If necessary, consider adding more cooling fans or upgrading to a better cooling system.
Apply fresh thermal paste: If your CPU temperature is still too high, you might need to reapply thermal paste between the CPU and the heatsink to improve heat dissipation.
Method 4: Verify Game Files for Corruption
Corrupted game files can also lead to crashes and freezing. Sometimes, files may get damaged during installation or updates, causing the game to malfunction.
On Steam: Right-click the game in your Library, select "Properties", go to the "Local Files" tab, and click "Verify Integrity of Game Files".
On Epic Games Store: Click the three dots next to the game in your Library, select "Manage", and then choose "Verify".
Reinstall the game: If the verification process finds errors or doesn't resolve the issue, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the game to ensure all files are intact.
Method 5: Disable Background Processes and Programs
Background applications and processes running while gaming can consume valuable system resources, causing your computer to freeze or lag. Programs like web browsers, chat apps, or even unnecessary system services can interfere with your game's performance.
Use Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and check the list of running processes.
End unnecessary processes: Right-click and end any processes that are using excessive CPU or memory but are not necessary for the game.
Disable startup programs: In Task Manager, go to the "Startup" tab and disable any non-essential programs from starting automatically when your computer boots up. This will free up resources for your game.
Close background applications: Ensure that no applications such as web browsers, streaming apps, or file downloaders are running while gaming.
Method 6: Check for Software Conflicts
Sometimes, software conflicts—such as issues between your antivirus software and the game—can cause freezing or crashing. These conflicts often arise from incompatible settings or overly aggressive system protection.
Disable antivirus temporarily: Some antivirus programs may interfere with game processes. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus software and check if the game still freezes.
Update or reinstall antivirus software: If you suspect your antivirus is causing issues, make sure it's up-to-date or try reinstalling it.
Check for conflicting software: If you recently installed new software, it could be causing conflicts with the game. Try uninstalling any recently added software and see if it helps.
The issue of computer freezing during games can be caused by various factors, but with the right troubleshooting and solutions, the problem is usually solvable. Regularly using Driver Sentry to update drivers helps maintain your computer's optimal performance.
See also:
Fix Windows 10 network disconnection error
Solve Windows 11 network recognition issue
How to Fix 'This Device Cannot Start (Code 10)' Error
