My PC runs normally in BIOS, but a few minutes after Windows begins loading, the screen freezes completely and none of the inputs respond. The power button and reset switch still work, and there's no error code or obvious overheating. I've already replaced the drive and reinstalled Windows, but the problem is unchanged. I can't afford a repair shop right now. What hardware should I test first?
3 Answers
The exact failure behavior matters. If it were an instant power loss or reboot, I’d suspect power delivery or overheating. A complete screen freeze with the switches still working points more toward RAM, graphics, the motherboard, or another hardware fault. Check Event Viewer if you can keep Windows running long enough, though a hard freeze may not leave anything useful.
Because the drive has already been replaced and Windows reinstalled, the operating system and storage are less likely to be the root cause. Test the RAM sticks individually, try another graphics card or integrated graphics, and disconnect anything nonessential. If the crashes continue with a minimal setup, the motherboard or power supply may be failing.
After testing the replacements and reinstalling Windows, the motherboard now seems like the most likely part that’s failing. I may need to replace some hardware.
Since BIOS stays stable but Windows freezes, try reducing the system to the bare minimum. Use one RAM stick at a time, disconnect all unnecessary USB and PCIe devices, and remove the dedicated graphics card if your motherboard has integrated video. That can help isolate a bad component.
I’m currently stuck in the Windows installer because I initially suspected the drive, so I don’t think I can get into Safe Mode.
It completely freezes and won’t accept any input, but the physical power and reset buttons still work.