Isolate freezing and high CPU usage with a Windows Clean Boot
Disable all non-Microsoft background startup services to identify which software is freezing your computer.
Internal desktop parts run on harmless 12V DC voltage and cannot shock you. Simply unplug the wall power cable first, then touch the unpainted metal case frame to ground static electricity.
Common Symptoms & Tells
- PC freezes or lags in desktop but runs fine in Safe Mode
- High CPU or usage immediately after logging into Windows
- Unknown background process causing game crashes
Interactive Fix Checklist
0 of 3 steps completedHide all Microsoft services in msconfig
Press Win+R, type 'msconfig' and hit Enter. Go to the 'Services' tab. CRITICAL: Check the box 'Hide all Microsoft services' at the bottom left.
Disable remaining third-party services
With Microsoft services hidden, click 'Disable all'. Then go to the 'Startup' tab -> click 'Open Task Manager' -> right-click and disable non-essential startup apps. Click OK and restart PC.
Restore normal startup once testing is complete
Once culprit software is uninstalled or identified, open 'msconfig' again, select 'Normal startup' on the General tab, click OK and reboot.
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