I performed a Windows refresh on my SSD and now my PC consistently freezes.
I performed a Windows refresh on my SSD and now my PC consistently freezes.
Recently, I had to update my Windows after doing something I shouldn’t have done. I attempted to reinstall all the drivers, but I’m unsure if everything was downloaded properly. Now, the computer becomes extremely slow every hour or so, forcing me to restart it completely. Do you have any troubleshooting tips?
And what was that?
You obtain drivers from the motherboard manufacturer's support page and the graphics card manufacturer's site (Nvidia/AMD/Intel).
Begin by detailing your system's complete specifications. Make sure to note the full PSU model name visible on the PSU label.
Execute memtest86 to verify your RAM.
Check your storage drives, run HDTune for health diagnostics—use the manufacturer-specific SSD tool for SSDs.
Share screenshots by uploading them to imgur.com and posting the link.
I'm trying to free up more space on the SSD, but I unintentionally deleted something in the Windows folder. I think I might have done that, and I also relied on tools like driver booster to assist.
Current specifications:
- MOBIO: Z370M gaming pro AC
- CPU: i7 9700K
- CPU cooler: Noctua D15S
- SSD: 1TB WD Blue
- GPU: 6650XT
- Power supply: Seasonic Focus Plus 650W Gold
- Amazon link for the SSD
Health check for the SSD shows no failures or warnings, just a low wear indicator.
I can't run memtest86 right now since I don't have a USB drive, but I did test it using Windows and it didn't work.
Link to photos of hdd and SSD tests: https://imgur.com/a/eu71GQ8
View: https://imgur.com/a/eu71GQ8
Noted something after my last freeze—my AMD Radeon software crashed. After a short pause (no PC restart), it hasn't been freezing again.
Update: It's starting to freeze once more.
The Windows Refresh function is not a worthwhile investment of time. It merely updates the Windows modules without replacing any third-party drivers. Given that most issues stem from these drivers, Refresh offers little real benefit for fixing unstable systems. Cloud Refresh works the same way. The main benefit remains its neutrality toward installed third-party applications, which explains why users continue to try it.
The issue was resolved the previous day when working on downloading various drivers and software, which made it run smoothly; only recently did it begin freezing for an unknown reason.
Do not use driver booster. It seems it may have installed something unsuitable.
Get drivers only from the manufacturer's support site and AMD support site.
When installing drivers, begin with chipset drivers.
MSI Global - The Leading Brand in High-end Gaming & Professional Creation
As a top gaming brand worldwide, MSI is recognized for innovation in design. We deliver exceptional gaming equipment such as motherboards, graphics cards, laptops, and desktops.
www.msi.com
https://www.amd.com/en/support/graphics/...rx-6650-xt
Because of the unclear actions you took, the files you removed, and the drivers you added, I believe the best approach is to perform a thorough reset of the OS drive and reinstall Windows completely. This time, avoid shortcuts such as Driver Booster. Even if these tools were effective—though they aren't—they should be used with full awareness of what you're installing and why, as this can cause complications.
The optimal method to proceed without compromising your files is to carefully review the instructions and consider alternative approaches that maintain data integrity.
Copy those files to another storage device. Then... How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial For those seeking the Windows 11 clean install guide, it's available here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here). If not, you're welcome to follow the Windows 10 clean install instructions. This guide aims to assist you through each step of a clean installation of Windows... forums.
Are you permitted to store all data except the windows file on your hard drive? Your drive won't format properly.