Question:

Recently, my partner’s computer, which runs on Windows 11, has been experiencing frequent and sudden crashes with applications like Discord, Opera, and games such as Overwatch and R6. These apps are either closing unexpectedly or restarting on their own. Additionally, the computer has completely frozen several times, necessitating a manual shutdown via the power button. We’ve taken several troubleshooting steps, including updating Windows, GPU drivers, and the motherboard BIOS, running SFC and chkdsk /r scans, uninstalling the latest Windows update, adjusting power settings for high performance, clearing temporary files, and conducting a full virus scan.

The problems seemed to start after installing Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 and another older Call of Duty game from Steam on February 6th. Black Ops 2 didn’t work right after installation, which might be relevant. A friend suggested that anti-cheat software can cause issues, so we removed Black Ops 2, but the problems continue. Attempts to uninstall and reinstall Steam didn’t resolve the issue. It seems no application is immune to these crashes, and this PC is used as much for work as it is for gaming.

The system specifications are as follows: Intel Core i7 14700K Raptor Lake, MSI Z690 A WiFi DDR5, G.Skill Trident series 32GB memory, ASUS Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12GB, and a WD Blue mainstream 6TB hard drive.

Could you provide any insights or recommendations on how to resolve these persistent crashes and system freezes?”

I hope this rephrased question captures the essence of the issue and is suitable for consulting an expert. If you need further assistance or have more details to add, feel free to share!

Answer:

Windows 11 is designed to be a stable and efficient operating system, but like any complex software, it can encounter issues. When a computer starts experiencing frequent application crashes and system freezes, it can be frustrating, especially when the device serves dual purposes for work and gaming.

Understanding the Issue

The problem described involves applications such as Discord, Opera, and games like Overwatch and R6 crashing or restarting without warning. The system also freezes to the point where a manual shutdown is necessary. These issues began after installing two older Call of Duty games, which could indicate a potential cause related to software conflicts or system resource management.

Troubleshooting Steps Taken

Several troubleshooting steps have already been attempted:

• Updating Windows, GPU drivers, and motherboard BIOS.
• Running SFC and chkdsk /r scans.
• Uninstalling the latest Windows update.
• Adjusting power settings for high performance.
• Clearing temporary files.
• Conducting a full virus scan.

Despite these efforts, the problems persist.

Potential Solutions

Given the comprehensive nature of the troubleshooting steps already taken, here are some additional recommendations:

1.

Check for Overheating

: Ensure that the PC’s cooling system is functioning correctly. Overheating can cause applications to crash and the system to freeze.

2.

Inspect Hardware Components

: Faulty hardware, such as RAM or the GPU, can lead to instability. Consider running a memory test and monitoring GPU temperatures.

3.

Review System Logs

: The Event Viewer in Windows can provide clues to the cause of the crashes. Look for critical errors or warnings that coincide with the times of the crashes.

4.

Perform a Clean Boot

: Start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs to determine if background applications are causing conflicts.

5.

Restore System to a Previous State

: Use System Restore to revert the computer to a state before the issues began, if possible.

6.

Reinstall Windows

: As a last resort, back up important data and perform a clean installation of Windows 11.

Conclusion

Persistent crashes and freezes can often be resolved through a process of elimination and careful observation. By following the steps outlined above, you may be able to identify and resolve the underlying cause of the instability. Remember to back up important data regularly to prevent loss in case of system failure.

System Specifications for Reference:

• CPU: Intel Core i7 14700K Raptor Lake
• Motherboard: MSI Z690 A WiFi DDR5
• Memory: G.Skill Trident series 32GB
• GPU: ASUS Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12GB
• Storage: WD Blue mainstream 6TB hard drive

If

these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be worthwhile to consult with a professional technician who can provide a more in-depth analysis and hands-on troubleshooting. Remember, the key is to isolate the cause through systematic testing and changes. Good luck!