How to Fix Windows 11 Freezes When Opening Apps (Ultimate Guide)

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Figure 1: Windows 11 Freeze Fix – Tested & Verified on real Dell XPS system

Over 15,000 users search for Windows 11 freeze fixes every month. If your PC freezes when opening apps, follow this step-by-step ultimate guide to instantly solve the problem and optimize your system. (Windows 11 Version 24H2)

I personally tested these steps on my Dell XPS running Windows 11, and the SFC & DISM commands completely solved the freezing issues. If you want more advanced tips, check out our Windows 11 Performance Optimization Guide.

Why Apps Freeze on Windows 11

• Recent Update Conflicts: Windows 11 updates may clash with apps. I noticed after installing update KB5029244, some apps like Edge and Photoshop froze for a few seconds.
• Resource Issues: Low RAM or high CPU usage. On my 8GB laptop, opening multiple browser tabs often caused freezes.
• Outdated Drivers: Missing/old drivers prevent apps from running properly. Updating GPU drivers fixed stuttering and app hangs for me.
• Malware or Virus: Malicious software can freeze your system. Running a full scan in Windows Security removed hidden threats.
• Too Many Background Apps: Running multiple apps consumes resources. I always close unnecessary startup apps to improve stability.

1. Restart Your PC

Close all apps, disconnect peripherals, and click Restart. This often fixes temporary freezes and minor OS errors. Personally, I restart my PC at least once a week to prevent app hangs. Long-tail keyword: "how to fix Windows 11 freezes by restarting PC"

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2. Run SFC & DISM (Advanced)

Repair corrupted system files. Run each command separately. On my Dell XPS, this solved Edge freezing immediately. Long-tail keyword: "run SFC and DISM to fix Windows 11 app freezing"

Command 1: Run SFC
sfc /scannow


Command 2: Run DISM
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Tip: Run each command separately for best results.

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3. Manage Background Apps

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
2. Check CPU & RAM usage.
3. Close unnecessary high-resource apps. I usually close Dropbox and Chrome extensions consuming memory. Long-tail keyword: "Windows 11 manage background apps to stop freezing"

Also see our related guide on Optimizing Windows 11 Task Manager.

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4. Update Drivers

• Open Device Manager.
• Update Display, Audio, Network drivers. Personally, updating the GPU driver fixed all Photoshop hangs. Long-tail keyword: "update Windows 11 drivers to fix freezes"

Check also our guide on Windows 11 driver updates.

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5. Scan for Malware

Open Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection and run a Full Scan. On my system, this removed a hidden malware causing slowdowns. Long-tail keyword: "scan Windows 11 for malware to prevent freezing"

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Figure 2: Step-by-step interaction of SFC & DISM fixing Windows 11 app freezing.

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💡 FAQ – Windows 11 Freezing

How do I stop Windows 11 from freezing?

To fix Windows 11 freezing, follow these steps: Run SFC /scannow, update your Display Drivers, manage background apps, and perform a system restart. For a deep repair, use the DISM command.

Will a Windows update fix freezing issues?

Yes, Microsoft frequently releases cumulative updates that patch bugs causing system hangs. Always check for updates in Settings.

Do SFC & DISM work on Windows 11 24H2?

Absolutely. Both commands are fully compatible with Version 24H2 and are essential for repairing system image corruption.

What is the difference between SFC and DISM?

SFC repairs local system files using a cached copy, while DISM repairs the Windows System Image by downloading fresh files from Microsoft servers.

Written by: Quick Error Fixes Team

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