Fix Surface Pro 9 App Crashes And Freezes: How-To Guide
Fix Surface Pro 9 App Crashes and Freezes: A Comprehensive How-To Guide
If you are experiencing frequent app crashes and freezes on your Microsoft Surface Pro 9, there are several troubleshooting steps and solutions you can implement to resolve these issues.
Restart Your Surface
A simple yet effective first step is to restart your Surface Pro 9. Sometimes, temporary software glitches can cause freezing and crashes, and a restart can clear these issues. If your device is unresponsive, you can perform a hard shutdown by pressing and holding the power button until the device shuts down and restarts, which should take about 20 seconds until you see the Windows logo screen[3][4].
Close Unresponsive Apps
If a specific app is causing the freeze, try closing it using the Task Manager. Press the "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" keys simultaneously to open the Task Manager, select the problematic app, and click "End Task"[1].
Update Windows and Drivers
Ensure your Surface Pro 9 is running the latest Windows updates and has up-to-date drivers. Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Update" to check for updates. Additionally, update your Surface drivers and firmware by visiting the official Microsoft Surface support website[1][4].
Check for Overheating
Overheating can cause a device to freeze. Make sure your Surface Pro 9 has proper ventilation, and the fans are clean. If you suspect overheating, let your device cool down and consider using a cooling pad[1].
Run Surface Diagnostic Toolkit
Microsoft provides a built-in diagnostic tool that can help identify and fix common issues. Type "Surface Diagnostic Toolkit" in the search bar, download and install it from the Microsoft Store, and follow the on-screen instructions to run specific tests or a series of tests to identify hardware and software issues[2][3].
Check for Malware and Viruses
Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or a reliable antivirus program to check for malware or viruses that may be causing the freezing issue. For more details on how to scan your Surface using Windows Defender, refer to the Windows Security guidelines[1][4].
Run System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)
Corrupted system files can disrupt the functioning of your computer. Launch Command Prompt as an administrator, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter, then restart your computer and run the command DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth to restore damaged system files[2].
Perform a Memory Diagnostic
Defective RAM can cause freezing issues. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic by typing mdsched.exe in the Run box, and then select "Restart now and check for problems (recommended)" to diagnose memory problems[2][3].
Update Device Drivers
Outdated or corrupted device drivers can cause system freezes. Open the Device Manager, expand each branch to show all the device drivers, right-click on each hardware component, select "Update driver," and let Windows automatically scan, detect, and install any newer drivers[2].
Disconnect Peripherals
Sometimes, peripherals can cause freezing issues. Disconnect everything from your Surface Pro 9, including the power cord, Typing Cover, accessories, adapters, and memory card. Restart your device without these peripherals connected to see if the issue persists[4].
Clean Connectors (For Surface Book Users)
If you are using a Surface Book, clean the connectors between the detachable screen and the keyboard. Detach the Clipboard from the keyboard and clean the pins on the connector with a pencil eraser[4].
Run Disk Cleanup
Reduce unnecessary files on your drive by running Disk Cleanup. This can help your Surface run faster and potentially resolve freezing issues. Be cautious and ensure you do not delete necessary files[4].
Disable Fast Startup and Unnecessary Startup Programs
Disabling fast startup and unnecessary startup programs can help resolve some Windows startup problems. Go to the Power Options in the Control Panel, click on "Choose what the power buttons do," and then disable fast startup. Also, disable any unnecessary programs that run at startup[4].
Reset Windows (Keep Files)
If the freezing issue persists, you can try resetting Windows while keeping your files. Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Recovery," and under "Reset this PC," click "Get started." Choose "Keep my files" and follow the instructions[1].
Perform System Restore
If the freezing issue started after making significant changes to your system, consider performing a system restore to revert to a previous state. Type sysdm.cpl in the Run box, open System Properties, go to the System Protection tab, and select "System Restore" to choose a restore point[2].
By following these steps, you can systematically troubleshoot and potentially resolve the app crashes and freezes on your Microsoft Surface Pro 9. If the issues persist, it may be necessary to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.