What causes system hangs and how can you troubleshoot them?

1 Types of system hangs

System hangs can vary in scope, duration, and severity. An example of an application hang is when a program or process stops responding or consumes too many resources, while the rest of the system remains operational. Kernel hangs refer to when the core component of the operating system that manages memory, processes, and hardware drivers fails or encounters a critical error, leading to a system crash or reboot. Hardware hangs are caused by physical devices or components malfunctioning, overheating, or failing to communicate with the system, resulting in performance issues, errors, or data loss.

3 Basic troubleshooting steps

When you encounter a system hang, the first thing you should do is to identify the type and cause of the hang. To narrow down the problem and find a possible solution, you can use some basic troubleshooting steps. For example, you can check the system logs using tools like Event Viewer in Windows or journalctl in Linux to look for any clues or patterns that indicate the source of the hang. You can also monitor the system resources with tools like Task Manager in Windows or top in Linux to observe any abnormal or excessive activity that may be causing the hang. Additionally, you should make sure your operating system and hardware drivers are up to date and compatible with your system and devices by using tools like Windows Update in Windows or apt in Linux to install the latest patches and fixes. You can also scan for malware using a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program, such as Windows Defender in Windows or ClamAV in Linux. Sometimes, simply restarting the system is enough to resolve the hang, as it can clear the memory, terminate any stuck processes, and apply any pending changes.

4 Advanced troubleshooting techniques

If the basic troubleshooting steps do not resolve the system hang, you may need to use some advanced troubleshooting techniques to diagnose and fix the problem. For example, you can boot into safe mode by pressing F8 or Shift+F8 during the boot process in Windows or by adding the single parameter to the kernel command line in Linux. Additionally, you can use a live CD or USB, created with tools like Rufus in Windows or dd in Linux, to access your system files, backup your data, or run diagnostic tools. Debuggers like WinDbg in Windows or gdb in Linux can be used to find and fix errors, analyze crashes, or trace execution. Finally, recovery tools like System Restore in Windows or fsck in Linux can be used to restore your system to a previous state, repair damaged files, or recover deleted data.

5 Best practices to prevent system hangs

System hangs can be avoided if you follow some best practices to maintain your system's health and performance. To start, keep your system clean and organized by deleting any unnecessary or temporary files, uninstalling any unused or outdated programs, and defragmenting your disk. Additionally, optimize your system settings to suit your needs and preferences such as disabling unnecessary startup programs, enabling power saving modes, or configuring your network settings. Moreover, secure your system from malware, hackers, or unauthorized access by using a strong password, enabling a firewall, encrypting your data, and backing up your data regularly. Lastly, maintain your hardware components by checking for any signs of wear and tear, dust, or damage and replacing or repairing them as needed. Make sure that your hardware is properly ventilated, cooled, and powered.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?