Ultimate Guide to Troubleshooting a Frozen Chromebook

Have you ever experienced a Chromebook screen freezes? You know, when your Chromebook suddenly stops responding, the screen goes blank, you can’t click or type anything and it seems totally unresponsive.

If this has happened to you, don’t panic! Chromebook freezes can be frustrating but they’re usually not a sign of anything seriously wrong.

However, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many Chromebook users face this problem from time to time, and there are several possible causes and solutions for it.

Here are a few simple things you can try to get your Chromebook working again quickly without losing any data or progress.

• Force Restart

• Check for Updates

• Sign Out and Back In

• Restart in Safe Mode

• Reset to Factory Defaults

• Refresh Chrome browser

Furthermore, we will outline some simple steps to take to unfreeze a frozen Chromebook. Additionally, we will provide some tips on how to stop your Chromebook from freezing in the future.

Similarly, whether you have an ASUS Chromebook, an HP Chromebook, a Samsung Chromebook, or any other brand, you’ll find this guide helpful and easy to follow.  

what to do when your Chromebook freezes  ?

Has your Chromebook frozen and you can’t do anything? Don’t panic, there are some simple things you can try to get it working again.

Whether you’re in the middle of an important task or just casually browsing, a frozen Chromebook can be frustrating.

However, the good news is that there are usually quick fixes that can get you back up and running.

Follow the methods mentioned below to solve the issue of Chromebook freezing and unfreeze it:

Refresh the Chrome browser

Updating the Chrome browser can resolve the Chromebook freezing issue if the issue is caused by a specific tab or web page that is not loading properly or consuming too much memory.

Furthermore, refreshing the browser may clear the cache and reload the page, which may fix the problem.  

Follow below mentioned steps to unfreeze the freezes Chromebook:

• Firstly, make sure the browser is open and active on your Chromebook.

• Secondly, press and hold Ctrl + Shift + R simultaneously on your keyboard.

• Thirdly, wait for the browser to refresh and reload the page.

• Alternatively, you can also try closing some tabs or apps you don’t need or restarting your Chromebook if refreshing the browser doesn’t work.

Remove any external devices

Removing any external devices can resolve the Chromebook freezing issue if the issue is caused by a faulty or incompatible device connected to the Chromebook, such as a USB drive, headphones, printer, or memory card.

Furthermore, removing these devices can help you isolate the source of the problem and restore normal operation of the Chromebook.  

Additionally, here are the steps to remove any external device to fix your Chromebook when it freezes :

• Firstly, locate the ports on the sides of your Chromebook where external devices are connected.

• Secondly, carefully remove plugs or cables from external devices from the ports. Similarly, do not pull or twist plugs or cables, as this could damage them or damage the ports.

• Thirdly, if you have a memory card inserted in the Chromebook, press it lightly to eject it from the slot.

• Finally, after removing all external devices, check if your Chromebook is still frozen or unresponsive.

• Alternatively, try plugging in the devices one by one and see which one causes the problem. You may need to replace or update the device or its driver.

Also Check: Why does Chromebook keep disconnecting from WiFi ?

Check for Chrome issues

Checking Chrome issues can resolve the Chromebook freezing issue if the issue is caused by a specific tab, web page, extension, or browser setting that is not working properly or interfering with the Chrome OS.

Furthermore, checking Chrome issues can help you identify and fix the source of the problem and restore normal Chromebook operation.

Follow below mentioned steps to unfreeze your freezes Chromebook:

• Firstly, open the Chrome browser and click on the three dots icon in the upper right corner.

• Secondly, select Settings from the drop-down menu and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

• Thirdly, click Advanced to expand more options and look for the section named Reset and Clean.

• Subsequently, click Clean up computer to run the Chrome Cleanup Tool, which will scan your Chromebook for harmful software and remove it if it finds it.

• Alternatively, click Restore settings to original defaults to reset your Chrome browser settings to default values. This will disable all your extensions, clear your cache and cookies, and reset your home page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. Your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords will not be affected.

• Finally, restart your Chromebook and check if the freezing issue is resolved.

Check for any error messages  

Checking any error messages can resolve the Chromebook freezing issue if the issue is caused by a specific browser tab, web page, extension, or setting that is not working properly or interfering with the Chrome OS.

Furthermore, checking for error messages can help you identify and fix the source of the problem and restore normal Chromebook operation.

Follow below mentioned steps to solve the issue that Chromebook freezes:

• Firstly, if you see an error message on the screen while your Chromebook is frozen, write down the message or take a photo with another device.

• Secondly, use another device to search for the exact text of the error message on Google, or see Chromebook Help for more guidance.

• Similarly, follow the instructions or suggestions provided by the websites or help center to fix the error and resolve the issue.

• Alternatively, if you don’t see any error messages on the screen, you may need to try other solutions.

Also Check: Why is my Chromebook screen glitching ?

​End any tasks that are consuming too much memory or CPU  

Ending any task that consumes too much memory or CPU can resolve the Chromebook freezing issue if the issue is caused by a specific app, tab, or extension that is unresponsive or hogging system resources.

Furthermore, completing these tasks can free up memory and CPU and improve Chromebook performance.

If your Chromebook freezes due to a task that consumes too much memory or CPU, here are the steps to end it:

• Firstly, press Shift + Esc to open Chrome OS Task Manager. Alternatively, you can click the three-dot icon in the top right corner of the Chrome browser, select More Tools, and then click Browser Task Manager.

• Secondly, in Task Manager, click the Memory or CPU column header to sort tasks by memory or CPU usage in descending order.

• Thirdly, select the task that uses the most memory or CPU and click the End Process button in the lower right corner. You can also right-click the task and select End Process from the context menu.

• Similarly, repeat this for any other tasks that use too much memory or CPU. You can also close any tabs or apps you’re not using.

• Finally, check if your Chromebook is still frozen or unresponsive. That means you have successfully solved the issue if it doesn’t occur. Alternatively, if yes, you may need to try other solutions such as updating the Chrome browser, performing a hard reset, or performing a Powerwash.

​Force restart the Chromebook

One possible way to resolve the Chromebook freezing issue is to force restart the device. Furthermore, this will reboot the system and eliminate any temporary glitches that may be causing the problem.

Here are the steps to force restart a Chromebook when it freezes:

• Firstly, look for the power switch on your Chromebook. It is usually in the upper right corner of the keyboard, but some models may have it on the side of the device.

• Secondly, press and hold the power button for about three seconds until the screen goes dark. If a shutdown option appears, select it instead.

• Thirdly, locate the refresh button on your Chromebook. It looks like a circular arrow and should appear in the top row of the keyboard, next to the forward and back arrow keys.

• In last simultaneously press and hold the refresh button and the power button. When the Chromebook starts up, release the refresh button.

Also Check: How to pair AirPods to Chromebook ?

Drain battery by Unplugging the power source  

Another possible way to solve the Chromebook freezing issue is to drain the battery by unplugging the power source.

Furthermore, this will allow the CPU to cool down and reboot the system. Here are the steps to drain the battery by unplugging the power source when your Chromebook freezes:

• Firstly, turn off all power to the Chromebook from the mains.

• Secondly, unplug all cables and wires connected to the Chromebook.

• Thirdly, then press and hold the power button for 20 seconds. When you do this, the capacitor discharges the residual current.

• Similar, after a few seconds, repeat it three times to completely drain the charges from the capacitor.

• Finally, wait three hours to give the CPU time to cool before reconnecting the charger and turning on the device.

Check for system updates  

Checking for system updates can solve the Chromebook freezing issue by ensuring your device has the latest software and security features.

Furthermore, here are the steps to check for system updates on a Chromebook when it freezes:

• Firstly, turn on your Chromebook and connect it to Wi-Fi.

• Secondly, at the bottom right, select time settings.

• Thirdly, at the bottom left, select About ChromeOS.

• Additionally, under “Google ChromeOS,” find which version of Chrome OS your Chromebook is using.

• Subsequently, select Check for updates. If your Chromebook finds a software update, it will start downloading automatically.

Disable any extensions

Disabling any extension can solve the Chromebook freezing issue by avoiding conflicts or performance issues caused by third-party add-ons.

Furthermore, here are the steps to disable any extension on a Chromebook when it freezes:

• Firstly, open Chrome on your Chromebook and click the three dots icon in the top right corner.

• Secondly, click More Tools > Extensions.

• Thirdly, you’ll see a list of all Chrome extensions and a toggle where you can disable each extension.

• Similarly, disable the extension you want to disable by clicking the switch next to it.

• Finally, restart your Chromebook and check if the issue is resolved.

Clear your browsing data

Clearing your browsing data can solve the Chromebook freezing issue by removing any cached files, cookies, or other data that may slow down your browser or cause conflicts.

Furthermore, here are the steps to clear your browsing data on a Chromebook when it freezes:

• Firstly, open Chrome on your Chromebook and click the three dots icon in the top right corner.

• Secondly, click More tools > Clear browsing data. You can also use the shortcut (CTRL + Shift + Backspace).

• Thirdly, choose a time range, such as Last Hour or All Time.

• Subsequently, select the types of information you want to delete, such as browsing history, cookies and other site data, or cached images and files.

• Finally, click Clear data.

Check for malware

Scanning for malware can solve the Chromebook freezing issue by removing any unsafe or unwanted software that could steal personal information or harm your device.

Furthermore, here are the steps to check for malware on a Chromebook when it freezes:

• Firstly, open Malwarebytes for Chromebook. You can get it from the Google Play Store if you haven’t installed it yet.

• Secondly, in the upper left corner, tap the Menu icon.

• Thirdly, press Scanner.

• Furthermore, tap Run a scan. It may take a few seconds or minutes for Malwarebytes to scan your device.

• Additionally, malwarebytes provides a counter of how many threats were detected, if any were found. No malware means your device is safe at the moment.

Perform a Powerwash (factory reset)

Performing a Powerwash (factory reset) can resolve the Chromebook freezing issue by erasing all user data and settings on the device and restoring it to its original state.

Consequently, this can fix any software issues or conflicts that may be causing the freeze.

Therefore, here are the steps to perform a Powerwash (factory reset) on a Chromebook when it freezes:

• Firstly, sign out of your Chromebook user account.

• Secondly, hold down Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R.

• Thirdly, click Restart.

• Furthermore, in the box that appears, select Powerwash > Continue.

• Finally, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Chromebook.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a frozen Chromebook is not a serious problem, but it can be annoying and frustrating.

Furthermore, fortunately, there are several simple and effective ways to fix Chromebook screen freezes issue and get your device working again.

Furthermore, you can try refreshing the browser, removing any external devices, checking for issues with Chrome, force restarting, checking for updates, signing out and back in, restarting in safe mode, or resetting to factory defaults.

Likewise, these methods can help you resolve the Chromebook freezing issue and prevent it from happening again.

Similarly, whether you have an ASUS, HP, Samsung, or any other brand of Chromebook, you can use this guide to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)