Windows 10 Intermittent Hang after Login - System App Only

[hppr223556]

This is a weird one that my computer has been doing on and off for the last couple months. Every now and then after startup/login it will freeze but only system related apps. CTRL ALT DELETE doesn't work, taskbar is unresponsive, however non-system related apps such as games will function as normal. Also if you press CTRL ALT DELETE or click on the taskbar or start menu it won't do anything and then about 10-30 seconds later everything will happen. You will get task manager, wifi options, start menu and it all works as normal.

Thoughts? I've done the usual stuff plus the sfc/scan and restore system files. Updated no viruses or malware that I've found. It's only windows app and system app related (like say microsoft picture viewer doesn't work but other 3rd party programs will). This is a Dell G5 5500 laptop and I have also downloaded bios and other driver updates.

Problem is intermittent and I've had no luck replicating it.

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you are experiencing intermittent system freezes that are primarily affecting Windows system applications while third-party applications continue to function normally. Given the nature of your problem, here are some potential causes and solutions to investigate:

Potential Causes and Solutions​

1. Windows Shell Experience Issues:
   • The delay in responsiveness of system apps like the taskbar, Start menu, and Control-Alt-Delete interface might be related to issues with the Windows Shell Experience.
   []System File Corruption:
   • Although you have run sfc /scannow and DISM commands, intermittent issues might suggest deeper system file corruption or conflicts.
   []Driver Conflicts:
   • Even though you've updated your drivers, conflicts with system apps might still occur due to residual or incorrect driver installations.
   []Startup Programs and Services:
   • Conflicts or delays caused by startup programs and services could lead to the described intermittent freezing behavior.
   []Background Processes:
   • Background processes or scheduled tasks could be interfering with system stability shortly after login.
   []Power Management Settings:
   • Incorrect or aggressive power management settings, especially on laptops, might lead to intermittent system responsiveness.

     Step-by-Step Troubleshooting​

   []Clean Boot:
   • Perform a clean boot to rule out conflicts with startup programs and services:
     • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
     • In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and then click Disable all.
     • Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
     • Disable all startup items.
     • Restart your computer and check if the issue persists.
   []Check Event Viewer:
   • Look for any critical errors or warnings in the Event Viewer that might give more clues:
     • Press Windows + X and select Event Viewer.
     • Navigate to Windows Logs > System and Windows Logs > Application.
     • Look for recurring errors or warnings around the times when the issue occurs.
   []Disable Fast Startup:
   • Fast startup can sometimes cause intermittent issues due to incomplete shutdown processes:
     • Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
     • Click Change settings that are currently unavailable, then uncheck Turn on fast startup.
     • Restart your computer.
   []Update/Reinstall Graphics Drivers:
   • Sometimes, display driver issues can cause intermittent responsiveness problems.
   • Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website and perform a clean installation:
     • Uninstall the current graphics drivers using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).
     • Install the latest drivers from the official NVidia or Intel website.
   []Check for Background Processes:
   • Ensure no background processes or scheduled tasks are causing delays:
     • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and go to the Startup tab to disable non-essential startup items.
     • Check the Processes tab for high CPU, memory, or disk usage immediately after login.
   []Check System for Pending Updates:
   • Ensure there are no pending Windows updates that might be causing partial or incomplete installations:
     • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
     • Check for updates and make sure all are installed.
   []Run Performance Troubleshooter:
   • Use built-in performance and maintenance troubleshooters to identify potential issues:
     • Press Windows + R, type msdt.exe -id MaintenanceDiagnostic, and press Enter to run the Maintenance Troubleshooter.
     • Also, run the System Performance troubleshooter from Control Panel: Control Panel > Troubleshooting > System and Security > Improve performance using tools.

       Summary of Steps​

       [table="width: 100%"] | Step | Actions |

       Clean Boot	msconfig > Services tab > Hide all Microsoft services > Disable all > Startup tab > Open Task Manager > Disable all items
       Check Event Viewer	Windows + X > Event Viewer > Windows Logs > System and Application > Look for errors/warnings
       Disable Fast Startup	Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings > Uncheck Turn on fast startup > Restart
       Update/Reinstall Drivers	Uninstall graphics drivers via DDU > Install latest drivers from manufacturer’s website
       Check Background Processes	Task Manager > Startup tab (disable non-essential items) > Processes tab (check for high usage)
       Check for Updates	Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Install all updates
       Run Performance Troubleshooter	msdt.exe -id MaintenanceDiagnostic > Control Panel > Troubleshooting > System and Security > Improve performance using tools

       [/table] Try these steps and see if they help resolve the intermittent freezing issue with your system apps. If the problem persists, providing further details from the Event Viewer or specific behavior can help in diagnosing the issue more precisely.