Windows 8 hangs - you can do that

There are various reasons why Windows 8 freezes. We show you where it can get caught and what you can do about it.

Windows 8 hangs at startup - this may be the reason

If the start is already causing problems for the system, this can have various causes:

Connected devices can cause conflicts. Therefore, restart the PC after you have removed all connected devices such as printers or USB sticks. If Windows 8 loads without any problems, you can gradually start the device again to find the component that is causing the problem. When you have found the faulty device, check whether the drivers are still up to date.
Some older PC systems hang on Windows 8 quick start. Deactivate this function by selecting the "Power Options" under "System and Security" in the Control Panel. Go to "Choose what to do when you close the computer" and then go to "Some settings are currently unavailable". In "Shutdown Settings" remove the checkmark in "Enable Quick Start". Then save the changes.
Software changes can also block the system at startup. To solve this problem, you can restore a system backup.

If the system freezes on shutdown, you have the following troubleshooting options:

Check whether Windows 8 has installed all the necessary updates.
External hardware can also lead to a system conflict during shutdown. Therefore, disconnect all unnecessary devices from the PC and check whether the problem can be solved with them.
To check if installed software is causing the problem, start Windows 8 in Safe Mode. If the PC shuts down without any problems, uninstall all programs that you no longer use.
You may also have downloaded a virus or malware onto your PC. Therefore, in the next practical tip, read what you can do if Windows has caught a virus.

If the problem does not occur at startup or shutdown, but rather by chance, it can be due to the Windows configuration, the hardware or even malware.

To repair damaged system files, enter the command "DISM.exe / Online / Cleanup-image / Restorehealth" in the command prompt.
If the registry configuration is damaged, you need to restore Windows 8.
Hardware problems can also cause the system to hang. Disconnect all unnecessary devices from the computer.
Check your PC for malware and remove it if necessary.

Many people now work with multiple operating systems. In addition to Windows 8, use Mac OS X, read what you can do if a Mac program hangs.