Various Windows aspects stop working

Question

Every hour or two my windows kind of stops working. Its not like windows is crashing.

What happens:
My audio stops working
i cant use taskbar
Search menu pops up but doesnt update after a second or two
i cannot use restart, or shut down. the only way to shut off the pc is to either cut power, or hold my power button
Task Manager and resource monitor stop updating.

I have tried checking for a virus, updating my drivers, updating windows, cleaning my junk files, and repairing my windows install but the issue persists. Im really at a lost to what this could be. Its almost like an essential windows service just crashes but doesnt blue screen me

Answer 1

Hi, william fergusson

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

We understand that you are experiencing problems with various aspects of Windows crashing.  Have you done anything to your system prior to the problem? For example, updating, installing third-party applications, or replacing hardware?From your description, it seems that you have tried several options including repairing your Windows system but still can't solve the problem. Typically, Windows overlay installations are able to repair damaged system components, so if you have completed an overlay installation and the problem persists, you may want to consider other factors.Since it is not clear what steps you need to take to perform a Windows repair, we recommend that you repair your system by first performing a full override installation by following the steps we have provided:1. Visit the site below and click “Download Tool Now” (not “Update Now”) to download Media Creation Tool.Download Windows 10 (microsoft.com) Run the MCT tool, select Upgrade this computer now, and select Keep files and applications.2. For detailed instructions on the above steps, you can view the video tutorials at the link below:https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/videoplayer/embed/RE201WL*Disclaimer: At this point, we have exhausted all troubleshooting and I recommend that we try to perform a clean install to get your computer back into a working condition. Please ensure that you backup any important data, including Documents, Pictures, Videos, and more.*After you have finished repairing your system, please run Clean bot to remove third-party software interference:The method is as follows1. Click Windows+R and type msconfig.2. Open System Configuration and select the General tab - Selective Startup.3. Remove the checkmark of Load startup items.4. Go to the Services tab - click Hide all microsoft services in the lower left corner, and then click Disable all.5. Click OK and restart your computer. (Be sure to select Hide all Microsoft services first, and then click Disable all, otherwise it may lead to unforeseen problems such as not being able to access the system.)*Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background service is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem.**These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by step so that it will help you get back on track.*If your problem still exists after the above steps, you may want to consider checking your computer hardware for problems. Please focus on checking that your computer's graphics card power cable is fully plugged in, that the heatsink is fully operational, that the heatsink power supply is working properly, that there are no parts on the motherboard that are damaged or missing, that the motherboard batteries are working properly and that the computer's power supply hardware is insufficient or damaged.If you have any progress, you are welcome to contact us anytime.

Best Regards

Nicholas.Z - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist