Imagine this: You’re working on your computer, everything’s going smoothly, and then BAM! Every app freezes. You can’t open anything. All you see is “App is Not Responding.” Welcome to Windows frustration mode. But don’t worry — there’s a relatively simple fix that has helped many users bring their system back from the brink.
Contents
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
If every program starts freezing on your Windows PC and shows “App is Not Responding,” your system might have some corrupted files. Use built-in tools like SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool). These tools can scan and fix broken system files. Follow the steps below to run them safely and (hopefully) restore calm to your PC.
Why Your Apps Are Freaking Out
When every application on your Windows system becomes unresponsive, there’s a good chance your operating system is in trouble. This doesn’t always mean you have a virus or that your PC is dying. Often, it’s just corrupted or missing system files.
These files are like the LEGO pieces that make up the Windows operating system. If one gets lost or chewed by the dog (figuratively, of course), things stop working properly.
Signs of this issue include:
- Applications freezing frequently
- Long boot times
- Error messages when opening system tools
- General slowness
Let’s Talk Tools: SFC and DISM
SFC and DISM are built-in Windows tools designed to find and fix those missing or corrupted bits. No downloads required!
What’s SFC?
SFC (System File Checker) scans for corrupt system files and replaces them using a cached copy. It’s like calling a friend to bring you the spare LEGO pieces from your shared toybox.
What About DISM?
DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool) is like SFC’s big sibling. It checks the entire system image — the core of Windows. If your Windows core itself has issues, DISM fixes them.
Here’s how to use both tools step-by-step.
Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode (Optional, But Smart)
Booting into Safe Mode ensures minimal background stuff interferes. Here’s how you do it:
- Hold Shift and click Restart from the Start Menu.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
- Click Restart, then press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.
Once you’re in, let the healing begin.
Step 2: Run SFC
Let’s fix those missing system files first:
- Click the Start menu and type cmd.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
- In the window that opens, type:
sfc /scannow
Then hit Enter. Now wait. It might take 10-15 minutes. It will scan your system for errors and try to fix them automatically.
Important: Don’t turn off your PC during this scan. Let it work its magic.
If SFC finds and fixes issues, restart your PC and see if things have improved. If it says everything is fine but you’re still having problems, move on to DISM.
Step 3: Use DISM (The Heavy Lifter)
Same idea, but deeper inspection.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator again.
- Type the following and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This instructs DISM to connect to Windows Update, download clean files, and fix any bad OS components. This can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on your system and internet speed.
Once it’s done, restart your computer. Try opening a few apps.
Everything working? Hopefully yes. If not, keep reading.
Other Things You Can Try If SFC/DISM Don’t Fully Help
For many users, SFC and DISM solve the issue. But sometimes, the problem is more stubborn. Here are a few more tricks:
1. Update Windows
Go to Settings > Windows Update and make sure you’re on the latest version. Windows releases bug fixes frequently.
2. Check Your Hard Drive
An old or failing hard drive can cause freezing too. Run a disk check:
chkdsk /f /r
You’ll likely need to restart your PC for it to run. This can take hours, depending on your drive size.
3. Startup Programs
Too many things running at once can slow your system and cause “Not Responding” errors. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), click the Startup tab, and disable unnecessary stuff.
4. Malware Scan
Malware can also corrupt or interfere with system files. Run a full scan using Windows Security or any antivirus software you trust.
But Wait – What If None of It Works?
If even DISM can’t fix things, and you’ve ruled out hardware issues, it might be time for a repair install or a clean reinstall of Windows. A repair install keeps your files and apps but reinstalls the system. A clean install starts from scratch.
Before taking either of those steps — always back up your files.
Why This Fix Helps So Many People
Thousands of users have faced the dreaded “App Not Responding” wall. What they eventually found is that using SFC and DISM got their systems back online — quickly and with zero downloads (and panic) required.
These tools are essential for any Windows user. It’s like having a mechanic built into your car. You just need to know which button to press.
Final Thoughts
System file errors are a common cause of unresponsive apps in Windows. Luckily, SFC and DISM are powerful tools that can help — and they require no geek badge to use.
So the next time your apps freeze like it’s January in Alaska, don’t throw your PC out the window. Fire up Command Prompt, let Windows heal itself, and go grab a coffee while it does its thing.
Your computer will thank you.