Windows 10: Windows 10 random freeze and lag due to pagefile settings

Hello, I am facing a strange problem on Windows 10.


The OS shows lags and random freezes, in particular with multimedia applications like Netflix (both dedicated app and browser, tested on edge, chrome and firefox) but also with VLC and other media players. The same problems appear randomly when browsing webpages with embedded videos but not on youtube. Basically the pc freezes for a couple of seconds and then it goes back to normal conditions for a few seconds, then it freezes again and so on.


I noticed that the problem disappears when I change the settings related to the pagefile dimension (by setting custom dimension or disabling it) but then after a couple of reboots the problem appears again.

All my drivers are up to date, moreover it is not a problem related to malware because I tried to reinstall the OS from scratch and the problem is still there.


Windows Version: 10.0.17763 build 17763


Fun fact: I also run an Ubuntu virtual machine inside Windows (using virtualbox) and it does not show any of these problems. Netflix works perfectly as any other media content.


Current hardware configuration:

CPU AMD Phenom II X4 960T (not overclocked, it is perfectly stable)

24 GB RAM DDR3 1600 MHz (tested with memtest, they are ok)

AMD R9 280X GPU (latest drivers installed, not overclocked)

250 GB Samsung SSD

LG 21:9 29" monitor + Asus 21.5" 16:9 monitor

:)

 

Clear Pagefile on Shutdown


I've been looking into clearing the pagefile, and I found the following steps at a somewhat dated webpage:

1. In the registry editor, navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
2. Set ClearPageFileAtShutdown to the REG_DWORD value of 1.
3. Restart Windows.

I'm just wondering whether those steps are still valid, and, if so, does clearing the pagefile work as advertised?

 

Random lag spikes

Hi,

We would like to know more about your lag issue:

• What browser are you using when you experience a lag?
• Does the lag occur in a particular game?

In the meantime, we suggest you run the System Maintenance troubleshooter. Here are the steps:

• Press Windows Key + X.
• Click on Control Panel.
• Select Troubleshooting.
• On the left pane, click on View All.
• Click on System Maintenance to run the troubleshooter.

Looking forward to your response.

 

Windows 10 random freeze

Hi,

Did you make any changes recently to the computer which may have led to random freeze?

Random hangs are often due to damage to the Windows configuration, faulty hardware, or malware. However, because this behavior is random, it can be especially difficult to identify the proper cause.

Random hangs can also be caused by other faulty hardware. Consult with your PC manufacturer to run available hardware diagnostics. This could include:

• PC diagnostics that test the integrity of the core PC devices, such as the processor fans and cooling system
• Video and display diagnostics
• Additional hard drive diagnostics

I would request you to perform SFC scan(if you have not tried it) and then check if it helps.

System File Checker is a utility in Windows that allows users to
scan for corruptions in Windows system files and restore corrupted files.

To know about SFC and to perform a SFC Scan, please refer to the below link:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929833

Note: Steps mentioned for Windows 8/8.1, will work fine with Windows 10.

Please revert if you still face the random hang.

Thank you.