Software, browsers & email

Program says 'Not Responding'

A program that freezes and shows 'Not Responding' has usually gotten stuck waiting on a task, like a large file loading or a network request. Waiting briefly, then force-closing if needed, resolves it without losing more than the current session.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
5–15 minutes
DIY cost
$0

Symptoms

  • Window title bar shows 'Not Responding'
  • Program window turns white or grey
  • Clicking inside the program does nothing
  • Mouse cursor shows a spinning wheel over the window

Likely causes

  • CommonProgram is processing a large taskLoading a big file or complex calculation can make the interface freeze temporarily.
  • CommonWaiting on an unresponsive network resourceA program trying to reach a slow or dead server can hang until it times out.
  • PossibleInsufficient system memoryToo many programs open at once can starve one program of resources.
  • PossibleA bug or memory leak in the programSome software gradually consumes more memory over a long session until it locks up.
  • Less commonOutdated program versionKnown bugs in old versions are often fixed in updates.

What to do

  1. Wait 30–60 seconds, since many freezes resolve on their own once a background task finishes.
  2. Check your internet connection if the program was doing something online, like syncing or loading data.
  3. Close other open programs to free up memory.
  4. If it stays frozen, open Task Manager (Windows) or Force Quit (Mac) and end the unresponsive program.
  5. Reopen the program and check for unsaved work in its auto-recovery feature.
  6. Update the program to the latest version to avoid recurring freezes.
  7. Restart the computer if freezing happens across multiple programs.

When to call a pro

If one program consistently freezes even after updates, contact that software's support team.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.