Microsoft has a possible solution for the freezing issue after installing the Windows 10 Anniversary Update with a new tool. Although the company still investigating what is actually causing Windows 10 to freeze after installing the Anniversary Update, a new “Windows Self-Healing Tool” is being offered to users to try fixing the issue.
During the rollout of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, a small number of users have been reporting a number of issues, including the operating system freezing followed by the update.
Microsoft has recognized that it’s an actual problem, and offered a number of workarounds, as the company keeps working to find the cause and offer a permanent solution.
A possible solution to the freezing issue
Now it seems that the software giant has come up with a utility known as “Windows Self-Healing Tool” to help users fix the freezing issue. The utility, showed up at the Microsoft forums, where a member of the Windows Insider program (MarkMazzetti) explains that after contacting the company, he was suggested to try the automated tool.
According the user, Microsoft support said that this was a “known issue” and the company has created the “Windows Self-Healing Tool” to resolve the problem. However, it’s still a testing tool, as it’s still unclear what actually causes the problem and there isn’t a permanent solution.
User MarkMazzetti also explains that after using the tool, which took about 40 minutes to apply, he had to run the troubleshooter to troubleshoot problems with Windows Update. After applying the fix, the freezing seems to have stopped.
The side effect
However, as a result of applying the fix, MarkMazzetti says that there is now random flashing on his Surface Book’s screen. He also said that Microsoft is aware of the side effect, and support has yet to follow up with resolution.
It’s clear that the Windows Self-Healing Tool is still under development, but if you’re willing to give it a try, you can download the tool and try it on your computer that keeps freezing.
Update, August 20, 2016: On a new update at the same Microsoft forums thread, user MarkMazzetti explains that Microsoft called him again, and had him to:
- Run the Advanced Troubleshooter again to file missing and corrupt files and registry.
- Run the Windows Self-Healing Tool again.
- Run the sfc/sconnow using Command Prompt (Admin), which returned with no errors.
Now it’s been over a day, and there no screen flashing and no freezing, or error of any kind on his Surface Book.
Update, August 22, 2016: It appears that the tool was not designed specifically to resolve the freezing issue with the Anniversary Update. It’s a tool designed by Microsoft, but to deal with some Surface issues. The app performs some PowerShell commands, which are not dangerous, but because it’s not designed to fix the Windows 10 Anniversary Update freezing issue on every computer, it can cause more bad than good. It’s not recommended that you use this tool to fix any issues after installing the Anniversary Update.
Did the tool fix the freezing issue on your Windows 10 PC? Tell us in the comments below.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].