Discrete GPU is still causing frequent micro-freezes on Windows 10 [FIX]

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Discrete GPU freezes computer

Many Windows 10 users who own laptops which have Intel CPU + GTX 1050/1050Ti/1060/1070 have long been complaining about micro-freezes. More specifically, whenever you try to do some action on the OS, discrete GPU triggers and causes 0.5 second micro-freezes.

Users report that these micro-freezes that lock up their computers can be triggered by various actions, including:

  • Right clicking on desktop
  • Selecting the battery-icon
  • Launching a browser
  • Opening Control Panel
  • Loading a new tab, and so on.

This problem has been bugging users ever since the Creators Update was launched. The Fall Creators Update is affected as well and users are wondering if the Spring Creators Update will feature the same issue.

Powerful laptops freeze with basic operations

The most annoying and frustrating part for users is that this problem occurs on medium and high-spec machines.

I have this issue with the Dell 7577 with 1060 max-Q. I’ve been saving for 4 years since my previous laptop to buy a new and powerfull gaming laptop. First thing I noticed when testing where these microstutters, the laptop even performs worse than my 4 year old laptop in terms of basic functionality. The micro-stutters really ruin the experience.

Intel recently released an update for their HD graphics driver and the release notes confirm it reduces stuttering in laptops equipped with discrete graphics. Most users who installed driver version.4982 reported they didn’t notice any improvements as far as micro-freezes are concerned.

However, some users have been luckier. Stuttering is no longer there when opening problematic programs.

Mine got fixed with the latest update for some reason. HP OMEN 15 user with the i7-7700HQ + 1050 TI.

The Redditor who posted the information quoted above also confirmed that he runs Windows 10 version 1709. So, if you’re still experiencing micro-stutters, try updating your computers to the latest Windows version and then install the latest Intel driver updates. Hopefully, this solution will work for you.

More issues for NVIDIA 10-series GPUS

This is not the only issue affecting computers powered by Intel CPUs and NVIDIA 10-series GPUs. If you put a strain on your GPU and temperatures increases, your computer fans may not react at all. To enable GPU cooling you need to use the Sleep feature.

[…] my notebook fans (dual fan system, HP pavilion 15) does not react to GPU temperatures(only CPU) until PC is entered to Sleep and wake up again.

How to fix micro-freezes in Windows 10

So, if you’re still experiencing short freezes that last for less than a second, maybe the solution listed below will help you fix the problem. Although this workaround is specific for gaming, users confirmed it helped them fix stuttering/freezes and lags on the desktop as well, so do give it a try.

  1. Go to Start > type ‘control panel’ > double-click on the first result to launch Control Panel
  2. In the search box, enter ‘Device Installation Settings’Device Installation Settings
  3. Select the first result > select ‘No’ to turn off Windows driver auto-updating disable driver auto-update
  4. Download and launch CRU (Custome Resolution Utility)
  5. Select the monitor you’re using
  6. Go to ‘Detailed resolutions’ > Deleted everything on ‘Standard resolutions’
  7. Navigate to ‘Extension blocks’ > select the resolution that’s available > select ‘Edit’
  8. If there are any lists of refresh rates under the ‘Extension Blocks’ window, simply delete them all except for 164.999 Hz/ 144 Hz depending on which one you want to use
  9. Restart your PC > enable G-SYNC for full screen only
  10. You can also enable it for full screen  and windowed mode if you want.

There you go, we hope that these suggestions helped you fix the annoying micro-freezing affecting your computer.

If you came across other solutions to fix this problem, feel free to list the steps to follow in the comments below.

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