Laptop Froze After I Opened a Website

Enter the Windows Recovery Environment and run Startup Repair first; the website cannot be identified as the cause merely because the freeze occurred when its link was opened.

1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment

1. Disconnect nonessential USB devices, external drives, printers, and other accessories.
2. Turn on the laptop.
3. When the Acer or Windows logo appears, hold the power button until the laptop switches off.
4. Repeat this interrupted startup once.
5. Turn it on a third time. Windows should display Automatic Repair.
6. Select Advanced options.

This deliberate two-interruption sequence is different from the shutdown already performed: its purpose is to trigger Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Windows normally enters WinRE after repeated failed starts.^1^

If Automatic Repair does not appear, create Windows installation media on another working computer, boot the Acer from it, and select Repair my PC rather than Install. The Acer boot menu key varies by model, so check the model’s documentation.

2. Run Startup Repair

In WinRE, select:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair → Restart

Choose the Windows installation if requested and let the process complete. Startup Repair checks for startup problems such as damaged system files, boot configuration errors, incompatible drivers, and registry errors.^2^

If Windows starts afterward, back up important files immediately.

3. If Startup Repair fails, test Safe Mode

Return to:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart

After restarting, press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode. Safe Mode loads only a limited set of files and drivers, making it useful for separating a driver or startup-software problem from a broader startup failure.^3^

If Safe Mode works reliably:

1. Back up personal files.
2. Open Device Manager and look for devices marked with an exclamation point.
3. Pay particular attention to display, storage, chipset, and network devices because the problem began immediately after an operating-system upgrade.
4. Obtain Windows 10-compatible drivers specifically for the exact Acer Aspire E1 model from Acer.
5. Remove any non-Microsoft antivirus or other software that was carried over from Windows 7 and is not Windows 10-compatible.
6. Restart normally.

Do not focus only on Chrome or assume malware from this single event. A post-upgrade driver, startup component, storage problem, or damaged Windows startup file can produce similar symptoms.

4. If Safe Mode also fails, use System Restore

From WinRE, select:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → System Restore

Choose a restore point from before the freeze or recent problematic changes. System Restore rolls back system files, registry settings, drivers, and installed programs without affecting personal files, although applications and drivers installed after the selected restore point may be removed.^4^

If the device uses encryption, some WinRE operations may request the BitLocker recovery key.^1^

If none of those options works

Avoid immediately choosing Reset this PC or reinstalling Windows if important files are not backed up. First have the storage drive checked and the files recovered, especially if:

• WinRE cannot see the Windows installation or drive;
• the drive makes unusual clicking sounds;
• startup repeatedly freezes at different points;
• Startup Repair reports that it cannot repair the PC.

Also note that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. If this Acer cannot run a supported version of Windows, continued Windows 10 use no longer receives free security fixes.^1^

References

1. Windows recovery environment
2. Startup Repair | Microsoft Support
3. Windows startup settings | Microsoft Support
4. System Restore