My PC is running by its self

[MarkInOakland]

Has anyone encountered their PC Win 11 machine running autonomously? Quite often, my laptop will start opening and cloaing apps, shutting apps I'm working in, and making it impossible to add text mto Word, Textpad, etc. I've removed unnecessary start-up apps, simplified mouse settings, even reinstalled Win 11. Virus scans don't discover anything. It's driving me nuts!

[A_Gayathri · Accepted solution]

Hi @MarkInOakland ,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you're experiencing a frustrating issue with your HP ENVY x360 running Windows 11. When a computer exhibits erratic behavior like opening and closing apps on its own, there can be various potential causes. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

Check for Malware and Viruses:

• Run a thorough antivirus scan using a reliable antivirus program to ensure your system is not infected.

Windows Update:

• Ensure that your Windows 11 operating system is up-to-date with the latest updates and patches. Sometimes, issues can be resolved by installing the latest updates.

Driver Updates:

• Update your graphics drivers, chipset drivers, and any other critical drivers. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause unexpected behavior.

Check for Rogue Applications:

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check for any unusual or rogue applications running in the background. End the tasks of any suspicious processes.

User Account Control (UAC):

• Check if User Account Control settings are configured properly. Sometimes, incorrect UAC settings can cause issues with user permissions.

Mouse and Keyboard Issues:

• Test with an external mouse and keyboard to rule out any issues with the built-in input devices. Faulty or intermittent input devices can cause unexpected actions.

Check for Scheduled Tasks:

• Review the Task Scheduler for any tasks that may be triggering unwanted actions. Disable or modify any suspicious tasks.

System Restore:

• If the issue started recently, consider using System Restore to revert your system to a state before the problem began.

Third-Party Software Interference:

• Some third-party software may interfere with normal system operation. Try to identify if the issue occurs after installing a specific application and consider uninstalling or disabling it.

Disable Background Apps: 

• Even though you've removed unnecessary startup apps, check for any background apps that might be causing interference. You can disable them through Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), under the "Startup" tab.

Run System File Checker:

•  Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command sfc /scannow to scan and repair any corrupted system files.

Check for External Interference: 

• Sometimes, external devices like a wireless mouse, keyboard, or even certain Bluetooth devices can cause erratic behavior. Try disconnecting these devices temporarily to see if the issue persists.

Reset Windows Settings:

• You can try resetting your Windows settings to their default values. This won't delete your files, but it will reset system settings.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[MarkInOakland]

Thanks a lot for your comprehensive list of possible solutions. I have since installed a fresh win 11 and it happened when I used an older version of freecell. So for now it looks solved. I'll remove it and see if that was really it.

[A_Gayathri]

@MarkInOakland ,

That's great! Happy to hear that the issue has been resolved. I appreciate your efforts on this and sure , If you need further assistance feel free to reach out to us. 

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accept as Solution and Kudos, Thumbs Up buttons on the public post, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Have a great day ahead!