Hello, I'd like to consult about a problem I started having a few days ago.
My computer is a legal Windows 8.1 and running on an SSD.
The issue is that my windows began becoming unresponsive at seemingly random moments. So far I can't figure out any pattern in what surely causes this problem. It's usually the taskbar and also the wallpaper that gets affected, but sometimes other programs as well like browsers.
The symptom is: the taskbar becomes opaque (normally I can see my wallpaper through it, when this happens the it turns to solid color) and unresponsive. Like any unresponsive programs if I hover my mouse over it the cursor turns to a loading cursor (spinning ring). I don't have access to functions like alt-tab and minimize/maximize either. If this happens at the wallpaper, I also become unable to click on icons or drag/drag-select properly.
The issue is likely with Windows itself. I have managed to force-restart the process by repeatedly clicking on the unresponsive taskbar, which causes it to disappear and launch again. All other programs aren't affected, except the Windows Explorers which don't get restored.
I've run antivirus and malware programs, nothing was detected so I suspect something happened to my Windows itself. I haven't tried formatting the Windows just in case.
I haven't managed to find other cases that matches the problem I have. I'd very much like some assistance with this problem. Thank you.