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Z790 Maximus Hero - Windows 11 Startup Freeze

j3yps
Level 8

I recently just moved to Windows 11, and instantly noticed these happening:

1. System will freeze for about 5-10 seconds upon startup. I noticed that the freezing seems to end after the RGB lights turn off and then on (maybe Aura sync what's causing it?)

2. Using Wallpaper Engine, whenever I connect/disconnect a flash drive/ Wallpaper Engine will "refresh" itself for a second (will go back to stock wallpaper, then goes right back to the Wallpaper Engine wallpaper)

I never had these issues on Windows 10, so I'm unsure if this is a Windows 11 problem. Also, here are my system specs:

Bios: Beta BIOS 1601 (problems are present as well on 1402 and 1501)
Ram: 64GB DDR5 DRAM - XMP II
CPU: Intel i9 13900k
GPU: Zotac RTX 4090 Trinity OC
AI OC'ed
MCE: Enabled - Remove All Limits

Z790 Maximus Hero - Beta BIOS 1601 - ME 16.1.30.2264v4 - MEI V2306.4.3.0 | Core i9 13900k | RTX 4090 OC | x4 XPG Lancer DDR5 6000Mhz - XMP II | Windows 11 Pro 22H2
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9 REPLIES 9

JohnAb
Level 17

Don't think it's going to be Win11 by itself, sounds like it could be something starting up (like Wallpaper Engine maybe). I'd suggest disabling as many startup programs as possible and try to find the cause that way. Did you get the freezing issue after a fresh install, with minimal software installed?

I can't advise on Wallpaper Engine, never used it, sorry. 

 

Z690 Hero, 12900K, BIOS 4001, MEI 2433.6.3.0, ME Firmware 16.1.35.2557, 7000X Case, RM1000x PSU, ASUS TUF OC 3090TI, 2 x 16GB Corsair RAM @ 5200MHz, Windows 11 Pro 23H2, Corsair H150i Elite AIO, 4x Corsair RGB fans, 3x M.2 NVME drives, 2x SATA SSDs, 2x SATA HDs.

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately even before installing Wallpaper Engine. Problem 1 is already present.

Z790 Maximus Hero - Beta BIOS 1601 - ME 16.1.30.2264v4 - MEI V2306.4.3.0 | Core i9 13900k | RTX 4090 OC | x4 XPG Lancer DDR5 6000Mhz - XMP II | Windows 11 Pro 22H2

j3yps
Level 8

Update:

Tried what @JohnAb suggested, to the point where every startup program (in task manager) is disabled, I even tried disabling the Lighting Service. But I still have that short freezing on startup.

I tried booting in safe-mode, and no freezing there. Does anybody have any other ideas?

Z790 Maximus Hero - Beta BIOS 1601 - ME 16.1.30.2264v4 - MEI V2306.4.3.0 | Core i9 13900k | RTX 4090 OC | x4 XPG Lancer DDR5 6000Mhz - XMP II | Windows 11 Pro 22H2

Hi. I was experiencing sorta same issue. My set up is similar to yours.

I noticed the issue happens when I plugin my "Thurnderbolt 4" docking station to one of the 2 "thunder bolt 4" usb ports. I have already raised that issue with Asus. When I connected my docking station to one of the 20GBS USB ports (non-thunderbolt), all the issues were resolved. 

Also, make sure you are running the latest version of Z790 hero firmware.

JohnAb
Level 17

Hmmm, if it's OK in safe mode, then could it be drivers? I think what I would do is reinstall Windows and check for the delay after each install of drivers and software. Going to take a while, but hopefully you can track it down that way...

Z690 Hero, 12900K, BIOS 4001, MEI 2433.6.3.0, ME Firmware 16.1.35.2557, 7000X Case, RM1000x PSU, ASUS TUF OC 3090TI, 2 x 16GB Corsair RAM @ 5200MHz, Windows 11 Pro 23H2, Corsair H150i Elite AIO, 4x Corsair RGB fans, 3x M.2 NVME drives, 2x SATA SSDs, 2x SATA HDs.

JohnAb
Level 17

You could try to find some software that provides info about the startup time of various software. That might give you a clue? I think Glary Utilities might do that, but if not, maybe there are some other alternatives...

Z690 Hero, 12900K, BIOS 4001, MEI 2433.6.3.0, ME Firmware 16.1.35.2557, 7000X Case, RM1000x PSU, ASUS TUF OC 3090TI, 2 x 16GB Corsair RAM @ 5200MHz, Windows 11 Pro 23H2, Corsair H150i Elite AIO, 4x Corsair RGB fans, 3x M.2 NVME drives, 2x SATA SSDs, 2x SATA HDs.

j3yps
Level 8

Sorry for the late response, been busy.

@hoomanra I don't have any device connected to the TB4 ports, and I'm also on Beta BIOS 1601. I hope it is indeed fixable via an update. Pls let me know if ASUS gets back to you regarding the issue you're experiencing.

@JohnAb I tried Glary Utilities. It showed that a few programs took some time to start, specifically Armoury Crate, Aura Service, and one from NVIDIA. They all took more than 20 seconds. I haven't tried reinstalling Windows yet, and at this point, I'm not really sure if I'd want to. I'm seriously considering living with this "issue" but of course, fixing it without having to reinstall Windows would be ideal.

Z790 Maximus Hero - Beta BIOS 1601 - ME 16.1.30.2264v4 - MEI V2306.4.3.0 | Core i9 13900k | RTX 4090 OC | x4 XPG Lancer DDR5 6000Mhz - XMP II | Windows 11 Pro 22H2

If Safe Mode works it could be a device driver. Have you checked Windows Event Viewer to see what logs are being added directly after the freeze event? Look for device drivers resetting under the system tab, etc. 

Worst case a fresh OS may save you some time troubleshooting.

9800X3D / 6400 CAS32 / ROG X870 Crosshair / TUF RTX 4090

j3yps
Level 8

I might try and do a fresh install as soon as I get enough free time. Unfortunately, I also use the desktop for work. 

Looking at the Event Viewer like what @Silent_Scone suggested, it showed Warnings but this is the only driver-related entry I'm seeing.

image.png

Z790 Maximus Hero - Beta BIOS 1601 - ME 16.1.30.2264v4 - MEI V2306.4.3.0 | Core i9 13900k | RTX 4090 OC | x4 XPG Lancer DDR5 6000Mhz - XMP II | Windows 11 Pro 22H2