I understand that you are facing an issue with opening a browser, file folder, or program you are also unable to change windows, start a program, and switch to desktop. There were also multiple occasions where you had to manually shut down your computer due to the length and severity of the freeze.
Please answer the following questions for better understanding of the issue:
1) What all were the changes you made to the system prior to this issue?
2) Did you install any third party applications recently?
3) Did you add any external hardware device to your system prior to this issue?
I would recommend you to follow the suggested methods and check if that helps: Please disconnect all the external hardware devices connected to the system except mouse and keyboard.
Windows hangs or freezes:
Method 1: Perform Clean Boot.
To help troubleshoot error messages and other issues, you can start Windows 8 by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This kind of startup is known as a "clean boot." A clean boot helps eliminate software conflicts.
Important: Reset the computer to start as usual.
Note: After you have finished troubleshooting, follow these steps to boot to normal startup.
a) Press the ‘Windows + R’ key on the keyboard.
b) In the ‘Run’ windows type ’MSCONFIG’ and click ‘Ok’.
c) On the ‘General’ tab, click the ‘Normal Startup’ option, and then click ‘OK’.
d) When you are prompted to restart the computer, click ‘Restart’.
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