[Troubleshooting] Windows 11 Freeze Issues Caused by (SgrmBroker Service Error}}} (Event ID 7023)

Troubleshooting Windows 11 Freeze Issues Caused by SgrmBroker Service Error (Event ID 7023)

Windows 11 has introduced a variety of new features, performance improvements, and security measures to enhance the user experience. However, with any major update, there can be new issues that arise as well. One of the more puzzling problems users have encountered is when their system freezes during gameplay or other activities, causing the mouse and keyboard to stop responding. The screen freezes, and after some time, the system automatically restarts.

If you've encountered this problem and noticed the error message related to the SgrmBroker service in your Event Viewer, you're likely wondering what exactly this service is, what caused it to fail, and how to resolve the issue.

This comprehensive guide aims to address all of your concerns, step by step. We'll discuss:

What is the SgrmBroker Service?

Understanding Event ID 7023

Possible Causes for the Error

How to Fix the SgrmBroker Service Error

Preventing Future Freezing Issues

FAQ

1. What is the SgrmBroker Service?

The SgrmBroker service (also known as SgrmBroker.exe) is a system service in Windows 11 that is related to the System Guard Runtime Monitor. This service is part of a suite of security features that aim to protect your computer from potential threats and attacks, particularly those that try to modify or tamper with system files.

System Guard, specifically Core Isolation, leverages virtualization-based security (VBS) to create isolated environments for running sensitive processes. The SgrmBroker service is responsible for monitoring and managing these isolation activities, helping to ensure that system integrity is maintained. If this service fails, it can lead to a variety of issues, including system freezes, as you've described.

2. Understanding Event ID 7023

The Event ID 7023 error in the Event Viewer is a common event that indicates a service has failed to start or crashed. When paired with the message “The SgrmBroker service terminated with error: The system cannot find the file specified”, it typically means that Windows was unable to locate the required files or configurations for the SgrmBroker service to operate correctly.

The full error may look something like this in your Event Viewer logs:

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The SgrmBroker service terminated with error: The system cannot find the file specified. Event ID 7023

This error can be caused by various reasons, including missing files, system corruption, or software conflicts. In your case, since the issue seems to occur specifically when playing games, it suggests that there may be a conflict with system resources or that a critical component related to the SgrmBroker service has been damaged or deleted.

3. Possible Causes for the Error

There are several possible reasons why the SgrmBroker service might fail to run properly, and why your PC freezes during gameplay. Below are some common causes:

3.1 Accidental Deletion of System Files

One possible reason for the SgrmBroker service failure is that critical system files were accidentally deleted or corrupted. You mentioned using CCleaner to clean up junk files. While CCleaner is a popular tool for system maintenance, sometimes it may remove files that are crucial for system operations, leading to instability.

3.2 System Corruption

Corrupted system files can lead to a wide range of issues, including the SgrmBroker error. If the service’s required files or configurations are damaged or missing, it will fail to load properly.

3.3 Driver or Software Conflicts

Certain third-party drivers or software, especially those that interact with your GPU (like game-related software), can conflict with Windows services, including the SgrmBroker service. This could lead to the system freezing or crashing, particularly when the system is under load (such as while gaming).

3.4 Hardware Issues

In some cases, hardware issues—such as faulty RAM, overheating, or issues with your GPU—can also cause your PC to freeze. While this is less likely to be the primary cause of the SgrmBroker error, it can contribute to system instability, especially if you're gaming or running high-performance applications.

3.5 Insufficient Resources

When playing demanding games, your system resources may be stretched thin. If your system is running low on RAM, CPU, or GPU power, it may cause freezing or crashes, which can trigger errors like the SgrmBroker failure.

4. How to Fix the SgrmBroker Service Error

Now that we’ve covered the potential causes, let's look at the steps you can take to fix the SgrmBroker service error and prevent your system from freezing during gaming sessions.

4.1 Check for Missing or Corrupted Files

The first step is to check if any critical system files related to the SgrmBroker service have been deleted or corrupted. Since you’ve already tried running the DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command, it’s a good idea to follow it up with the System File Checker (SFC) tool.

Here’s how to run SFC:

Press Windows + S to open the search bar.

Type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: sh

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sfc /scannow

Wait for the process to complete. The SFC tool will scan your system for missing or corrupted files and attempt to fix them automatically.

Once the scan is complete, restart your system and check if the issue persists.

4.2 Reinstall or Repair the SgrmBroker Service

If the system file checker didn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to try reinstalling or repairing the SgrmBroker service. Unfortunately, this service is a core component of Windows 11, and it cannot be manually reinstalled in the traditional sense. However, you can attempt to reset your Windows installation to restore the service.

Option 1: Reset Windows 11 Without Losing Data

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

Go to System > Recovery.

Under the Reset this PC section, click on Reset PC.

Choose the option to Keep my files (this will remove apps and settings but preserve your personal files).

Follow the on-screen instructions to reset Windows.

Option 2: Perform a Repair Install

If you prefer not to reset Windows and want to try a repair install, you can do so using the Windows 11 installation media:

Download the Windows 11 Installation Media from the official Microsoft website.

Run the tool and choose the option to Upgrade this PC now.

This will reinstall Windows while keeping your personal files and most settings intact.

After the installation completes, check if the issue with the SgrmBroker service has been resolved.

4.3 Update Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause a variety of issues, including system freezes during gaming. To update your drivers:

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

Expand the categories, particularly Display Adapters (for your graphics card) and System Devices (for chipset drivers).

Right-click on each device and select Update driver.

Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

After updating your drivers, restart your system and check if the issue is resolved.

4.4 Check for Overheating

Overheating can cause your system to become unresponsive or restart unexpectedly. To check if your system is overheating:

Download and install HWMonitor or a similar tool to monitor your system temperatures.

Check the CPU, GPU, and motherboard temperatures while gaming. If temperatures exceed safe thresholds (usually around 80–90°C for CPU/GPU), consider improving cooling by cleaning your PC, improving airflow, or applying new thermal paste.

4.5 Disable Core Isolation and Memory Integrity

The SgrmBroker service is related to Core Isolation, which includes features like Memory Integrity. In some cases, disabling these features can resolve conflicts that might cause system instability.

Here’s how to disable Core Isolation and Memory Integrity:

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

Go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security.

Under Device Security, click Core Isolation Details.

Toggle off Memory Integrity and restart your computer.

5. Preventing Future Freezing Issues

Once you've resolved the issue with the SgrmBroker service, here are some steps to help prevent future freezes:

Regularly clean your PC: Use built-in Windows tools or third-party software (like CCleaner) to regularly clean your system, but be cautious about removing critical files.

Monitor system temperatures: Keep an eye on your CPU and GPU temperatures during intensive tasks like gaming.

Avoid overclocking: If you’re overclocking your CPU or GPU, consider returning them to their default clock speeds, as overclocking can cause instability.

Install updates promptly: Regularly check for Windows updates and install them as soon as they become available to benefit from security patches and bug fixes.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I need to install the SgrmBroker service from somewhere?

No, the SgrmBroker service is part of the Windows 11 operating system. If it is missing or not working correctly, you likely have system corruption or misconfiguration that needs to be fixed.

Q2: What should I do if my PC keeps freezing during gameplay?

Start by updating your drivers, checking for overheating issues, and running the SFC and DISM tools. If the problem persists, consider reinstalling or repairing your Windows 11 installation.

Q3: Can CCleaner cause issues with critical system files?

Yes, CCleaner can sometimes remove files that Windows needs for proper functioning. Always review what CCleaner is about to delete, and avoid removing system-related files.

Q4: Will reinstalling Windows 11 fix the SgrmBroker issue?

A repair install or reset of Windows 11 can often restore missing or corrupted system files, including the SgrmBroker service. Just make sure to back up your files before doing so.

Q5: How do I know if the issue is related to my hardware?

Check your system temperatures using monitoring tools. If your system is overheating or your hardware is underperforming, it could be causing the freezing issue.

Q6: Should I disable Core Isolation and Memory Integrity?

Disabling these features can resolve some conflicts, but it's recommended to keep them enabled for better security unless you’re troubleshooting specific issues related to them.

Q7: Can this issue happen with other games or only specific ones?

The issue may occur with any game, but it could be more noticeable in resource-intensive titles that stress your CPU or GPU more than less demanding applications.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue with the SgrmBroker service and prevent your Windows 11 PC from freezing during gameplay. If the problem persists, it might be a good idea to consult with a professional technician for further diagnosis.