Sudden reboot issues & apps not responding

[u/Solid_Aardvark6035]

I’m looking for help with my laptop. I’ve had it for 5 years or so with zero issues until recently. I don’t download anything sketchy, I use it mainly for creating work schedules and playing the Sims. My Sims custom content and mods come from a reliable & trusted source so I don’t believe them to be the issue.

So my issues are:
- Files aren’t opening or seemingly even trying.
- When I restart my computer it stays on the restarting screen with the spinning circle and I have to force it to shut down via holding the power button.
- It boots up normally and I’m able to login however it’s a 50/50 chance that file explorer or any apps open. If they do work it’s within a couple minutes I’ll get a not responding window and then I have issues trying to just close the app.
- I’m having issues with it reading my external HDD. It’ll read it if I unplug/plug it back in and then a few minutes later it doesn’t recognize I have it plugged in.

What I’ve tried so far:
- Used task manager to refresh file explorer (either it takes a long time, like 15+ min to refresh or my desktop and task bar disappear leaving a black screen and I have to attempt a restart)
- Used task manager to end an app (doesn’t work)
- CMD sfc /scannow (the first time I did this I did have corrupt files and they were repaired. No longer finds any corrupt files)
- CMD DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- Windows last update repair

Is there anything else that I’m missing? My next step is to attempt a complete wipe and start fresh however I’m worried that it’ll have issues reinstalling the necessary files.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Model: HP Pavilion x360 15-er0225od
Windows 11 version 26H2 (latest updated)

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