Start with the right checks.
First check whether one application stopped responding or the entire computer is affected. If the pointer moves and another application opens, you may be able to recover without restarting everything.
What to do next.
Allow a busy application time to finish the task it was doing. Check for a hidden question or save dialog behind another window.
Save work in other responsive applications. Note the frozen application’s name and the task that preceded the problem.
Try closing the affected application normally. If it remains stuck, open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and identify that application by name.
End only the clearly identified application if you accept losing its unsaved changes. Reopen it and look for its own recovery prompt.
Check the result.
Try the same task with a noncritical file. If the application freezes again, keep the file unchanged and record its version and exact behavior.
Stop and get help if…
Several applications fail, the PC stops responding entirely or the problem involves a shared database. A repeated crash needs a cause checked, not a daily forced shutdown routine.