Freezing imac most tasks how to stop this

Or hardware. It could be a failing disk drive.

Go to etrecheck.com and get etrecheck.

Run it and post the full report here (use the additional text button at the bottom of the reply window. We get a more complete report if you allow it full disk access.

Try to boot the Mac in the safe mode to see if the issue persists. If the issue persists in the safe mode, it is caused by an external piece of software

Start up your Mac with Apple silicon in safe mode

1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > Shut Down.
2. Wait for your Mac to shut down completely. A Mac is completely shut down when the screen is black and any lights (including in the Touch Bar) are off.
3. Press and hold the power button on your Mac until “Loading startup options” appears.
4. Select a volume.
5. Press and hold the Shift key, then click Continue in Safe Mode.
6. The computer restarts automatically. When the login window appears, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

Start up your Intel-based Mac in safe mode

1. Turn on or restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the login window.
2. Log in to your Mac.
3. You might be asked to log in again.
4. On either the first or second login window, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.