Windows Phone 8 Users Reporting Random Reboots, Freezing; Nokia, HTC Handsets Affected

Some Windows Phone 8 users are reporting problems with random reboots and freezes. The Verge picked up on the issue yesterday. Since then the number of post on various forum threads has risen, with 157 replies on the WPCentral forum and 61 replies to a question about reboots on a Microsoft forum. A Nokia support forum thread on the Lumia 920 freezing now runs to four pages.

It is unclear exactly what is triggering the problems — and whether they are related or down to specific issues with different handsets, although since multiple handsets from different makers are involved a problem relating to the OS seems most likely. Handsets named by forum users include the Nokia Lumia 920 and the HTC 8X. An owner of an WP7 handset, the HTC Trophy, also reports having reboot problems with that older handset.

Several users on the WPCentral forum report having fewer problems after uninstalling the Facebook app — but others say the reboots seem entirely random. Other users various blame the HTC hub, and an NFC tap-to-share feature.

We’ve asked Microsoft, HTC and Nokia if they are aware of any problems and whether they are working on a fix. We’ll update this story with any response.

Update: Nokia acknowledged there have been “reports of a small number of people experiencing this unusual performance on their Nokia Lumia 920” and pointed to problematic apps as a potential cause — noting in a statement: “We are investigating but suspect some apps may be at the root of the issue when left running in the background. While we learn more, we advise people when finished with an application to navigate away using the back button to ensure it is no longer active.”

Update 2: HTC told TechCrunch it understands that Microsoft is looking into the issue. Microsoft has yet to respond to a request for comment.

Update 3: Microsoft said it is “currently investigating reports of these incidents”.