I agree it’s quite perplexing.
So yes you’re correct in that I can still play the game, like 90 mins after windows seemingly crashed. Once I decide I’m not playing any longer and come to save is when I realise that the whole of windows (aside from the game) has crashed as I can’t load the task manager or even shut down and have to just power off.
So I have duel monitor setup and I play fullscreen on one of them, but that screen still shows the start start menu (taskbar) whatever it’s called.
I will try those tips you suggested, once I’m less pissed off about the whole ordeal (which I get is silly as it’s just a game, but that game offers me a release from the stress of life and so I don’t appreciate the stress it’s causing).
I’ll update once I’ve tested. Obviously on a throwaway world.