This tutorial includes a list of the most common problems in Windows 10 and 11 and basic tips for fixing them. Almost all Windows problems can be fixed using its own tools: system utilities and troubleshooters, advanced startup, the Command Prompt, the Control Panel, and the latest device drivers. Are you experiencing any of the issues below? There's a solution for everyone.
1. Unresponsive apps
When a Windows application freezes, nothing moves on the screen, and even other programs become unresponsive. Applications often behave this way due to overheating in the case/bottom of the laptop and memory issues.
- To unfreeze stuck apps, open Task Manager using Ctrl + Alt + Del Or from the operating command Win + R followed by Taskmgr.
Right click to end those tasks in "Operations". If you are able to save your work, perform a clean reboot.
A very old computer may need to clean its cooling fan. If you have insufficient RAM, consider adding more.
2. Slow computer
Following application freezes, a slow PC is the bane of every Windows user. It can make completing even the simplest tasks a torment.
You can speed up your Windows 11 or 10 device even if you don't plan to upgrade your RAM anytime soon.
- Replace any program Antivirus b Windows Defender ، The only antivirus you'll ever need.
- Open Windows tool, Disk Cleanup , in the search bar, which frees up space on your computer by clearing Windows updates, Windows upgrade log files, temporary files, Recycle Bin, and memory dump files.
- Disable startup applications from “Settings -> Apps -> Startup.” The only startup tasks you really need are services, like Intel Graphics Command Center و Realtek Audio driver. Everything else is optional.
- Consider downloading Windows to the cloud. It downloads the latest system files from Microsoft servers to give you a fresh Windows installation. Once you click "Reset your computer" in Settings -> System -> Recovery options The option is displayed in a main step as shown.
- It can give you Clear cache Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge periodically receives a slight performance boost. If you're using an older PC, consider uninstalling any programs and games that consume a lot of RAM.
3. Blue Screen Errors
Blue screen errors don't have a simple explanation, but they are annoying. Also known as error checking or stop code errors, they display error lines related to third-party software, hardware, Microsoft code, or corrupted memory.
Each blue screen error has its own stop code that is displayed on the screen, such as: “0x000000xyz”. Can be viewed in Event Viewer , which opens from Win + R by typing eventvwr.exe Or eventvwr. msc.
After you see a blue screen, analyze the dump files generated by the crash using Debug with Windbg. The best way to fix these errors is to use the advanced Windows startup menu (also known as the boot menu). To start this, go to “Settings -> System -> Recovery -> Advanced startup -> Restart.”
Use one of these options in the Advanced Startup menu:
- Uninstall updates: The blue screen is usually caused by incompatible drivers or third-party software.
- system recovery: Restore the operating system to an earlier date and time when the problem did not exist.
- Startup Repair: Use it if you have a blue screen due to boot issues.
- Factory image restore: Restore the computer to the condition it was shipped in (for use only in extreme cases).
- Kernel data page error
- WDF_violation error
In rare cases, a blue screen may be caused by hardware issues. Look under the motherboard cover and power supply to determine the exact cause.
4. Hard disk/SSD failure
Whether you're using a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), it can fail due to short circuits, data corruption, or physical damage—or it may die out completely.
To get a hardware health report for your hard drive/SSD, run the following code in a command prompt (administrator mode). If the response is "OK," the hard drive failure is due to software errors that can be easily fixed.
wmic followed by diskdrive get status
For any hard disk errors you encounter, use the following holy trinity of Command Prompt (Administrator Mode) fixes.
Chkdsk
This command performs a comprehensive hard disk scan. For more specific drive scans, modify it as chkdsk C: /f /x /r or chkdsk D: /f /x /r.
You should see a message similar to “Windows scanned the file system and found no problems. No further action is required.” If not, move on to the next tool.
System File Checker
you can use sfc / scannow , which repairs protected Windows files and replaces corrupted drivers.
DISM
Next, run the Deployment Image Recovery and Management (DISM) commands in the order below:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /scanhealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /restorehealth
SSD users should Set their power mode to “best performance.” in “Settings -> System -> Power & Battery.” You don't want to shut down your laptop every time, as frequent discharges are not healthy for the SSD.
Furthermore, cancel Hard drive disk fragmentation (HDD) If you're using one, this will eliminate any problems caused by bad sectors on the drive. For SSD users, there are comparable disk optimization tools.
5. Mouse and touchpad issues
Another annoying issue is the mouse being late to receive input, or the touchpad freezing for no reason.
If you are using the touchpad on a laptop, go to Settings -> Bluetooth & Devices -> TouchpadLeave the touchpad in toggle mode when connecting a mouse. Enable All virtual touchpad sensitivity options.
You can correct your mouse settings from: “Settings -> Bluetooth & Devices -> Mouse.” Make sure “Left” is selected. This is the primary mouse button and the mouse pointer speed is at a comfortable level. Keep all default options enabled.
After clicking on Additional mouse settings Select the desired pointer speed from the tab. "Indicator Options".
If your mouse or touchpad isn't working properly, you can fix it via Device Manager. Open it by typing Win + R followed by devmgmt. msc. Select the desired mouse or touchpad device drivers. Right-click on them to view them. Its characteristics Update or reinstall drivers.
6. Registration errors
A corrupted registry in Windows 11 or 10 is a breeding ground for future problems, leading to errors and DLL crashes. This can occur during frequent computer use.
The best way to keep your Windows registry healthy is to clean boot your Windows machine.
- Open an app "System Configuration" From the search bar or by typing msconfig In the playlist.
- Go to Services and select “Hide all Microsoft services”.
- Click on all third-party services, such as Google and other apps. They will need to be disabled. After restarting, Windows will provide a clean boot environment.
- DLL errors in the registry can be traced to one of the main categories in the Registry Editor. Open it from Run command By writing regedit.
- Navigate to the exact path of any program causing the problem and create New keys Or DWORD (32-bit) values By following the troubleshooting requirements.
- Problems caused by a corrupted registry are generally resolved after a simple Windows update. You can also use the following commands: sfc / scannow و DISM.exe in Command Prompt For extra protection.
7. Sound not working
If your laptop or desktop computer fails to produce any sound, you'll no longer be able to listen to music, movies, and YouTube, or attend video conference calls. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot.
- Go to “Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Sound.”
- This will open a pop-up window where you can see a check mark next to the playback device you're using. If it's headphones, you won't receive any sound from your laptop speakers, and vice versa. Check for Problems with wireless headphones.
- Windows 11 and 10 provide a default troubleshooter for each error source. Look for the troubleshooter option. Find and fix audio playback issues Enable it to apply fixes automatically.
- After running the troubleshooter, the audio problems should disappear. You can fix audio driver issues by restarting the audio services from services.msc in Run.
- Turn off the Sound Effects and Enhancements option by going to “Settings -> System -> Sound -> Speakers.”
8. Windows login problems
The most likely cause of Windows sign-in problems is forgotten passwords or personal identification numbers (PINs). Therefore, it is essential to store them securely. (Consider using Password manager for web, desktop, and mobile.)
If you still can't sign in, you may have multiple accounts on your Windows device. You can access them using netplwiz In the startup menu. Removing unnecessary accounts can immediately fix sign-in issues. Restart your computer to confirm the issue has been resolved.
To avoid future login issues, instead of turning off from Lockscreen window Go back inside the logged in desktop for a proper shutdown.
To recur login issues, log in using Safe Mode and run the Startup Repair tool as mentioned above. You can also "Disable Fast Startup" from Energy Options in the control panel.
9. BIOS issues
While a corrupted BIOS is reason enough to replace your computer or hard drive, in most cases, it's just a simple maintenance issue. You can access the BIOS menu by repeatedly pressing the boot keys after restarting Windows. Depending on your computer manufacturer, the boot keys could be F2, F6, F12, or Esc.
Once you are in the BIOS settings menu, look for an option that says “Load default settings” (our option is at the bottom under “Maintenance”) , where your computer's default BIOS settings will be loaded.
Once you set Factory or default BIOS settings, your Windows machine will restore its settings after a quick reboot.
Note: You will not encounter any BIOS issues if you enable UEFI mode.
When you notice errors like: “This computer cannot run the current version of Windows.” If your computer is stuck at the BIOS boot screen forever, you should check and update the BIOS information. Otherwise, you should not bother with the BIOS settings.
10. USB ports not working
Sometimes, a PC or laptop doesn't respond properly to inserting or removing a USB device. If there's nothing wrong with the USB drive, it could be a sign that the USB ports are faulty.
- If there is no physical damage to the USB port, but it is not working properly, go to the necessary driver in Device Manager and check Its characteristics.
- The condition may appear This device is working properly.If this doesn't happen, restart your computer and check again.
- Right-clicking the USB driver in Device Manager will open other options that allow you to install and update drivers.
11. Screen/Display Problems
Are you experiencing issues with your monitor or display, such as black screens, blank screens, blurry screens, or distorted display? Just like with mice, keyboards, and other peripherals, these issues can be resolved from Device Manager.
Go to the screen you're using and right-click it to view the driver's properties. If it displays a status like "This device is working correctly," you're good to go. However, if the drivers appear to be outdated, you'll need to update and reinstall them, as in the previous example.
Here's a simple trick to ensure there's no conflict with your display. Since it relies on a power supply, you can speed it up to ensure the graphics are displayed on time. Go to Shutdown settings of “Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Power Options -> System Settings.” Locate “Turn on fast startup.”
If you're using multiple monitors on Windows, make sure the primary and secondary displays are correctly identified. The display resolution should be scaled according to your computer's monitor size recommendations.
12. Bluetooth is not working
Bluetooth is an integral part of the Windows experience. Whether it's mice, touchpads, headsets, USB devices, or smart gadgets, things don't seem the same when Bluetooth stops working.
- Go to Settings -> Bluetooth & Devices Ensure the target Bluetooth devices are successfully paired. Keep Bluetooth enabled on your device.
- If the Bluetooth pairing issue persists, run the Bluetooth troubleshooter. In Windows, this option is available by going to “Settings -> System -> Troubleshooting -> Other troubleshooting tools -> Bluetooth.”
- After running the Bluetooth troubleshooter, you may notice some changes in your system. Minor issues, such as Bluetooth radio issues, will be fixed.
After a simple reboot, Bluetooth pairing should be successful. If you continue to experience problems, uninstall and reinstall the secondary Bluetooth device. You may also need to repair some drivers from Device Manager.
13. Windows will not download or install updates
This issue can occur when upgrading from a current version of Windows to a newer version. You may find that Windows takes longer to download or install updates.
- In most cases, the issue can be fixed with a simple computer restart and by refreshing the update screen. Go to "Check for updates" And see if the glitch is gone.
- If you are still unable to proceed with necessary updates, run the Windows Update troubleshooter from “Settings -> System -> Troubleshooting -> Other troubleshooting tools.”
- Running the Windows Troubleshooter can help you fix any security settings, missing files, or service registration issues. The same results can be achieved using SFC و DISM and other file path correction tools.
14. Wi-Fi suddenly disconnects
Your computer's Wi-Fi network is what holds everything together. If your Wi-Fi suddenly stops working, you won't be able to connect to the internet. To fix Wi-Fi problems in Windows, follow the steps below.
- Go to “Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center.” This will open the Network Connections window.
- Choose Wi-Fi connection Which you want to disable and enable.
- make sure that Your Wi-Fi router hasn't caused you any problems. recently.
- Make sure it is not running Airplane mode By mistake. You can disable it from Settings -> Network & Internet.
if Wi-Fi network failed In the end, try enabling SSID broadcast and some other things.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the most common Windows error messages?
answer. The most common error messages in Windows 11 and 10 are:
- Boot device not found
- DLL errors
- Bug update
- Security Certificate Errors
- Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) Errors
- access denied
- Slow or no internet connection
Q2. Why does Windows 10 sometimes become unstable?
answer. Windows 10 is unstable because it lacks support for advanced features, such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM), Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), and Secure UEFI boot. While Microsoft intends to support Windows 10 until the end of 2025, you should consider Moving to Windows 11 , as it offers more stability thanks to a bug-free user interface and many advanced functions.
Q3. How do I know if my Windows applications are defective?
answer. If you keep the SmartScreen filter enabled in Windows Security, it will alert you when downloaded apps are causing problems. It will also prevent you from installing these apps.