Troubleshooting Windows 10 and Windows 11

If you're experiencing issues with Windows 10 or Windows 11, don’t panic — many problems can be resolved on your own. In this guide, we’ll cover the essential troubleshooting methods for both versions of the operating system.

1. Using Built-in Troubleshooters

Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with built-in tools to diagnose and fix common issues:

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  • Select the tool you need, such as "Network Troubleshooter," "Audio Issues," or "App Problems."
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows automatically resolve the issues.

2. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes a simple restart can fix many issues. This is especially effective if the problem started after an update or software installation.

3. Check for Windows Updates

Outdated Windows versions can often lead to various problems. To check for updates:

  1. Open Settings and go to Update & Security.
  2. Click on Check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your computer.

4. System Restore

If issues started after a software installation or update, try restoring your system:

  1. Search for "System Restore" in the Windows search bar and open it.
  2. Select a restore point created before the problem occurred.
  3. Follow the on-screen steps to complete the restoration process.

5. Check and Repair System Files

Corrupted system files can cause many errors. Use the Command Prompt for a system scan:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions if corrupted files are found.

6. Network and Internet Diagnostics

If you’re having network or internet issues, try the following:

  1. Right-click the network icon on the taskbar and select Troubleshoot problems.
  2. Windows will automatically diagnose and attempt to fix network issues.
  3. You can also reset network settings using the command: netsh winsock reset.

7. Boot into Safe Mode

If the system is unstable, try booting into Safe Mode:

  1. Restart your computer while holding the Shift key.
  2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
  3. Press F4 to boot into Safe Mode.

8. Reset Your PC to Factory Settings

If all else fails, you can reset your PC to its factory settings:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  2. Click Get started under "Reset this PC."
  3. Choose whether to keep your personal files or remove everything.