How to Troubleshoot Common Windows 11 Issues

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Startup tab and disable unnecessary programs.

Free Up Disk Space:

• Use Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files and free up space.
• Go to Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations.

Adjust Performance Settings:

• Right-click on This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings > Performance Settings.
• Choose Adjust for best performance or customize settings.

2. Windows Update Problems

Symptoms:

• Updates fail to install or get stuck.
• Error codes like 0x80070002 or 0x800f081f appear during updates.

Troubleshooting Steps:

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter:

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run.

Clear Update Cache:

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Stop the Windows Update service.
• Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete all files.
• Restart the Windows Update service.

Check Internet Connection: Ensure your internet connection is stable.

Manually Install Updates:

Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog to download and install updates manually.

3. App Crashes or Freezes

Symptoms:

Apps close unexpectedly or stop responding.

Troubleshooting Steps:

Update the App: Check for updates in the Microsoft Store or the app’s official website.

Reinstall the App:

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select the app, and click Uninstall.

Reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store or an official source.

Run the App in Compatibility Mode:

Right-click the app’s shortcut, select Properties > Compatibility, and check Run this program in compatibility mode.

Check for System Updates: Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date.

4. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

Symptoms:

The system crashes and displays a blue screen with an error code.

Troubleshooting Steps:

Note the Error Code: Write down the error code displayed on the BSOD.

Restart in Safe Mode:

Restart your PC and press F8 or Shift + F8 during boot to enter Safe Mode.

Update Drivers:

Go to Device Manager, right-click on each device, and select Update driver.

Run System File Checker (SFC):

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type sfc /scannow.

Check for Hardware Issues:

Run a diagnostic tool to check for hardware problems.

5. Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues

Symptoms:

Unable to connect to Wi-Fi or frequent disconnections.

Troubleshooting Steps:

Restart Your Router and PC: Power cycle your router and restart your computer.

Run Network Troubleshooter:

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network troubleshooter.

Update Network Drivers:

Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, and select Update driver.

Reset Network Settings:

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.

6. Audio Problems

Symptoms:

No sound or distorted audio.

Troubleshooting Steps:

Check Volume Settings: Ensure the volume is not muted or too low.

Update Audio Drivers:

Open Device Manager, expand Sound, video, and game controllers, right-click your audio device, and select Update driver.

Run Audio Troubleshooter:

Go to Settings > System > Sound > Troubleshoot.

Check Audio Output Device:

Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar and select Open Sound settings. Ensure the correct output device is selected.

7. Taskbar or Start Menu Not Working

Symptoms:

The taskbar or Start menu is unresponsive.

Troubleshooting Steps:

Restart Windows Explorer:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

Find Windows Explorer, right-click, and select Restart.

Run System Maintenance Troubleshooter:

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > System Maintenance > Run.

Create a New User Account:

Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add account.

Log in with the new account to check if the issue persists.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my Windows 11 so slow?

Slow performance can be caused by outdated drivers, insufficient RAM, or too many startup programs. Follow the steps under Slow Performance to resolve the issue.

How do I fix Windows Update errors?

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, clear the update cache, or manually install updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

What should I do if an app keeps crashing?

Update the app, reinstall it, or run it in compatibility mode. Also, ensure your system is up to date.

How do I fix the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)?

Note the error code, restart in Safe Mode, update drivers, and run the System File Checker (SFC) tool.

Why can’t I connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 11?

Restart your router and PC, run the Network Troubleshooter, or reset network settings.

How do I fix audio issues in Windows 11?

Check volume settings, update audio drivers, or run the Audio Troubleshooter.

What should I do if the taskbar or Start menu isn’t working?

Restart Windows Explorer, run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter or create a new user account.

How do I free up disk space in Windows 11?

Use Disk Cleanup or go to Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations.

Can I downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10?

Yes, but you must do so within 10 days of upgrading. Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Go back.

How do I update drivers in Windows 11?

Open Device Manager, right-click the device and select Update driver.

Conclusion