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Windows OS: 75 Common Issues & Troubleshooting

1) Windows won’t boot
- Restart, enter Safe Mode (F8). - Run Startup Repair from recovery media. - Check Event Viewer for errors. - Restore from recent backup if needed. Secure: Update BIOS, disable unsigned drivers. Monitor: Use Reliability Monitor for boot issues.
2) Slow system performance
- Open Task Manager, check CPU/memory usage. - Disable unnecessary startup programs. - Run Disk Cleanup, defragment drive. - Update drivers and Windows. Secure: Scan for malware with Defender. Monitor: Use Performance Monitor for bottlenecks.
3) Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
- Note error code, check Event Viewer. - Update or roll back drivers. - Run "sfc /scannow" in Command Prompt. - Test hardware (RAM, HDD) with diagnostics. Secure: Disable automatic restart, update firmware. Monitor: Use BlueScreenView for crash logs.
4) Wi-Fi not connecting
- Restart router and PC. - Update Wi-Fi driver in Device Manager. - Run "netsh winsock reset" in Command Prompt. - Check network adapter settings. Secure: Use WPA3, disable SSID broadcast. Monitor: Use Network Troubleshooter for logs.
5) Windows Update fails
- Run Windows Update Troubleshooter. - Clear update cache (C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution). - Check internet connection. - Manually download update from Microsoft Catalog. Secure: Enable firewall, verify update source. Monitor: Check Windows Update logs in Event Viewer.
6) Application crashes on launch
- Update app to latest version. - Run in compatibility mode. - Repair app via Control Panel. - Check Event Viewer for error codes. Secure: Use trusted app sources. Monitor: Use Reliability Monitor for crash reports.
7) No sound from speakers
- Check volume, ensure speakers are default device. - Update audio drivers in Device Manager. - Run Sound Troubleshooter. - Test with different audio output. Secure: Disable unused audio devices. Monitor: Check Device Manager for conflicts.
8) Slow internet connection
- Restart router, check signal strength. - Run "ipconfig /flushdns" in Command Prompt. - Disable bandwidth-heavy apps in Task Manager. - Update network drivers. Secure: Use VPN, secure DNS. Monitor: Use Resource Monitor for network usage.
9) Windows freezes randomly
- Check Task Manager for high resource usage. - Update drivers, run "chkdsk /f". - Disable unnecessary services. - Test RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic. Secure: Scan for malware with Defender. Monitor: Use Event Viewer for freeze events.
10) Printer not working
- Check printer connection (USB/Wi-Fi). - Run Printer Troubleshooter. - Update or reinstall printer drivers. - Clear print spooler (net stop spooler). Secure: Restrict printer access in network. Monitor: Check Print Service logs in Event Viewer.
11) File Explorer not responding
- Restart Explorer via Task Manager. - Run "sfc /scannow" and "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth". - Clear File Explorer cache. - Update Windows and drivers. Secure: Scan for malware affecting Explorer. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for Explorer errors.
12) Windows login slow
- Disable unnecessary startup programs. - Check disk health with "chkdsk /r". - Update Windows and drivers. - Run System Maintenance Troubleshooter. Secure: Enable fast startup, use strong passwords. Monitor: Use Performance Monitor for login times.
13) USB device not recognized
- Try different USB port. - Update USB drivers in Device Manager. - Run Hardware Troubleshooter. - Check power management settings. Secure: Disable unsigned driver installation. Monitor: Check Device Manager for USB errors.
14) Windows search not working
- Rebuild search index in Control Panel. - Run Search Troubleshooter. - Check Windows Search service status. - Update Windows to latest version. Secure: Restrict search indexing to trusted locations. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for search errors.
15) High CPU usage
- Open Task Manager, identify high-usage processes. - Update or terminate problematic apps. - Run "sfc /scannow" for system file issues. - Scan for malware with Defender. Secure: Disable unnecessary background apps. Monitor: Use Resource Monitor for CPU usage.
16) Windows Store apps not opening
- Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter. - Reset app cache (wsreset.exe). - Re-register apps via PowerShell. - Update Windows Store and apps. Secure: Use Microsoft Store trusted apps. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for app errors.
17) Black screen on startup
- Restart in Safe Mode (F8). - Update or roll back graphics driver. - Run Startup Repair from recovery media. - Check Event Viewer for display errors. Secure: Disable fast startup, update BIOS. Monitor: Use Reliability Monitor for boot issues.
18) Windows Update stuck
- Run Windows Update Troubleshooter. - Clear update cache (C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution). - Restart Windows Update service. - Manually install updates from Microsoft Catalog. Secure: Verify update source integrity. Monitor: Check Windows Update logs in Event Viewer.
19) No internet access
- Run Network Troubleshooter. - Reset TCP/IP stack (netsh int ip reset). - Update network adapter drivers. - Check router and ISP status. Secure: Use secure DNS, enable firewall. Monitor: Use Network Diagnostics for logs.
20) Taskbar not responding
- Restart Windows Explorer in Task Manager. - Run "sfc /scannow" and "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth". - Update Windows and drivers. - Scan for malware with Defender. Secure: Disable untrusted taskbar extensions. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for taskbar errors.
21) Windows activation error
- Run Activation Troubleshooter. - Verify product key in Settings. - Run "slmgr /ato" in Command Prompt. - Contact Microsoft Support if persistent. Secure: Use legitimate Windows license. Monitor: Check Activation logs in Event Viewer.
22) Disk space running low
- Run Disk Cleanup, remove temporary files. - Uninstall unused apps via Control Panel. - Move files to external or cloud storage. - Check disk usage with Storage Sense. Secure: Scan for unauthorized large files. Monitor: Use File Explorer for disk usage.
23) Windows Defender not updating
- Run Windows Update for Defender definitions. - Check Defender service status. - Run "MpCmdRun -SignatureUpdate" in Command Prompt. - Verify internet connection. Secure: Enable real-time protection. Monitor: Check Defender logs in Event Viewer.
24) Screen flickering
- Update graphics driver in Device Manager. - Adjust screen refresh rate in Display Settings. - Boot in Safe Mode to test. - Check monitor cable connections. Secure: Disable untrusted display drivers. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for display errors.
25) Windows time not syncing
- Run "w32tm /resync" in Command Prompt. - Set time server (e.g., time.windows.com). - Check Windows Time service status. - Update Windows and drivers. Secure: Use trusted NTP servers. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for time sync errors.
26) Windows firewall blocking app
- Open Windows Defender Firewall, allow app. - Create inbound/outbound rule for app. - Check firewall logs for blocked connections. - Update app to latest version. Secure: Allow only trusted apps. Monitor: Check Firewall logs in Event Viewer.
27) Corrupted user profile
- Create new user profile via Control Panel. - Copy files from old profile (C:\Users). - Run "sfc /scannow" for system files. - Check Event Viewer for profile errors. Secure: Back up profile data regularly. Monitor: Use Reliability Monitor for profile issues.
28) Slow file transfer
- Check disk health with "chkdsk /f". - Update USB or network drivers. - Disable antivirus during transfer. - Use wired connection for network transfers. Secure: Scan files for malware. Monitor: Use Resource Monitor for transfer speed.
29) Windows not shutting down
- Disable Fast Startup in Power Settings. - Update drivers and Windows. - Run "powercfg /requests" to check processes. - Scan for malware with Defender. Secure: Disable untrusted startup services. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for shutdown errors.
30) Missing DLL errors
- Reinstall affected application. - Run "sfc /scannow" to repair system files. - Download DLL from trusted source if needed. - Update Windows and drivers. Secure: Avoid unverified DLL downloads. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for DLL errors.
31) Windows clock wrong
- Sync time with "w32tm /resync". - Set correct time zone in Settings. - Check CMOS battery on motherboard. - Update Windows Time service. Secure: Use secure NTP servers. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for time errors.
32) High disk usage
- Check Task Manager for disk-heavy processes. - Disable Superfetch and Windows Search. - Run "chkdsk /f" and Disk Cleanup. - Scan for malware with Defender. Secure: Monitor unauthorized disk access. Monitor: Use Resource Monitor for disk activity.
33) Windows Update error 0x80070057
- Run Windows Update Troubleshooter. - Clear update cache (C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution). - Run "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth". - Manually install update from Microsoft Catalog. Secure: Verify update integrity. Monitor: Check Windows Update logs in Event Viewer.
34) Keyboard not working
- Check keyboard connection (USB/PS2). - Update keyboard driver in Device Manager. - Run Hardware Troubleshooter. - Test with external keyboard. Secure: Disable untrusted keyboard drivers. Monitor: Check Device Manager for keyboard errors.
35) Mouse lagging
- Update mouse driver in Device Manager. - Adjust mouse settings in Control Panel. - Check for high CPU usage in Task Manager. - Test with different mouse or port. Secure: Disable untrusted mouse drivers. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for input errors.
36) Windows not detecting second monitor
- Check monitor cables and connections. - Update graphics driver in Device Manager. - Run Hardware Troubleshooter. - Detect displays in Display Settings. Secure: Disable untrusted display drivers. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for display issues.
37) Windows Store not downloading
- Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter. - Reset Store cache (wsreset.exe). - Check internet connection. - Update Windows Store app. Secure: Use trusted Microsoft Store sources. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for Store errors.
38) Windows Defender disabled
- Enable Defender in Security Center. - Check Group Policy for Defender settings. - Run "sc start WinDefend" in Command Prompt. - Scan for malware with third-party tool. Secure: Keep Defender updated. Monitor: Check Defender logs in Event Viewer.
39) Windows audio distorted
- Update audio driver in Device Manager. - Adjust audio enhancements in Sound Settings. - Test with different speakers or headphones. - Run Sound Troubleshooter. Secure: Disable untrusted audio drivers. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for audio errors.
40) Windows not connecting to network
- Run Network Troubleshooter. - Reset network settings (netsh winsock reset). - Update network adapter drivers. - Check router and firewall settings. Secure: Use secure Wi-Fi protocols. Monitor: Check Network Diagnostics for logs.
41) Windows Update error 0x80070005
- Run Windows Update Troubleshooter. - Grant full control to SYSTEM for SoftwareDistribution folder. - Run "sfc /scannow" and DISM. - Manually install update from Microsoft Catalog. Secure: Verify update source authenticity. Monitor: Check Windows Update logs in Event Viewer.
42) Windows not recognizing external drive
- Check drive in Disk Management. - Update USB drivers in Device Manager. - Run Hardware Troubleshooter. - Test drive on another PC. Secure: Scan drive for malware. Monitor: Check Device Manager for drive errors.
43) Windows Start menu not opening
- Restart Windows Explorer in Task Manager. - Run "sfc /scannow" and DISM. - Create new user profile. - Update Windows to latest version. Secure: Scan for malware affecting Start menu. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for Start menu errors.
44) Windows BSOD error 0x0000007E
- Update or roll back drivers in Safe Mode. - Run "chkdsk /f" and "sfc /scannow". - Test hardware with diagnostics. - Check Event Viewer for error details. Secure: Disable unsigned drivers. Monitor: Use BlueScreenView for crash analysis.
45) Windows not installing drivers
- Update drivers via Device Manager. - Run Hardware Troubleshooter. - Download drivers from manufacturer site. - Check Windows Update for driver updates. Secure: Use signed drivers only. Monitor: Check Device Manager for driver errors.
46) Windows battery draining fast
- Check battery usage in Settings. - Disable background apps in Task Manager. - Run "powercfg /batteryreport" for details. - Update power drivers. Secure: Disable untrusted power apps. Monitor: Use Battery Report for usage trends.
47) Windows not saving Wi-Fi password
- Forget network, reconnect, and save credentials. - Update Wi-Fi driver in Device Manager. - Run Network Troubleshooter. - Check Credential Manager for saved passwords. Secure: Use strong Wi-Fi passwords. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for network errors.
48) Windows screen resolution incorrect
- Adjust resolution in Display Settings. - Update graphics driver in Device Manager. - Run Hardware Troubleshooter. - Check monitor compatibility. Secure: Disable untrusted display drivers. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for resolution issues.
49) Windows not detecting Bluetooth device
- Ensure device is in pairing mode. - Update Bluetooth driver in Device Manager. - Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter. - Restart Bluetooth Support Service. Secure: Pair only trusted devices. Monitor: Check Device Manager for Bluetooth errors.
50) Windows Update error 0x80070643
- Run Windows Update Troubleshooter. - Clear update cache (C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution). - Run "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth". - Manually install update from Microsoft Catalog. Secure: Verify update authenticity. Monitor: Check Windows Update logs in Event Viewer.
51) Windows not opening PDF files
- Set default PDF viewer in Settings. - Reinstall PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat). - Update Windows and app. - Run File Explorer Troubleshooter. Secure: Use trusted PDF readers. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for file association errors.
52) Windows not connecting to VPN
- Check VPN credentials and settings. - Update VPN client software. - Run Network Troubleshooter. - Allow VPN through Windows Firewall. Secure: Use strong VPN encryption. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for VPN errors.
53) Windows not installing apps
- Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter. - Reset Store cache (wsreset.exe). - Check disk space and permissions. - Update Windows to latest version. Secure: Install from trusted sources. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for app installation errors.
54) Windows not recognizing camera
- Check camera privacy settings in Settings. - Update camera driver in Device Manager. - Run Hardware Troubleshooter. - Test camera with different app. Secure: Disable camera for untrusted apps. Monitor: Check Device Manager for camera errors.
55) Windows not updating time zone
- Set time zone in Date & Time Settings. - Sync time with "w32tm /resync". - Check Windows Time service status. - Update Windows to latest version. Secure: Use trusted time servers. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for time zone errors.
56) Windows not playing videos
- Update media player (e.g., VLC, Windows Media Player). - Install missing codecs via codec pack. - Update graphics driver in Device Manager. - Run Video Playback Troubleshooter. Secure: Use trusted media players. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for video errors.
57) Windows not connecting to domain
- Check DNS settings for domain controller. - Run "nltest /sc_verify" in Command Prompt. - Verify network connectivity to DC. - Rejoin domain via System Properties. Secure: Use secure DNS, Kerberos authentication. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for domain errors.
58) Windows not saving settings
- Check user profile permissions in C:\Users. - Run "sfc /scannow" and DISM. - Create new user profile if corrupted. - Update Windows to latest version. Secure: Back up settings regularly. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for profile errors.
59) Windows not detecting microphone
- Check microphone privacy settings in Settings. - Update audio driver in Device Manager. - Run Sound Troubleshooter. - Test with different microphone. Secure: Disable mic for untrusted apps. Monitor: Check Device Manager for audio errors.
60) Windows not opening Control Panel
- Run "sfc /scannow" and DISM. - Restart Windows Explorer in Task Manager. - Create new user profile. - Update Windows to latest version. Secure: Scan for malware affecting system apps. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for Control Panel errors.
61) Windows not applying group policy
- Run "gpupdate /force" in Command Prompt. - Check Group Policy logs in Event Viewer. - Verify domain connectivity with "nltest". - Reapply GPO in Group Policy Management. Secure: Restrict GPO edit permissions. Monitor: Use Event Viewer for GPO errors.
62) Windows not syncing OneDrive
- Check OneDrive status in taskbar. - Reset OneDrive with "%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset". - Update OneDrive app. - Verify internet connection. Secure: Use M365 encryption for OneDrive. Monitor: Check OneDrive logs in Event Viewer.
63) Windows not detecting GPU
- Update GPU driver in Device Manager. - Check GPU connection in hardware. - Run Hardware Troubleshooter. - Update BIOS/UEFI firmware. Secure: Use signed GPU drivers. Monitor: Check Device Manager for GPU errors.
64) Windows not opening Task Manager
- Run "taskmgr" in Command Prompt. - Check Group Policy for Task Manager restrictions. - Run "sfc /scannow" and DISM. - Scan for malware with Defender. Secure: Restrict Task Manager to admins. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for Task Manager errors.
65) Windows not printing to network printer
- Check printer IP and network connectivity. - Run Printer Troubleshooter. - Update printer drivers in Device Manager. - Clear print spooler (net stop spooler). Secure: Restrict printer access in network. Monitor: Check Print Service logs in Event Viewer.
66) Windows not installing updates
- Run Windows Update Troubleshooter. - Clear update cache (C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution). - Run "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth". - Manually install updates from Microsoft Catalog. Secure: Verify update source integrity. Monitor: Check Windows Update logs in Event Viewer.
67) Windows not opening Settings app
- Run "sfc /scannow" and DISM. - Reset Settings app via PowerShell. - Create new user profile. - Update Windows to latest version. Secure: Scan for malware affecting Settings. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for Settings errors.
68) Windows not connecting to remote desktop
- Check Remote Desktop settings in System Properties. - Allow RDP through Windows Firewall. - Update RDP client and drivers. - Verify network connectivity. Secure: Use strong RDP credentials, enable NLA. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for RDP errors.
69) Windows not detecting SSD
- Check SSD in Disk Management. - Update storage controller drivers. - Run Hardware Troubleshooter. - Verify SSD connection in BIOS. Secure: Scan SSD for malware. Monitor: Check Device Manager for storage errors.
70) Windows not opening Command Prompt
- Run "cmd" in Run dialog (Win+R). - Check Group Policy for CMD restrictions. - Run "sfc /scannow" and DISM. - Scan for malware with Defender. Secure: Restrict CMD to admins. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for CMD errors.
71) Windows not saving desktop icons
- Check user profile permissions in C:\Users. - Run "sfc /scannow" and DISM. - Create new user profile. - Update Windows to latest version. Secure: Back up desktop settings. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for profile errors.
72) Windows not connecting to shared folder
- Check share permissions and NTFS permissions. - Run Network Troubleshooter. - Enable SMB 1.0 if needed (Control Panel). - Verify network discovery settings. Secure: Use strong share credentials. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for sharing errors.
73) Windows not installing fonts
- Copy font files to C:\Windows\Fonts. - Install via Fonts settings in Control Panel. - Run "sfc /scannow" for system file issues. - Check font file compatibility. Secure: Use trusted font sources. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for font errors.
74) Windows not opening Edge browser
- Reset Edge via Settings > Apps. - Run "sfc /scannow" and DISM. - Update Edge to latest version. - Create new user profile. Secure: Scan for malware affecting Edge. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for browser errors.
75) Windows not applying wallpaper
- Check wallpaper settings in Personalization. - Run "sfc /scannow" and DISM. - Verify image file format and path. - Create new user profile. Secure: Use trusted wallpaper sources. Monitor: Check Event Viewer for personalization errors.
Disclaimer: The troubleshooting steps above are for informational purposes only. Test solutions in a controlled environment before applying to critical systems. XervAi is not responsible for issues arising from improper application.