Top 8 Windows Troubleshooting Tips Everyone Should Know

Windows is one of the most commonly used operating systems in the world, and like any technology, it can sometimes encounter issues and malfunctions. Fortunately, there are many simple and effective troubleshooting tips that can help you solve these common problems. In this article, we will be outlining the top 10 Windows troubleshooting tips that everyone should know. Whether you’re dealing with a slow computer, malfunctioning hardware, or software issues, these tips will help you diagnose and resolve the problem quickly and efficiently. So let’s dive in and explore the most effective ways to troubleshoot Windows and get your computer running smoothly again!

1. Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Restart Your Computer

As basic as it may sound, restart your computer! Many issues can be resolved with a simple restart, and it gives your system a chance to refresh itself. If you’re having trouble shutting down, press and hold the power button for a few seconds until the computer turns off.

Check the Power Source

Make sure your computer is plugged into a working outlet and that all cords are securely connected. If you’re using a laptop, ensure that it’s charged or plugged in and that the battery isn’t dead.

Check the Display

If you’re not seeing anything on your display, make sure it’s turned on and that the cable connecting it to your computer is securely plugged in. If you’re using a laptop, try connecting to an external monitor to see if the issue is with your display or your computer.

Check the Keyboard and Mouse

Ensure that your keyboard and mouse are securely connected to your computer and that they’re turned on. If you’re using a wireless keyboard or mouse, make sure the batteries aren’t dead.

2. Update Your Drivers and Operating System

Check for Updates

Make sure your system is up to date by checking for updates. Go to “Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update” to check for updates.

Update Your Device Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause issues with your system. To update your drivers, go to “Device Manager”, right-click on the device you want to update, and select “Update driver”.

Update Your Operating System

Keeping your operating system up to date can improve performance and fix bugs and security issues. Check for updates in “Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update”.

3. Utilize the Windows Troubleshooters

Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in troubleshooters for common issues. Go to “Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot” to run a troubleshooter.

Use the Control Panel Troubleshooters

Windows also has troubleshooters in the Control Panel. Go to “Control Panel > System and Security > Troubleshoot common computer problems” to access them.

4. Manage Your Start-Up Programs

Check Your Start-Up Programs

Too many programs starting up with your computer can slow down its performance. To see what’s starting up with your computer, go to “Task Manager > Start-up”.

Disable Unnecessary Start-Up Programs

To disable programs from starting up with your computer, right-click on the program and select “Disable”. Be careful not to disable anything important for your system to function properly.

5. Check for Malware and Viruses

Malware and viruses can cause all sorts of problems on your computer, from slowing it down to stealing your personal information. That’s why it’s important to regularly check for and remove any malicious software. One easy way to do this is to use Windows Defender, which comes built-in to Windows 10. Just go to your settings and click on “Update & Security,” then “Windows Security.” From there, you can run a quick scan or a full scan of your computer to check for any threats.

If you want more comprehensive protection, you can also use a third-party antivirus software. There are plenty of options out there, both free and paid, so do your research and choose one that fits your needs.

6. Run System File Checker Tool

If your computer is experiencing crashes or other issues, it may be due to corrupted or missing system files. Fortunately, Windows has a built-in tool called System File Checker that can help you fix these problems.To run an SFC scan, open up the command prompt as an administrator and type in “sfc /scannow” (without the quotes). This will scan your computer for any corrupted system files and attempt to repair them.

7. Uninstall Unnecessary Software and Applications

Over time, your computer can become cluttered with programs and applications that you no longer need or use. This can slow down your system and take up valuable storage space. That’s why it’s important to regularly uninstall any unnecessary software.To do this, you can use the Control Panel to uninstall programs that you no longer need. Simply go to “Programs and Features” and click on the program you want to uninstall. If you want to be more thorough, you can also use third-party uninstaller software. These programs can help you remove any leftover files and registry entries that might be left behind after uninstalling a program.

8. Clean Up Your Hard Drive

Another way to keep your computer running smoothly is to regularly clean up your hard drive. This means deleting any unnecessary files and programs that are taking up space on your computer.To do this, you can manually delete files and programs that you no longer need.

You can also use the Disk Cleanup tool, which comes built-in to Windows, to help you find and delete temporary files, system files, and other unnecessary data. Finally, you can use the Disk Defragmenter tool to help optimize your hard drive. This tool will scan your hard drive for fragmented files and attempt to rearrange them for faster access.

Conclusion

By following these top 10 Windows troubleshooting tips, you can save yourself time, frustration and often money. The solutions we’ve outlined in this article are simple and easy to implement, and they can help you resolve many of the most common issues that you may encounter while using your computer. By keeping your operating system and drivers up to date, running system checks and removing unnecessary files and programs, you can ensure that your computer runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

FAQ

What should I do if my computer won’t turn on?

If your computer won’t turn on, start by checking to make sure that it’s properly connected to a power source. If it’s still not turning on, try removing any external devices that may be connected to it, such as a printer or external hard drive. If this still doesn’t work, you may need to seek professional help.

How often should I update my drivers and operating system?

It’s a good idea to check for updates on a regular basis, at least once a month, if not more often. This will ensure that you’re always running the most up-to-date software and drivers, which can help prevent issues and improve performance.

What’s the best way to remove unwanted software and files from my computer?

The best way to remove unwanted software and files from your computer is by using the built-in tools that come with Windows. You can use the Control Panel to uninstall programs, and disk cleanup and defragmenter tools to free up space on your hard drive. There are also many third-party uninstaller and cleanup tools available that can help with this process.

Why is my computer running slow?

There are many factors that can cause a computer to run slowly, including a lack of memory, too many programs running in the background, and a hard drive that’s too full. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help identify and resolve these issues and get your computer running faster and more efficiently.