Microsoft Windows Troubleshooting Guide

1. Slow Performance

Applications take longer to open, system feels sluggish, delays in executing commands.

Disable Startup Programs
Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Navigate to the Startup Tab: Click on the “Startup” tab.
Disable Unnecessary Programs: Right-click on programs you don’t need at startup and select “Disable”.
Clean Up Disk Space
Open Disk Cleanup: Search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu and open it.
Select Drive: Choose the drive you want to clean (usually C:) and click “OK”.
Choose Files to Delete: Check the boxes for unnecessary files and click “OK”, then “Delete Files”.
Update Windows and Drivers
Open Settings: Press Win + I.
Navigate to Update & Security: Click on “Update & Security”.
Check for Updates: Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
Run a Virus Scan
Open Windows Security: Search for “Windows Security” in the Start menu.
Navigate to Virus & Threat Protection: Click on “Virus & threat protection”.
Run a Quick Scan: Click “Quick scan” or choose a full scan for a more thorough check.

System crashes to a blue screen displaying an error message.

Note the Error Code
When BSOD occurs, note down the error code (e.g., IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL).
Restart Your Computer
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary issues.
Update Drivers
Open Device Manager: Press Win + X and select “Device Manager”.
Update Drivers: Right-click on devices (especially recently installed hardware) and select “Update driver”.
Run Windows Memory Diagnostic
Search for Memory Diagnostic: Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the Start menu.
Run the Tool: Choose “Restart now and check for problems”.
Check for Overheating
Ensure your computer isn’t overheating by cleaning vents and ensuring proper airflow.
Restore Your System
Open System Restore: Search for “Create a restore point” and open it.
Choose System Restore: Click on “System Restore” and follow the prompts to revert to a previous stable state.

Unable to connect to Wi-Fi, intermittent connectivity, slow internet speeds.

Restart Your Router and Computer
Power Cycle Router: Unplug the router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
Restart Computer: Restart your Windows PC.
Forget and Reconnect to the Network
Open Settings: Press Win + I.
Navigate to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
Manage Known Networks: Click “Manage known networks”, select your network, and click “Forget”.
Reconnect: Select your network from the Wi-Fi list and reconnect by entering the password.
Update Wi-Fi Drivers
Open Device Manager: Press Win + X and select “Device Manager”.
Expand Network Adapters: Find your Wi-Fi adapter, right-click, and select “Update driver”.
Run Network Troubleshooter
Open Settings: Press Win + I.
Navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Run the Troubleshooter: Select “Internet Connections” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Updates fail to install, stuck on “Downloading” or “Installing” stages.

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Open Settings: Press Win + I.
Navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
Run Troubleshooter: Select “Windows Update” and click “Run the troubleshooter”.

Reset Windows Update Components

Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press Win + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.

Stop Update Services:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

Rename Software Distribution and Catroot2 Folders:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

Restart Update Services:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Restart Computer and try updating again.

Manually Install Updates
Identify Update Code: Note the specific update code (e.g., KB5005565).
Download from Microsoft Catalog: Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog and search for the update code.
Install Update: Download and install the update manually.

No sound, distorted audio, or issues with specific audio devices.

Check Physical Connections
Ensure speakers or headphones are properly connected to the correct ports.
Select the Correct Playback Device
Right-Click Sound Icon: Click the sound icon in the taskbar and select “Open Sound settings”.
Choose Output Device: Under “Choose your output device”, select the correct device.
Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers
Open Device Manager: Press Win + X and select “Device Manager”.
Expand Sound, Video and Game Controllers.
Update Driver: Right-click your audio device and select “Update driver”.
Reinstall Driver: If updating doesn’t work, right-click and select “Uninstall device”, then restart your computer to reinstall automatically.
Run Audio Troubleshooter
Open Settings: Press Win + I.
Navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
Run Troubleshooter: Select “Playing Audio” and follow the prompts.
Check Volume Levels and Mute Settings
Ensure volume is turned up and not muted in both Windows settings and any physical volume controls on your device.