How to Fix Common Windows Errors

How to Fix Common Windows Errors

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Windows errors can be incredibly frustrating, whether you’re dealing with a sudden Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), failed updates, apps refusing to launch, or mysterious slowdowns. As of early 2026, Windows 11 (especially versions 24H2 and 25H2) has seen numerous update-related glitches, but many common issues have reliable fixes.

This guide covers some of the most frequently encountered Windows errors and practical steps to resolve them. Always create a system restore point or back up important data before major troubleshooting.

1. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) / Stop Code Errors

Symptoms: Sudden restart with messages like “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart” + a stop code (e.g., MEMORY_MANAGEMENT, PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA, IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL).

Common causes: Faulty drivers, hardware issues, corrupted system files, or recent updates.

Fixes:

  • Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift while clicking Restart from login screen → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → choose 4 or 5).
  • Update drivers via Device Manager (right-click Start → Device Manager → right-click problematic devices → Update driver).
  • Run the built-in troubleshooters: Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → run Windows Update, Hardware, etc.
  • Check system files: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:textsfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • For persistent BSODs, note the exact stop code and search Microsoft’s support site or analyze the minidump files in C:\Windows\Minidump using tools like BlueScreenView.

2. Windows Update Fails to Install (e.g., 0x800f0922, 0x8024402F, 0x80070002)

Symptoms: Updates download but fail during install, often rolling back with “We couldn’t complete the updates” messages. Very common in 2025–2026 patches.

Fixes:

  • Run Windows Update Troubleshooter (Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update).
  • Clear update cache:
    • Stop services: Open cmd as admin → net stop wuauserv, net stop cryptSvc, net stop bits, net stop msiserver
    • Rename folders: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
    • Restart services: net start wuauserv, etc.
  • Manually install updates from Microsoft’s Update Catalog (search for the KB number).
  • If stuck on a specific KB (like recent 2026 issues with KB5074109 or KB5077181), pause updates for 1–2 weeks or check Microsoft’s known issues page for out-of-band fixes.

3. Apps Won’t Open / “Not available in your account” (Error 0x803f8001)

Symptoms: Built-in apps (Notepad, Paint, Settings, etc.) or Microsoft Store apps fail with license validation errors — a notable bug in early 2026.

Fixes:

  • Reset Microsoft Store cache: Press Win + R → type wsreset.exe → Enter.
  • Re-register Store apps: Open PowerShell as admin and run:textGet-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
  • Sign out/in of your Microsoft account (Settings → Accounts → Email & accounts).
  • If persistent, reset the app via Settings → Apps → Installed apps → find the app → Advanced options → Reset/Repair.

4. File Explorer Crashes / Freezes / Not Responding

Symptoms: Explorer restarts constantly, slow folder loading, or black screen delays (common after some 2025–2026 updates).

Fixes:

  • Clear File Explorer cache: File Explorer → View → Options → General tab → Clear (next to Clear File Explorer history).
  • Run SFC and DISM (as above).
  • Disable Quick Access: File Explorer Options → General → Open File Explorer to: This PC.
  • Check for third-party shell extensions causing crashes (use tools like ShellExView to disable non-Microsoft extensions).
  • Restart Windows Explorer process: Task Manager → Details tab → right-click explorer.exe → Restart.

5. Black Screen After Login / No Desktop Icons

Symptoms: Cursor visible but black background, sometimes after updates (seen in Jan 2026 patches).

Fixes:

  • Ctrl + Alt + Del → Task Manager → File → Run new task → type explorer.exe → OK.
  • Check display drivers: Device Manager → Display adapters → Update or roll back.
  • Boot to Safe Mode and run system file checks.
  • Create new user profile if corrupted: Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → Add account.

6. Slow Performance / High CPU / Memory Usage

Symptoms: General sluggishness, fans spinning constantly.

Fixes:

  • Disable startup programs: Task Manager → Startup tab.
  • Check for malware: Run Windows Security full scan.
  • Update graphics drivers from manufacturer site (not just Windows Update).
  • Adjust power plan: Settings → System → Power & battery → Power mode → Best performance.
  • Free disk space and defragment if using HDD (Settings → System → Storage → Cleanup recommendations).

7. Other Quick Wins for Many Issues

  • Restart — cliché but fixes ~40% of transient problems.
  • Check for hardware issues — run Windows Memory Diagnostic (search in Start) for RAM problems.
  • Create restore point before big changes: Search “Create a restore point”.
  • In-place upgrade repair (last resort): Download Windows 11 ISO from microsoft.com → run setup.exe while in Windows → choose Keep files and apps.

If you’re hitting very recent bugs (e.g., shutdown failures on Intel Meteor/Arrow Lake CPUs or Outlook PST issues from Jan/Feb 2026), visit support.microsoft.com and search the exact KB number or error message for hotfixes — Microsoft has released several out-of-band updates in early 2026.

Most everyday errors are fixable at home with these steps. For hardware-related or persistent BSODs, professional help or forums like Reddit’s r/Windows11 or answers.microsoft.com can provide model-specific advice. Stay updated — ironically, many fixes come via… Windows Update.

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