Common Windows 10 Errors and How to Fix Them

Windows 10 is a robust operating system, but like any complex software, it can encounter various issues. From system crashes to connectivity problems, users may face several common errors. Understanding these issues and knowing how to resolve them can help keep your Windows 10 PC running smoothly. Below, we cover some of the most frequently encountered Windows 10 errors and provide practical solutions to fix them.

1. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a stop error that appears when Windows encounters a critical problem it cannot recover from. This usually results in a system crash and the computer restarting.

Common Causes:

Faulty hardware
Corrupt drivers
Software conflicts

How to Fix:

Update Drivers: Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause BSOD errors. Go to Device Manager and update drivers for key components like graphics cards and network adapters.
Check for Hardware Issues: Run diagnostics tools to check your RAM and hard drive for issues. Tools like Windows Memory Diagnostic and CHKDSK can be helpful.
Uninstall Recently Installed Software: If the BSOD occurred after installing new software, try uninstalling it to see if the issue resolves.
Perform a System Restore: If the issue persists, you can perform a system restore to revert your computer to a previous state before the problem began.

Reference Link: Microsoft Support - Fix Blue Screen Errors

2. Windows Update Error 0x80070057

Error 0x80070057 occurs when Windows Update fails to complete, often due to issues with the update files or system configurations.

Common Causes:

Corrupt update files
Insufficient disk space
Incorrect system settings

How to Fix:

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot, and run the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Clear Windows Update Cache: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Check Disk Space: Ensure you have enough free disk space on your system drive. Clean up unnecessary files if needed.
Reset Windows Update Components: Use the Windows Update Reset tool to reconfigure the update components.

Reference Link: Microsoft Support - Windows Update Troubleshooter

3. "This PC Can't Run Windows 11" Error

When trying to upgrade to Windows 11, you might encounter an error stating, "This PC can't run Windows 11," often due to compatibility issues.

Common Causes:

Incompatible hardware
Missing TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot
Insufficient system requirements

How to Fix:

Check System Requirements: Ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and sufficient RAM and storage.
Enable TPM and Secure Boot: Access your BIOS/UEFI settings and enable TPM and Secure Boot.
Use the PC Health Check Tool: Microsoft provides a PC Health Check tool to verify compatibility. Download and run the tool to identify specific issues.
Update BIOS/UEFI: Check your motherboard manufacturer's website for BIOS/UEFI updates that may enhance compatibility.

Reference Link: Microsoft Support - Windows 11 System Requirements

4. Application Not Responding

When an application stops responding, it can freeze or crash, often requiring you to forcefully close it.

Common Causes:

Software conflicts
Corrupt application files
Insufficient system resources

How to Fix:

Force Close the Application: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), locate the unresponsive application, and select End Task.
Update or Reinstall the Application: Check for updates for the application or reinstall it to resolve any corruption issues.
Check for System Resource Issues: Ensure that your system has adequate resources (RAM and CPU) available. Close unnecessary programs and processes.
Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run:
```
sfc /scannow
```
This tool checks for and repairs corrupt system files.

Reference Link: Microsoft Support - Troubleshoot Application Problems

5. Network Connectivity Issues

Problems with network connectivity can prevent you from accessing the internet or other network resources.

Common Causes:

Faulty network drivers
Incorrect network settings
Router or modem issues

How to Fix:

Restart Network Devices: Restart your router, modem, and computer to refresh the network connection.
Run Network Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status, and run the network troubleshooter.

Reset Network Settings: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

Update Network Drivers: Go to Device Manager, find your network adapter, and update the drivers.

Reference Link: Microsoft Support - Troubleshoot Network Connection Issues

6. File Explorer Not Working

Description: File Explorer may stop working or become unresponsive, impacting your ability to browse files and folders.

Common Causes:

Corrupt File Explorer settings
Extensions or add-ons causing conflicts
System file corruption

How to Fix:

Restart File Explorer: Open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, and select Restart.
Clear File Explorer History: Go to File Explorer Options and clear the history under the General tab.
Check for Corrupt System Files: Run:
```
sfc /scannow
```
Disable Unnecessary Extensions: If you have third-party extensions or add-ons, try disabling them to see if the issue resolves.

Reference Link: Microsoft Support - Fix File Explorer Issues

7. Printer Issues

Description: Printer problems can prevent printing, showing error messages or causing print jobs to get stuck.

Common Causes:

Outdated printer drivers
Printer spooler issues
Connectivity problems

How to Fix:

Check Printer Connection: Ensure the printer is properly connected to your PC and powered on.
Update Printer Drivers: Go to Device Manager, find your printer, and update the drivers.
Clear Printer Queue: Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, select your printer, and click Open queue to clear any stuck print jobs.
Restart Print Spooler Service: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run:
```
net stop spooler
net start spooler
```

Reference Link: Microsoft Support - Fix Printer Problems

8. High Disk Usage

Description: High disk usage can slow down your computer, causing performance issues and longer load times.

Common Causes:

Background processes and services
Disk errors or fragmentation
Malware or bloatware

How to Fix:

Check for Background Processes: Open Task Manager and identify processes consuming high disk resources. End unnecessary processes if needed.
Run Disk Cleanup: Use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files and system junk.
Check Disk for Errors: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run:
```
chkdsk /f
```
Disable Superfetch and Windows Search: Open Services (services.msc) and disable Superfetch and Windows Search if they are causing high disk usage.

Reference Link: Microsoft Support - Troubleshoot High Disk Usage

9. Application Compatibility Issues

Description: Some applications may not run properly on Windows 10 due to compatibility issues, showing error messages or crashing.

Common Causes:

Software designed for older versions of Windows
Compatibility settings not properly configured

How to Fix:

Run Compatibility Troubleshooter: Right-click on the application’s executable file, select Properties, go to the Compatibility tab, and run the compatibility troubleshooter.
Manually Configure Compatibility Settings: In the Compatibility tab, select the appropriate settings for older versions of Windows.
Update the Application: Check the software’s

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