Common Windows 11 Issues and How to Fix Them

Patrick_Yu · September 27

Windows 11 has brought a host of new features and a sleek interface to enhance user experience, but like any operating system, it's not without its quirks. From performance slowdowns to connectivity hiccups, users may encounter a variety of issues that disrupt their workflow and enjoyment. In this article, we'll explore some of the most common problems people face with Windows 11 and provide step-by-step solutions to help you navigate and resolve these challenges efficiently.

1. Performance Degradation

Look for performance degradation via task manager.jpg

Performance degradation in Windows 11 can be frustrating, often caused by increased memory usage or too many startup programs. If many applications are running in the background, the system’s memory usage can spike, slowing down your computer. Similarly, having too many programs set to start automatically can delay system startup and impact overall performance.

To address this, you can start by using Task Manager to close unnecessary programs:

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
Identify processes with high CPU or memory usage.
End these processes to free up system resources.

Additionally, organizing your startup programs can make a significant difference:

Open the Startup tab in Task Manager.
Disable unnecessary startup programs.

For advanced users, optimizing system configuration through the msconfig command can help by disabling unneeded services. Running Disk Cleanup is another effective way to delete unnecessary files and free up disk space. Regularly managing running processes and startup programs, along with advanced steps like system configuration and disk cleanup, can significantly improve Windows 11’s performance.

2. Wi-Fi Connection Issues

Wi-Fi connection issues are common in Windows 11, manifesting as disconnections, slow speeds, or the inability to find a network. A straightforward way to fix this is by restarting your router:

Turn off the router, wait 30 seconds, and then turn it back on.

If the problem persists, running the Network Troubleshooter can help:

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network and Internet (Run)
Select Run and follow the prompts.

For more persistent issues, resetting the network adapter driver in Device Manager might be necessary, or you can clear the DNS cache by opening Command Prompt and running the command “ipconfig /flushdns.” These steps can often resolve deeper connection issues. Maintaining your Wi-Fi connection also involves ensuring the router is centrally placed in your home with minimal obstructions and regularly checking for firmware updates.

3. Printer Issues

Printer-related problems, such as the printer not being recognized or delays in printing, can disrupt your workflow in Windows 11. Restarting the printer is a simple first step:

Turn off the printer.
Wait a few minutes and turn it back on.

If the issue persists, updating the printer drivers can help:

Open Device Manager.
Find your printer and update its driver.

You should also check that the correct printer is set as the default in Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, and manage the print queue to clear any stuck jobs. For network printers, reinstalling the printer driver from the manufacturer’s website or adjusting network settings, such as restarting the router or reconfiguring the printer’s IP address, might be necessary.

4. Software Compatibility Issues

Windows 11’s latest features can sometimes clash with older software, leading to compatibility issues. If a program isn’t working correctly, try running it in compatibility mode:

Right-click the program’s executable file.
Select Properties > Compatibility, and choose an older version of Windows.

Ensuring that both Windows and the software are up-to-date can resolve many compatibility issues. For more complex cases, setting up a virtual machine running an older version of Windows within Windows 11 can allow you to run incompatible programs. Another effective solution is to run the program as an administrator, which can bypass some compatibility restrictions.

5. Registry Optimization

Over time, Windows 11’s registry can become cluttered, leading to performance issues. To optimize the registry, start by creating a system restore point to ensure you can revert changes if something goes wrong. Then, use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove unnecessary files and free up space.

For deeper cleaning, using a trusted registry cleaner tool can help identify and remove outdated or unnecessary registry entries. Advanced users can manually edit the registry by opening the Registry Editor (run “regedit”), but this should be done with caution, as incorrect changes can affect system stability. Optimizing the registry can enhance performance, but always create a backup before making changes, and proceed carefully with any manual edits.

6. System File Checker (SFC) Usage

Corrupted system files can cause various issues in Windows 11. The System File Checker (SFC) is a useful tool to identify and repair these problems. To run SFC:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.

This command will scan your system and automatically repair any detected issues. If SFC is unable to fix certain problems, you might need to use the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM). Running the command “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” can restore the system image and resolve more complex issues. Using the System File Checker is a straightforward way to fix corrupted system files in Windows 11, with DISM providing additional tools for more thorough repairs.

7. Safe Mode Usage

When Windows 11 encounters startup problems or other significant issues, booting into Safe Mode can be an effective way to troubleshoot. Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services, making it easier to identify the cause of problems.

To boot into Safe Mode:

Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
Select Restart Now under Advanced Startup. Once Restart Now is initiated, the computer will take you to a blue screen with several options.
Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
Restart and choose Safe Mode.

In Safe Mode, if the problem doesn’t occur, it’s likely caused by a driver or software conflict. You can then uninstall problematic programs or adjust settings as needed. Safe Mode is a powerful tool for diagnosing and resolving system issues in Windows 11, providing a controlled environment for troubleshooting.

8. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is one of the most dreaded errors, indicating a critical system problem. It can be caused by hardware issues, driver problems, or corrupt system files.

Solutions:

Update Drivers:
- Go to Device Manager and check for any outdated or faulty drivers. Update them as needed.
Run Memory Diagnostics:
- Type "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in the search bar, run the tool, and follow the instructions to check for memory issues.
Check for Disk Errors:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run “chkdsk /f” to check for and fix disk errors.
Uninstall Recently Installed Software:
- If the BSOD started after installing new software, try uninstalling it to see if the issue resolves.

Regular system updates and driver management can help prevent BSOD errors. If they continue, it may be necessary to analyze the error code provided on the blue screen to identify specific issues.

9. Slow Boot Times

Slow boot times in Windows 11 can be caused by too many startup programs, a fragmented hard drive, or a need for system updates.

Solutions:

Manage Startup Programs:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Startup and disable unnecessary programs.
Enable Fast Startup:
- Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable, and enable Fast Startup.
Defragment Your Hard Drive:
- If you’re using an HDD, run Disk Defragmenter by searching for it in the Start menu.
Check for System Updates:
- Ensure Windows is up-to-date by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Optimizing startup programs and keeping your system updated can help improve boot times.

10. Audio Issues

Audio issues in Windows 11, such as no sound or low-quality sound, can stem from incorrect settings or driver problems.

Solutions:

Check Audio Settings:
- Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar, select “Sound settings,” and ensure the correct output device is selected.
Update Audio Drivers:
- Go to Device Manager, find your audio device, and update its driver.
Run the Audio Troubleshooter:
- Go to Settings > System > Sound, and underneath advanced and next to ‘Troubleshoot common sound problems’ you can select Output devices or Input devices.
Restart Audio Services:
- Open the Run dialog (Windows + R), type “services.msc,” find Windows Audio, right-click, and restart the service.

Addressing these audio settings and drivers typically resolves most sound issues in Windows 11.

11. File Explorer Crashes

File Explorer crashes can be particularly disruptive, often caused by system file corruption, problematic context menu extensions, or outdated software.

Solutions:

Restart File Explorer:
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find Windows Explorer, and click Restart.
Clear File Explorer History:
- Open File Explorer options, click the Clear button under the Privacy section.
Run SFC and DISM:
- Use System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) commands to scan and repair system files.
Disable Third-Party Extensions:
- Use a tool like ShellExView to disable third-party context menu extensions that might be causing conflicts.

Regular system maintenance and careful management of third-party software can help prevent File Explorer crashes.

12. Battery Life Issues (For Laptops)

Poor battery life is a common concern for Windows 11 users on laptops, often due to background processes, high screen brightness, or outdated drivers.

Solutions:

Adjust Power Settings:
- Go to Settings > System > Power & battery, and select a power plan that prioritizes battery life.
Reduce Screen Brightness:
- Lower the brightness through Display settings.
Update Battery Drivers:
- In Device Manager, update the drivers for your battery under the "Batteries" section.
Close Background Apps:
- Use Task Manager to close unnecessary apps running in the background.

Optimizing these settings can extend battery life and improve overall laptop performance.

13. Windows Update Issues

Windows Update issues, such as updates failing to install or causing problems after installation, are not uncommon.

Solutions:

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter:
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, and run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
Clear the Software Distribution Folder:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution, then delete the contents of the folder.
Reset Windows Update Components:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run commands to stop the Windows Update services, delete the qmgr*.dat files, and restart the services.

If update issues persist, you might need to use the Media Creation Tool to reinstall Windows 11.

Conclusion

Navigating an operating system as feature-rich as Windows 11 can occasionally present challenges, but with the right knowledge, these hurdles become manageable stepping stones. By addressing issues promptly—from performance slowdowns and connectivity troubles to software compatibility and system errors—you not only resolve the immediate problem but also enhance your overall user experience. Empowered with the solutions provided, you can keep your system running smoothly, ensuring that Windows 11 remains a powerful tool that works for you, not against you. Embrace these troubleshooting steps as part of your regular maintenance routine, and enjoy a more reliable and efficient computing experience.