Windows 11 Troubleshooting: The Most Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Windows 11 is the latest version of the popular operating system developed by Microsoft. With new features and improvements, it aims to provide users with an even more seamless and efficient experience. However, as with any new software, there may be some issues that arise during the transition. From compatibility issues to problems with updates, troubleshooting Windows 11 can be a daunting task. In this article, we will provide detailed steps and solutions to some of the most common problems users may encounter while using Windows 11. With the right approach, you can quickly and easily fix any issues and get back to enjoying the full capabilities of your operating system.

1. Issues Updating to the Latest Version of windows 11 and how to fix

The first Windows 11 Troubleshooting is Windows 11 is the latest version of Windows, and it was released in October 2021, some users may experience issues while updating to this latest version. Here are some common issues and steps to fix them:

1. Insufficient storage space: Make sure that there is enough free space on the device to download and install the update. You can check your storage space by going to Settings > System > Storage.
2. Internet connectivity: Ensure that the device is connected to the internet with a stable connection. Try restarting your router or modem, or try connecting to a different network.
3. Antivirus software: Some antivirus programs may interfere with the update process. Temporarily disabling the antivirus software may resolve the issue. You can also add Windows Update to the list of exceptions in your antivirus software.
4. Outdated device drivers: Make sure that all device drivers are up to date. You can check for updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
5. Background processes: Close any unnecessary programs or processes running in the background. You can also use the Task Manager to check for and end any background processes that may be causing conflicts.
6. Windows Update service: Make sure that the Windows Update service is running and set to start automatically. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Look for Windows Update and check if it is running.
7. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: You can run the Windows Update Troubleshooter by going to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. This can automatically detect and fix common problems with Windows Update.
8. Windows Update Assistant: You can try using the Windows Update Assistant which can help you upgrade to the latest version of Windows. You can download it from the official Microsoft website.
9. System Compatibility: Check if your device meets the requirements for Windows 11. Some older PCs may not be compatible with Windows 11.

It’s important to note that before making any changes to your system, it’s always a good idea to make a backup of your important files and settings.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

Also, it’s worth noting that Windows 11 is a new version and some software may not be compatible with it yet, so it’s important to check if your software is compatible before upgrading.

2. Not enough storage space to complete an update and how to fix

The second Windows 11 Troubleshooting is If you are receiving an error message stating that there is not enough storage space to complete an update on Windows 11, you can try the following steps to fix the issue:

1. Free up space on your hard drive: Go to Settings > System > Storage and check for any large files or programs that you no longer need. You can also use Disk Cleanup to delete temporary files and other system files that are taking up space.
2. Move files to an external hard drive or cloud storage: You can also move files to an external hard drive or cloud storage to free up space on your internal hard drive.
3. Uninstall unnecessary programs and apps: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and uninstall any programs or apps that you no longer need.
4. Remove the previous version of Windows: If you have an older version of Windows installed on your PC, you can remove it to free up space. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates.
5. Run the Disk Cleanup tool: Press the Windows key + X and select Disk Cleanup, then select the drive you want to clean up and click OK.
6. Enable compression on large files: You can compress large files to save space. Right-click on the file, select Properties and then click the Advanced button. Check the box next to “Compress contents to save disk space” and then click OK.
7. Increase the size of the System Reserved partition: If you have a small System Reserved partition, it can cause issues with updates. You can use a third-party partition manager to increase the size of the partition.
8. Reset Windows 11: The last option is to reset Windows 11. This will restore your PC to its original factory settings and erase all your files and settings. This can help free up a significant amount of space.
9. Upgrade the hard drive to a larger one: If none of the above steps work, you may need to consider purchasing an external hard drive or upgrading the internal hard drive with a larger capacity.

It’s important to note that before making any changes to your system, it’s always a good idea to make a backup of your important files and settings.

Also, if you’re installing Windows 11 on an older PC, it’s important to keep in mind that the storage space requirements for Windows 11 are higher than previous versions of Windows, so you may need to upgrade your storage device to have enough space for the installation.

3. Mouse cursor starts moving on its own and how to fix

The third Windows 11 Troubleshooting is If your mouse cursor starts moving on its own on Windows 11, there could be several causes. Here are a few steps you can try to fix the issue:

1. Check for hardware issues: Make sure that the mouse is plugged in properly, and that there are no loose connections. If you are using a wireless mouse, ensure that the batteries are charged and that the mouse is within range of the receiver.
2. Check for software issues: Make sure that your mouse driver is up-to-date and compatible with Windows 11. You can check for updates by going to Settings > Devices > Mouse > Additional mouse options > Hardware > Properties > Driver tab.
3. Disable Touchpad: If you are using a laptop, try disabling the touchpad by going to Settings > Devices > Touchpad and toggling off the option for the touchpad.
4. Check for background process: Close any unnecessary programs or processes running in the background that could be causing conflicts with the mouse. You can also use the Task Manager to check for and end any background processes.
5. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Hardware and Devices. This can automatically detect and fix common problems with your mouse and other hardware devices.
6. Disable Fast Startup: Fast Startup is a feature that allows your PC to start up faster after shutting down, but it can sometimes cause issues with peripherals. Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power button does > Change settings that are currently unavailable > Uncheck the box next to Turn on fast startup.
7. Check for malware: Make sure that your PC is not infected with malware. Run a full scan with your antivirus software.
8. Reinstall the mouse driver: If the above steps don’t work, you can try reinstalling the mouse driver. Go to Device Manager > Mice and other pointing devices > Right-click on your mouse and select Uninstall device. Restart your PC and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer of your mouse for further assistance.

4. Uncontrollable scrolling and how to fix

The fourth Windows 11 Troubleshooting is If you are experiencing uncontrollable scrolling on Windows 11, there could be several causes. Here are a few steps you can try to fix the issue:

1. Check for hardware issues: Make sure that the mouse is plugged in properly, and that there are no loose connections. If you are using a wireless mouse, ensure that the batteries are charged and that the mouse is within range of the receiver.
2. Check for software issues: Make sure that your mouse driver is up-to-date and compatible with Windows 11. You can check for updates by going to Settings > Devices > Mouse > Additional mouse options > Hardware > Properties > Driver tab.
3. Disable Touchpad: If you are using a laptop, try disabling the touchpad by going to Settings > Devices > Touchpad and toggling off the option for the touchpad.
4. Check for background processes: Close any unnecessary programs or processes running in the background that could be causing conflicts with the mouse. You can also use the Task Manager to check for and end any background processes.
5. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Hardware and Devices. This can automatically detect and fix common problems with your mouse and other hardware devices.
6. Disable Fast Startup: Fast Startup is a feature that allows your PC to start up faster after shutting down, but it can sometimes cause issues with peripherals. Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power button does > Change settings that are currently unavailable > Uncheck the box next to Turn on fast startup.
7. Check for malware: Make sure that your PC is not infected with malware. Run a full scan with your antivirus software.
8. Reinstall the mouse driver: If the above steps don’t work, you can try reinstalling the mouse driver. Go to Device Manager > Mice and other pointing devices > Right-click on your mouse and select Uninstall device. Restart your PC and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.
9. Check for browser extensions: If the issue is specifically with scrolling on web pages, it could be caused by a browser extension. Try disabling all browser extensions and see if the issue persists.
10. Check for mouse settings: Some mouse models have their settings where you can configure the scroll speed or if it is enabled or not, check if that’s the case.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer of your mouse for further assistance.

5. Files opening in the wrong apps and how to fix

The fifth Windows 11 Troubleshooting is If files are opening in the wrong apps on Windows 11, it could be caused by a few different issues. Here are some steps you can try to fix the issue:

1. Check file associations: Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and check the file associations for the types of files that are opening in the wrong apps. If they are set incorrectly, you can change them to the correct app.
2. Check the “Open with” option: Right-click on the file and select “Open with” and make sure the correct app is selected. You can also check the option “Always use this app to open [file type] files”.
3. Reinstall the app: If the app that is supposed to open the files is not working correctly, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
4. Run the App troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > App troubleshooter. This can automatically detect and fix common problems with apps.
5. Check for malware: Make sure that your PC is not infected with malware. Run a full scan with your antivirus software.
6. Clear the file history: Sometimes the file’s history can cause problems, try to clear the file’s history by going to Settings > Privacy > File history and selecting Clear.
7. Repair the app: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and select the app that you want to repair and select Advanced options > Repair
8. Reset the app: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and select the app that you want to reset and select Advanced options > Reset
9. Check the file format: Make sure the file format is compatible with the app you are trying to open it with.

It’s important to note that before making any changes to your system, it’s always a good idea to make a backup of your important files and settings.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to contact the developer of the app for further assistance.

6. Trouble setting up 3 monitors and how to fix

The sixth Windows 11 Troubleshooting is If you are having trouble setting up multiple monitors on Windows 11, there could be several causes. Here are some steps you can try to fix the issue:

1. Check your graphics card: Make sure that your graphics card supports multiple monitors and that it is properly configured. Check the documentation for your graphics card for instructions on how to set it up.
2. Check your cables and ports: Make sure that the cables connecting the monitors to your computer are properly plugged in and that the ports on your computer are functioning correctly.
3. Check the resolution and refresh rate: Make sure that the resolution and refresh rate of all monitors is set to the same value. You can check this by going to Settings > System > Display.
4. Check the monitor’s settings: Make sure that the monitors are set to the correct input source.
5. Check the Windows settings: Go to Settings > System > Display and check that the correct monitors are selected and that they are set up in the correct configuration.
6. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Hardware and Devices. This can automatically detect and fix common problems with your monitors and other hardware devices.
7. Update the graphics driver: Make sure you have the latest graphics driver for your graphics card. You can check for updates by going to Device Manager > Display adapters > Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
8. Check for malware: Make sure that your PC is not infected with malware. Run a full scan with your antivirus software.
9. Check the power supply: Make sure that the power supply has enough power to run all the monitors.
10. Check the system requirements: Make sure that your computer meets the requirements to run 3 monitors.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer of your computer or graphics card for further assistance.

7. Bluetooth not working and how to fix

The seventh Windows 11 Troubleshooting is If you are experiencing issues with Bluetooth on Windows 11, there could be several causes. Here are some steps you can try to fix the issue:

1. Check the Bluetooth settings: Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on and that the device you are trying to connect to is in pairing mode. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth and Other Devices to check the Bluetooth settings.
2. Check the device: Make sure that the device you are trying to connect to is compatible with Windows 11 and that it is charged.
3. Restart your PC: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix the issue.
4. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Bluetooth. This can automatically detect and fix common problems with Bluetooth.
5. Update the Bluetooth driver: Make sure you have the latest Bluetooth driver for your PC. You can check for updates by going to Device Manager > Bluetooth > Right-click on your Bluetooth device and select Update driver.
6. Disable and re-enable Bluetooth: Go to Device Manager > Bluetooth > Right-click on your Bluetooth device and select Disable. Wait a few seconds, and then right-click on the device again and select Enable.
7. Check the power settings: Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings > Wireless Adapter Settings > Power Saving Mode > make sure it’s set to “Maximum Performance”
8. Check for malware: Make sure that your PC is not infected with malware. Run a full scan with your antivirus software.
9. Uninstall and reinstall the Bluetooth driver: Go to Device Manager > Bluetooth > Right-click on your Bluetooth device and select Uninstall device. Restart your PC and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer of your PC or Bluetooth device for further assistance.

8. Printer connection issues and how to fix

The eighth Windows 11 Troubleshooting is If you are connecting your printer to Windows 11, there could be several causes. Here are some steps you can try to fix the issue:

1. Check the cables and connections: Make sure that the printer is properly plugged in and that the cables are securely connected.
2. Check the power source: Make sure that the printer is powered on and that the power source is functioning properly.
3. Check the printer driver: Make sure that the printer driver is up-to-date and compatible with Windows 11. You can check for updates by going to Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners > Right-click on your printer and select Update driver.
4. Restart your PC: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix the issue.
5. Run the Printer troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Printer. This can automatically detect and fix common problems with printers.
6. Check your firewall settings: Make sure that your firewall is not blocking the connection. You can check the settings by going to Control Panel > Windows Firewall > Allowed apps and features.
7. Check your antivirus software settings: Some antivirus software may interfere with the printer connection. Temporarily disabling the antivirus software may resolve the issue. You can also add your printer to the list of exceptions in your antivirus software.
8. Check the network settings: Make sure that the printer is connected to the same network as your computer.
9. Check the printer settings: Make sure that the printer is set to the correct settings, such as the correct paper size, ink cartridge, and quality.
10. Reinstall the printer: If the above steps don’t work, you can try reinstalling the printer. Go to Device Manager > Printers > Right-click on your printer and select Uninstall device. Restart your PC and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer of your printer for further assistance.

9. Cortana stops working and how to fix

The ninth Windows 11 Troubleshooting is If you are experiencing issues with Cortana on Windows 11, there could be several causes. Here are some steps you can try to fix the issue:

1. Check the Cortana settings: Make sure that Cortana is turned on and that your settings are configured correctly. Go to Settings > Cortana and check the settings.
2. Check the microphone: Make sure that your microphone is properly plugged in and that it is working correctly.
3. Restart your PC: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix the issue.
4. Check your privacy settings: Make sure that you have granted Cortana permission to access your data. Go to Settings > Privacy > Speech, inking, & typing.
5. Run the Cortana troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Cortana. This can automatically detect and fix common problems with Cortana.
6. Check your region and language settings: Make sure that your region and language settings match the language of your version of Windows.
7. Check for updates: Make sure that you have the latest updates for Windows 11.
8. Reinstall Cortana: If the above steps don’t work, you can try reinstalling Cortana. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and select Cortana. Select Advanced options > Reset.
9. Check for malware: Make sure that your PC is not infected with malware. Run a full scan with your antivirus software.
10. Check the network connection: Make sure that you have a stable internet connection, Cortana needs to be connected to the internet to work properly.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

10. Too many notifications and how to fix

The tenth Windows 11 Troubleshooting is If you are receiving too many notifications on Windows 11, there could be several causes. Here are some steps you can try to fix the issue:

1. Check the notification settings: Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions and review the settings for each app to see which ones are sending notifications. You can turn off notifications for specific apps or set them to only show priority notifications.
2. Turn off Focus assist: Go to Settings > System > Focus assist, and you can turn off this feature or customize it to your preference.
3. Turn off Quiet hours: Go to Settings > System > Sound, and you can turn off this feature or customize it to your preference.
4. Check the app settings: Some apps will have their notification settings, check the app settings to see if you can change the notifications.
5. Run the notifications troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Notification, this can automatically detect and fix common problems with notifications.
6. Check for updates: Make sure that you have the latest updates for Windows 11.
7. Check for malware: Make sure that your PC is not infected with malware. Run a full scan with your antivirus software.
8. Remove unnecessary apps: If you have apps that you don’t use, you can remove them from your PC to stop receiving notifications.
9. Reset the notification settings: Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions > Reset, this will restore the notification settings to their default values.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to contact the developer of the app for further assistance.

Closing

In conclusion, Windows 11 troubleshooting can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and knowledge, it is possible to fix most issues. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly and easily resolve problems with updates, connectivity, hardware, and more. Remember to always check for updates, check for malware and run the troubleshooter to fix common problems. Additionally, it’s important to have a backup of your important files and settings in case something goes wrong. With the right approach, you can ensure that your Windows 11 experience is smooth and seamless.