Dec 16, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions
Windows 11/10 is the latest operating system version available in the market. It boasts well-packed features and upgrades from the older versions. However, while it may be powerful, Windows 11/10 is still vulnerable to errors as much as its predecessors. Here we will list the 20 common issues encountered in this version, and quick tips to solving them.
Windows 11/10 is the latest operating system offered by Microsoft to power up devices such as computers, tablets, smartphones, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It comes in two versions: The Windows 11/10 Home and Windows 11/10 Pro.
Windows 11/10 Home is a basic variant with key features on its look and operation: a polished Start Menu; a more comprehensive version of Cortana (formerly exclusive to Windows phone); Virtual Desktop and Task View for a more organized desktop viewing; Battery Saver for better power efficiency; and TPM microchip support for more security.
All the features in Home are packed in Windows 11/10 Pro, along with many advanced features in privacy, connectivity, and business functionality. One notable feature is Hyper-V which allows users to test the software by emulating other operating systems. Besides this, the Pro version also has Domain Join that gives remote access to the work domain group. Other additional functions that strengthen work administration and security are Group Policy Management and BitLocker.
Windows 11/10 automatically updates its packages if you have this option turned on. Sometimes, updates get pushed altogether, so it may cause errors in download or installation. This is especially true if your connection is faulty. If the Windows Auto Update File won't download or install, likely, the file is already corrupted. Here is how you can solve this:
Note: if some files don't get deleted, just boot into safe mode and start the process.
If you have newly upgraded to Windows 11/10, chances are that the new version has affected battery life. You can solve this by making sure your drivers are up to date so that they don't strain with the new updates. You can also turn off some features you don't need, such as Cortana. Go to Search, type Cortana, and disable Let Cortana respond to Hey Cortana.
Automatic Windows Update may also take a toll on the battery. You can turn it off by going to Update and Security, then Windows Update. Select Advanced Options and toggle Off for Choose how updates are delivered.
Windows 11/10 works funny sometimes, especially when it cannot remember the default apps you set.
Before anything else, check to see if the VPN software you installed is not yet compatible with the new OS. If this isn't the case, you can follow these steps instead:
If this step doesn't work either, the problem might be on the drivers.
On your keyboard's settings, you can check if the touchpad has a toggle on/off option. If it does not have one, follow these:
If your PC applications cannot install or update automatically, you can try updating your Microsoft Store. In the Store, open settings and then click Download and updates> Get updates. If this does not work, try this other method:
Black Screen Errors can be caused by different reasons, but it is most likely because of errors in plugged in external devices, or incompatibility issues with Windows 11/10.
Old sound drivers that are not updated along with the Windows 11/10 version will cause audio problems; one being that you won't be able to hear anything even if you mute/unmute/volume up or down multiple times.
You can solve this problem simply by finding the Audio Driver from Device Manager, and then proceeding with updating the driver software automatically online from the right-click options.
Windows can be subject to a slow boot or slow startup, taking too long for the desktop to appear.
Windows 11/10 often uses an obscene amount of internet bandwidth which can mess up your data plan and usage. You can turn it off so it does not run in the background:
Note: this method does not work on Ethernet-connected computers.
If you are a Microsoft Edge user, popup web ads might be an annoying occurrence to you. Simply disable the popups by choosing the three-dot menu on the upper right hand of the window and choose Settings. Go to View Advanced Settings and set to ON the Block popups selection.
If your file opens with the wrong app or a program that you don't recognize, you can just set it to your desired app by following these steps:
Having too many applications on startup can slow down your PC by a lot. Since they run in the background, they will take up some of your precious drive space, making the computer boot slower. Some of these apps are unnecessary, so you can easily stop them from running as soon as you boot your computer.
A slow PC may be caused by a host of things, including very low memory, malware, or damaged drive. Before anything, try rebooting your computer and check whether the problem is solved. If not:
Windows 11/10 has an added (and unneeded) update in their lock screen feature that introduces lock screen ads. This appears after a few minutes of inactivity and replaces your wallpaper, which can be annoying. Also, it could slow down the switch from the lock screen to the wallpaper if this option is enabled.
Windows 11/10 removed the free application that plays DVD and gives users a paid version (yikes!), but it surely is impractical to purchase an app that can be done by another free application. You can just download and install the VLC Media Player for free by searching the official website with the download link. VLC supports a lot of video formats, so it's the best free option to play DVDs on Windows 11/10 again.
The Action Center is a feature in Windows 11/10 that compiles all notifications at the bottom right corner of the desktop. While it is useful, it is also annoying since every time a logged-in application sends a notification, it pops up on the screen with a ping. To disable:
Since Windows 11/10 is optimized to get updates in real-time, the Windows updates happen automatically. This means that apps are running in the background, making this OS a data-consuming version. The system uses your connection to push updates to other PC's, but you can disable this.
In your File Explorer, you will see the Quick Access selection on the left-hand pane of the window. There you can see files, folders, and documents you have accessed recently. You can also choose to drag and drop specific files on Quick Access to save time navigating around the many folders in a drive.
To set Quick Access as the default window upon starting File Explorer, simpy open View tab next to Share and then select Options. You will then see and click Change folder and search options and then Open File Explorer to.
On the drop-down menu, select Quick Access and click OK.
There are a lot of keyboard shortcuts that come with the Windows 11/10 updates. This makes it easier to navigate important functions on your computer. The usual keys pressed simultaneously are the Windows key on the keyboard and Tab (which is for Task View); C (which is for Cortana); I (for Settings); X (for Start Menu); R (for Run); etc.
Cortana is an update in Windows 11/10 that was originally from the Windows Phone. It is a virtual assistant that acts as a smart option in finding and running programs or applications. If you have the big Cortana search box on your desktop and want to free up that space, you can turn off the search box by:
Note: in the upcoming update on April 2019, Cortana will be separated from the Search box. However, you will still be able to see the Cortana icon beside the search box, if you still haven't disabled it. You can also opt to have a smaller Cortana icon on the taskbar by toggling on the Show Cortana icon selection.
Running out of memory in your drives is also an annoying yet common issue for Windows 11/10. When your PC has a lot of programs installed, it would affect the drive's total memory, especially if you install these programs in one drive. If you have effective partitions on your PC, you can easily free up space by transferring applications from one drive to another.
David Darlington
staff Editor