Common Windows Errors and How to Fix Them (Windows 10/11)

Fix common Windows errors: blue screen (BSOD), update failures, missing DLL, 100% disk usage, app crashes, and network issues. Step-by-step solutions with keyboard shortcuts.

Table of contents

  1. Keyboard shortcuts used in this guide
  2. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
  3. Windows Update errors
  4. Missing DLL errors
  5. 100% disk usage
  6. Apps not responding / crashing
  7. Wi‑Fi and network issues
  8. Startup repair and recovery
  9. FAQ

Keyboard shortcuts used in this guide

  • Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Open Task Manager
  • Win + I → Open Settings
  • Win + R → Open Run dialog
  • Win + X, then choose item → Open the Power User menu (e.g., Windows Terminal (Admin), Device Manager)
  • Start menu → type cmd → Ctrl + Shift + Enter → Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  • Shift + click Restart → Boot to Advanced startup (Recovery)

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

Common stop codes include CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED, MEMORY_MANAGEMENT, and IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. BSODs are usually caused by drivers, faulty RAM, storage errors, or overheating.

Fix steps

  1. Disconnect new USB devices and reboot.
  2. Update GPU/chipset drivers from the manufacturer’s site (use Win + X → Device Manager or run Win + R → devmgmt.msc).
  3. Open an elevated terminal (Win + X → Windows Terminal (Admin) or Start → type cmd → Ctrl + Shift + Enter) and run:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  1. Test RAM (press Win + R, run mdsched.exe) and check drive health (SMART).
  2. Ensure proper cooling; clean dust and check fans.

Still blue‑screening? We can diagnose hardware and drivers. Contact us.

Windows Update errors

Stuck at a certain percentage or receiving codes like 0x80070020 or 0x80073712?

Fix steps

  1. Open Settings with Win + I → Windows Update and run the troubleshooter.
  2. Reset update components (use an elevated terminal: Win + X → Windows Terminal (Admin)):
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
  1. Reboot and retry updates.

If a specific cumulative update keeps failing, note the KB number and search for known issues or uninstall/reinstall it.

Missing DLL errors

Messages like MSVCP140.dll missing or VCRUNTIME140.dll not found usually relate to Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables.

Fix steps

  1. Open Settings with Win + I → Apps and repair the affected app (Advanced options).
  2. Install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (x86/x64).
  3. Run Win + X → Windows Terminal (Admin) and execute sfc /scannow.

100% disk usage

This often happens on HDD systems due to background indexing, updates, or a failing drive.

Fix steps

  1. Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and identify processes causing high disk.
  2. Temporarily pause Windows Search indexing to test impact (press Win + I → search “Indexing”).
  3. Ensure enough free space (15–20%).
  4. Check drive health (press Win + R, run cmd, then wmic diskdrive get model,status).

If status is not OK, back up data and consider upgrading to an SSD.

Apps not responding / crashing

Fix steps

  1. Update the app; reinstall if needed.
  2. Clear temp files and reboot (press Win + R → run cleanmgr).
  3. Check antivirus exclusions for heavy apps (e.g., video editors, IDEs).
  4. Run a malware scan (press Win + I → Windows Security → Quick scan).

Wi‑Fi and network issues

Fix steps

  1. Forget and reconnect to the network; ensure correct password/security (Win + I → Network & Internet).
  2. Update Wi‑Fi drivers (open Device Manager with Win + X or run devmgmt.msc).
  3. Open an elevated terminal (Win + X → Windows Terminal (Admin)) and run:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /flushdns
  1. Reboot PC and router; test with Ethernet if possible.

Startup repair and recovery

  1. Go to Settings with Win + I → System → Recovery.
  2. Use Advanced startup, or hold Shift and click Restart to open Recovery.
  3. From Recovery, select Startup Repair or System Restore (you can also press Win + R and run rstrui to open System Restore).

Back up important files before major repairs or resets.

FAQ

Will these fixes delete my files?

No—most steps are safe. Always keep backups just in case.

Should I use registry cleaners?

Not recommended. Use built‑in Windows tools and reputable utilities only.

When should I seek help?

Repeated BSODs, failing drives, or critical work machines are best handled by a professional.

Need help fixing Windows errors fast? We troubleshoot BSODs, update failures, missing DLLs, network issues, and more—onsite or remotely. Get a Quote or Contact us.

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