Tutorial: Using the Windows 11 Troubleshooter

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your Windows 11 computer starts malfunctioning and you don't know where to begin to fix it? This has happened to all of us, and often the system itself includes little-known utilities that, if used correctly, can get you out of a bind without having to call a computer technician or reformat your computer. In this article, I'll guide you step-by-step through the comprehensive use of the Windows 11 troubleshooter, breaking down its functions, tricks , and practical tips so you can get the most out of it.

Throughout this tutorial, you'll not only learn how to use the built-in troubleshooter to fix common issues, but I'll also help you identify the most common problems after the latest updates, what to do when the tool itself stops working, and what steps to take to keep your Windows 11 in top shape, from freeing up space to resetting the system if things get complicated. Get comfortable, as we begin this definitive guide.

What is the Windows 11 troubleshooting tool for?

The troubleshooting tool included in Windows 11 is far more versatile than it first appears. Its main purpose is to help you automatically detect, diagnose, and resolve issues related to your computer's operating system and hardware . It addresses everything from sound, network connection, and printer problems to Windows activation issues, failed updates, and driver problems. Instead of driving yourself crazy trying to find the root cause, Windows offers guided wizards that automate part of the detection and repair process.

It's especially useful when you encounter errors after receiving an update, mysterious error messages, or malfunctioning connected devices . It's also the ideal option for less experienced users, allowing them to restore system functionality without having to understand all the technical intricacies.

Of course, the utility isn't infallible and can sometimes even present its own errors, so it's also a good idea to know some alternatives and advanced tricks to get the most out of it.

How to access and run troubleshooters in Windows 11

The most common way to access these tools in Windows 11 is through the Settings menu. To enter:

• press the combination Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to section System.
• Within the side menu, search and select Solve problems.
• You will now have the option to Other troubleshooters, where all available ones are listed.

From here you can launch troubleshooters for internet, audio, printers, Bluetooth, Windows updates, and many other system issues. Simply click Run next to the option you need.

In some cases, if you're having problems with Settings itself or the system is too unstable, you can run the troubleshooter from the Run dialog box (press Windows + R and type 'ms-settings:troubleshoot').

Common errors after Windows 11 updates and how to fix each one

Windows 11 updates are essential to keep your system secure and up-to-date, but they're not without their problems. The latest major patches have generated a wave of complaints about a wide variety of issues . Here are the most common ones and how to deal with them:

Mouse pointer disappears

In certain updates, such as the infamous 24H2 update, the cursor may disappear when using browsers like Chrome or Edge, especially in text fields . If this happens, the first thing to do is restart your computer. If the problem persists, run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter and make sure your graphics drivers are up to date . Sometimes reinstalling the affected driver or trying a different USB port (if it's an external mouse) can help.

The update cache cannot be deleted

After updating, Windows 11 can create a cache folder of up to 8,63 GB that even the Disk Cleanup tool can't delete. To fix this, in addition to cleaning up from Settings > System > Storage , you can consult our article on the "Windows has stopped this device" error for more troubleshooting tips.

File Explorer not responding

Some recent updates have caused File Explorer to stop opening even though the process (explorer.exe) is running. To fix this, you can use the troubleshooter, but it's often more effective to uninstall the problematic update from your update history . If File Explorer still isn't working properly, consider using a previous system restore point. You can also check troubleshooting program compatibility issues in Windows.

Blue screen and unfinished updates

The infamous blue screens of death ( BSODs ) and freezes during an update are usually associated with driver conflicts , insufficient disk space, or corrupted system files. In these cases, it's advisable to run the Windows Update troubleshooter , check that you have enough free space, and if the error persists, use the System File Checker (SFC) and the DISM tool to repair corrupted system files (I explain how to do this in our section on troubleshooting common errors in Windows 11 ).

Problems with Bluetooth, cameras and external devices

Some patches have caused Bluetooth headsets and webcams to disconnect , rendering the peripherals unusable even with the drivers installed. Try unpairing and re-pairing the device, and if the problem persists, remove the conflicting patch. You can also find solutions in troubleshooting unrecognized devices in Windows.

System commands and functions that stop working

Sometimes, commands like Ctrl+Alt+Delete or the Task Manager itself may stop responding after certain updates. The quickest solution is to restart your computer, but if the problem persists, you'll need to uninstall the latest update. You can also use [the appropriate command/tool].

Automatic installation failures and problems with Windows Update

If Windows 11 simply isn't detecting new updates or is displaying error messages, check if you've inadvertently enabled the option to pause updates. You might also be able to read how to troubleshoot a failed Windows 11 installation.

Activation errors and how to use the built-in solver

One area where the troubleshooter truly shines is in handling activation errors (when Windows loses a valid license, displays "Windows is not activated," or encounters conflicts when changing hardware). You can consult the "Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap" troubleshooting guide for additional techniques if the problem persists after using the troubleshooter.

• Accede to Settings > System > Activation.
• You will see the option Solve problems if Windows detects that the copy is not correctly activated.
• Run the wizard and follow the guided steps. This method is used to resume activation after hardware changes, or after restoring from a backup.

Remember that for proper activation, it's essential to be connected to the Internet and have the product key handy if prompted.

What to do if the troubleshooter also fails

Occasionally, the troubleshooting tool itself may stop loading and display error messages, which is ironic but more common than it seems. These are the recommended solutions in these cases:

Restart the necessary services

The troubleshooter relies on several internal Windows services . If any of them fail, the tool won't work either. Do the following:

• Press Windows + R and writes services.msc.
• Look for the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS). Right click and select Restart.
• Repeat the process with the Windows Update service if necessary.

Repair corrupted system files with SFC and DISM

If the problem lies in corrupted system files:

• Open the Symbol of the system as administrator.
• Run this command: DISM.exe / Online / Cleanup-image / RestoreHealth and wait for it to finish.
• Then run: sfc / scannow and allows it to repair the affected files.
• Restart your PC once finished for the changes to take effect.

Test in safe mode

Safe mode is ideal for detecting if the conflict is being caused by a third-party application. To start in safe mode:

• Opens Settings > System > Recovery.
• Choose Advanced Startup > Restart Now.
• In the menu of Boot that appears after the reboot, choose Safe Mode.
• Once inside, try running the troubleshooter. If it works here, an external program is probably causing the problem.

Advanced solutions for recurring problems in Windows 11

Following the simple troubleshooter's paths isn't always enough. Many issues require attacking the problem from multiple perspectives. Here's a compilation of the most effective ones:

Cleaning cache and temporary files

Temporary files can accumulate and become corrupted, affecting the entire system or only parts of it (such as Windows Update or app stores). To safely delete them:

• Open the start menu and type cleanmgr to search for disk cleanup.
• Run the tool as administrator and choose the disk you want to clean.
• Check the file types you want to delete, especially Temporary files, Update cache files, and Recycle Bin.
• Balance Accept and confirm the deletion.

You can also use the Cleaning Recommendations within the Storage section in Settings to detect large, duplicate, or rarely used files.

Reset Windows 11 as a last resort

If the system continues to have serious problems after all this, you can reset Windows 11, keeping or not keeping your personal files :

• Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
• Press on reset this computer and choose between keeping your personal files or erasing everything and starting from scratch.
• Follow the on-screen steps to complete the process.

After a reset, you'll need to reinstall additional apps, but your system will usually return to normal and the troubleshooter will work correctly again.

How to prevent problems from recurring: Maintenance and prevention in Windows 11

Besides fixing problems, the key is preventing future issues . These tips will help you keep Windows 11 running smoothly and reduce the occurrence of errors:

Uninstall programs you don't use

Keeping your system free of unnecessary software prevents conflicts and frees up resources. Use Settings > Apps > Apps & features to view the list, sort by size or date of use, and remove what you don't need.

Controls the apps that run at startup

Many apps slow down startup or can interfere with system processes. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Startup tab , and disable any non-essential apps .

Organize and clean your desktop and folders

An overloaded desktop and file system can slow down your system and make it harder to find what you need. Delete shortcuts and unused files, and use folders to group documents.

Periodic file and malware cleanup

Remember to run Windows Security occasionally to check for potential infections or unwanted programs. Use the "Quick scan" or the detailed scan option. Keep your Windows system updated with the latest security patches. Additionally, it can help you keep the security software up to date.

Sensors and cleaning automation

Enable Storage Sense so that Windows only deletes temporary files or contents of the Downloads folder when you no longer need them. You can configure this in Settings > System > Storage.

Common Windows Update errors and how to resolve each one

One of the most troublesome features is Windows Update. Here's a list of common codes and errors, along with their solutions:

• 0x800705b4: The update is interrupted or takes a long time to install. Restart, run the troubleshooter, and check your internet connection.
• 0 x 80240034This could be due to an incomplete update or a dropped connection. Clear your cache and check your disk space.
• 0x800f0922, 0x8007000E: You're running out of space on your primary drive. Delete old and temporary files, and make sure you have at least 20 GB free if using 64-bit.
• 0x800F081F, 0x80073712, 0x80246007: Corrupted or incomplete system files. Run SFC / scannow y DISM. If you need more details, check out .
• 0x80070002, 0x80070003, 0x80070057: Installation errors. Running the troubleshooter or restarting and trying again is usually enough.
• 0 x 80070422: The Windows Update service is disabled. Activate it from services.msc.
• 0 x 80070020: A process is blocking the update. Try restarting and closing resource-intensive programs.
• 0x8007000d: Corruption in update files. Clear the cache as explained above.
• 0x80070057 cm, 0x80080005 cm: Corrupt files or faulty configurations. SFC and DISM repair usually work. For more details, see fixes Windows 11 errors.
• 0xC1900101: Incompatible driver issue. Update all drivers and make sure your hardware meets the requirements.
• 0 x 80248014: Windows Update database error. Restart the associated services and try again.
• 0 x 80070005: Lack of permissions. Run updates or the troubleshooter as administrator.

What to do if Windows 11 won't update or displays limitations

If your computer doesn't offer the option to install the latest Windows 11 update, check the system requirements and any blocks related to the Windows 11 update not starting . You can also consult our article on troubleshooting installation errors to resolve potential conflicts.

Methods to keep Windows 11 100% optimized and clean

In addition to troubleshooting problems as they arise, you can prevent them from recurring by following the maintenance tips for search differences in Windows 11. Regular file cleanup and controlling startup applications are essential for optimal performance.

Manually uninstall heavy or unnecessary applications

From Settings > Apps > Apps & features , sort the list of apps by size and remove those that take up a lot of space without being useful.

Remove programs from the old Control Panel

Some applications can only be removed through Control Panel > Programs and Features . This is the traditional method for uninstalling programs that resist removal in the modern settings. You can also visit our guide at [link missing].

Disable apps at startup so they don't slow down startup

In Task Manager , on the Startup tab, disable anything that isn't essential. The impact on performance is especially noticeable on computers with less powerful hardware.

Tidy up your file system and remove leftovers from deleted apps

Find duplicate files

Duplicate photos and other redundant files waste space. Use specialized apps like 'Find.Same.Images.OK' to locate and remove duplicates.

Use Windows' own space cleanup

Better than third-party programs, cleanmgr is reliable, safe, and allows for thorough cleaning of old and temporary files.

Activate the storage sensor

Configure Storage Sense so that Windows automatically deletes unused files periodically, helping to keep your computer clean and in good condition.

Perform malware cleanup

Never neglect your antivirus software, and run a full scan from time to time to rule out infections. This is also part of preventative maintenance.

Be careful with the Windows registry

Cleaning the registry can help, but deleting entries is dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Always make a backup before working in the Registry Editor.

Reset or repair apps from Settings

Go to Apps & features , select an app, go to advanced options, and choose between Repair (doesn't delete data) or Reset (deletes saved settings and user data). This is part of the maintenance actions.

Final recommendations for Windows 11 users

When you encounter a problem with your device, don't rush to format it or give up on it . Windows 11 is much better equipped than its predecessors to guide you step-by-step through troubleshooting. Use the troubleshooters as your first line of defense, resort to manual methods if the wizard fails, and always prioritize creating regular backups , especially before applying major updates or modifying advanced settings.

Each section of this article provides you with practical resources and tips to help you avoid relying on third parties and keep your equipment always up-to-date, optimized, and clean, minimizing the risk of getting stuck at the most inopportune moment.