Common Windows 10 Problems and How to Fix it

In this article, we are going to help you fix some of the most common Windows 10 problems by yourself, even if you do not have any technical knowledge of the computer. We have made it easy for our users to try our simple steps while troubleshooting Windows 10 by following this guide and troubleshooting images attached to it.

Launched on 29th of July, 2015 Windows 10 is the latest member of the Microsoft operating system line. Since its launch, Windows 10 has become one of the most popular OS (operating system) for laptop & desktop computers.

Windows 10 is an upgraded version of older Windows OS with a whole lot of new features included; for example, better UI, search box, Cortana, Windows Store, Xbox, to name a few. Along with these changes & upgrades, many issues have lurked in, and despite several updates, Windows 10 users are still affected by many problems. If you are also among the users who are experiencing technical issues more often while working on Windows 10, then you are at the right place.

First of all, let us look at some of the most common problems and how to solve them?

• Windows 10 activation problems
• Startup issues in Windows 10
• Windows 10 problems with Wi-Fi
• Audio problems

Problem 1- Windows 10 Activation Problems

Product activation is a must for using Microsoft Windows 10 Operating System, and sometimes, it is also required when you are trying to upgrade it from an older version of Windows OS (Windows 7, 8, and 8.1). These windows 10 Activation problems can be confusing, and in rare cases, despite being activated earlier, it’ll again ask for activation. Windows Activation issues top the list of our common Windows 10 problems.

What are the causes of Windows 10 activation problems?

1. Pirated Windows 10 – Believe it or not, there are thousands of people out there using a pirated copy of windows without realization. Not only it is illegal, but it can also lead to phishing, viruses, and data-theft. You can check here whether your Windows 10 is genuine or not.
2. Windows Re-Installation – In rare cases, if the user re-install or refresh Windows, it sometimes asks for a reactivation code. You can reactivate it by simply inserting your Windows 10 activation code.
3. Incorrect Activation Key – Remember that a Windows 7 Product Activation Key will not work in Windows 10. The other reason might be servers being overwhelmed with requests of upgrades or activation from the users.
4. Microsoft Updates Glitch – Periodically after an update, your Windows 10 might ask for activation even if it was activated earlier. In this case, you do not worry as the situation arises due to problems with the Microsoft activation servers. During the next update (weekly or daily) it’ll get automatically patched, and fixed endure that you’ve turned on your automatic Windows update.

How to fix Windows 10 Activation problems?

Solution 1- Using the Activation Troubleshooter

Activation Troubleshooter helps confirm that the copy of Windows is usually genuine and hasn’t been used on more than one device complying with the Microsoft Software License Terms allowance.

Step 1– Connect to the Internet because the activation requires internet connection.

Step 2– Select the Start or press the Windows Key from your keyboard.

Step 3– Select Settings

Step 4– Next Click on Update and Security

Step 5– Then Select Troubleshoot.

Note: – Once you click on Troubleshoot, you’ll see a list of troubleshooting option. Inside those options, you’ll find activation click on it to troubleshoot your common Windows 10 activation problems. If your Windows 10 is activated, then you won’t see the activation option.

Solution 2- Using the Product Key

If you have got the product key then all you need to do is to re-enter it in the activation dialog box. To re-enter your activation key, follow these steps.

Step 1– Make sure you are connected to the Internet.

Step 2– Go to Settings or press Windows + i key from your keyboard.

Step 3– Click Update and Security

Step 4– Next select Activation > Change Product Key.

Step 5– Now re-enter your Windows 10 activation key and click on Next.

Solution 3- Force Activation

Encounter any of the Windows 10 error messages such as 0x8007007B, 0x8007000D, 0XC004E003, 0x8007232b? In this case you need to re-attempt activation through force activation method.

Step 1– Open command prompt from the Start menu or Type cmd inside Windows 10 search box.

Step 2– Right Click on it and Click on run as administrator.

Step 3– Allow the program to RUN.

Step 4– Type slmgr.vbs –rearm and hit the enter key from your keyboard.

Step 5– Restart your PC.

Problem 2- Windows 10 Startup Problems

If your system is taking a lot of time then it used to be while booting up then there’s a startup issue on your Windows 10 desktop computer or laptop. Recently there’s a lot of Windows 10 users who have reported the same problem with the startup. There are several reasons why your Windows 10 won’t boot up properly, including from bad electric connection to too many background programs.

What are the causes of Windows 10 Startup Problems?

1. Startup Programs – This is one of the most common issues for slow bootup. Too many background programs which were set to run automatically during a startup can slow down your Windows 10 booting time. You can disable startup background programs to make your Windows 10 boot properly in time.
2. Anti-Virus – If you’ve more than one Anti-Virus software or if your Anti-Virus program is exceptionally active, it can cause your Windows to boot slowly. Although we do not recommend you to disable your Anti-Virus software from your startup if you want it to load faster, then you need to disable it.
3. RAM – Low RAM can be one of the reasons for slow startup. Try adding more RAM (This needs to be done by an expert only) or un-installing useless programs to make your system boot properly.

How to Fix Windows 10 Startup Problems?

Solution 1- Disable Startup Programs

To disable startup programs which automatically run during a startup, you need to open TASK MANAGER in Windows 10 first. Follow the below steps:

Step 1– Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE on your Keyboard or Press Windows + x key to bring on quick link menu.

Step 2– Select TASK MANAGER.

Step 3– Now click on Startup option just beside App History on the menu.

Step 4– Disable all the unnecessary programs which you do not need to run when you turn on the computer. Click Disable on unhelpful programs and keep repeating the process for every application you do not necessarily need during startup.

Solution 2- Uninstall Programs that you do not need

If you are not aware of the programs running on your computer, then you need to take a look at it, because there can be applications which are automatically selected to run when you start a Windows 10. Here’s how you can take a look at programs and uninstall them on Windows 10:

Step 1– Open the run box by pressing the Windows + r key together from your keyboard.

Step 2– Once the run box appears then you need to type in appwiz.cpl manually inside it and then click on OK or hit the enter key from your keyboard.

Step 3– Uninstall all the programs you do not recognize installing or you do not use those programs.

Alternatively,

Step 1– You can go to Settings from the Start Menu.

Step 2– Click Apps from the Settings Menu.

Step 3– Click on Apps and Features from the left vertical menu.

Step 4– On the right side you’ll see a list of apps. Select the app you need to install.

Step 5– Click on uninstall button and you are done.

Solution 3- Shorten the Boot-time out

It is recommended that only if you have more than one Operating System (Windows + Linux) installed on your PC or Laptop then only you can select the OS you want to boot fast. If you do not select any one of the two Operating Systems installed then it will boot the default one automatically. Follow the steps below to lower down your startup boot time on Windows 10.

Step 1– Press win+ r key at the same time on your keyboard. OR you can type run on the search box.

Step 2– Now that you’ve got the run box, type msconfig in there and click on ok.

Step 3– Select the Boot tab in between General and Services.

Step 4– At the bottom right corner you’ll see Timeout: option.

Step 5– 30 seconds is the default startup time for an OS. You can change it to 10 seconds.

Step 6– Click on Apply> OK> Restart.

Problem 3- Windows 10 problems with Wi-Fi

All of us rely on wi-fi to do our day to day work, so when it undoubtedly experiences a problem of some kind in your computer, all you want to do is toss your hands up. Can’t get online because your Windows 10 won’t connect to the wi-fi? Not able to browse your internet correctly? Network adapter not working? Here’s what are the reasons behind common Windows 10 problems with wi-fi problems and the solutions:

Reasons behind Windows 10 problems with Wi-Fi

1. Windows Updates– Although updates enhance the performance of your system, many users complain about network connectivity issues after the process. Some may find the network adapter to be corrupted, problems with Wi-Fi drivers, or Windows 10 not detecting Wi-Fi networks after an update. The most natural solution for this is to roll back to the previous version of Windows 10 update.
2. Airplane Mode– Just like phones Windows 10 also consist of an airplane mode option when turned on it disables any networks connected to your PC. To ensure that your Airplane mode is turned off you need to open action center by clicking the bubble in the lower right corner of your computer screen>Click on Expand>Click on Airplane mode>If the icon is blue, it is turned on>Click on it to turn off, icon will change into gray.
3. Router Issues– You should check around the Wi-fi router to find out whether any issues with the device that triggers the Wireless router to not work with Windows 10. You can connect other devices to see how your internet works with that same router. If the problem persists with other devices as well, then you need to reset your router.
4. Internet Service Provider (ISP)- Before you reset your browser, try contacting your ISP and check out from them if the issue exists from their end. If yes, then your ISP would take full responsibility to fix your internet connection. If no, later try doing the following steps below to fix Windows 10 Wi-Fi problems.

Windows 10 Wi-Fi Problems Solutions

Solution 1- Reboot Your Wi-Router or Modem

This works more than fifty percent of times when you are having troubles with Wi-Fi network in Windows 10. First, shut down your PC, and next one can plug out and plug in the Wi-Fi adapter in the power cable and wait for at least a minute before accessing the internet. Still unable to connect to the Wi-Fi try Solution no. 2.

Solution 2- Windows 10 Network Troubleshooter

Using the network troubleshooter in Windows 10 can be helpful when it comes to fixing your Wi-Fi issues. Follow these steps to run the network troubleshooter:

First and foremost, ensure that your Wi-Fi Router is turned on.

Step 1– Click Start.

Step 2– Get in to the Settings Section.

Step 3– Inside the Settings Section you’ll notice Network & Internet. Click on it.

Step 4– Next find Network-Troubleshooter and click to run it.

Step 5– Click on Identify and repair network problems.

The troubleshooter will try to fix the internet issues automatically. Failure to do so it’ll recommend you to follow the steps and see if the problem can get fixed.

Solution 3- Update your Wireless network adapter driver

Not aware when was the last time you updated your Wireless network adapter driver? Well, if you don’t then try updating to the latest version and see if the problem gets resolved. To do that follow few steps shown below:

Step 1– On the search box type device manager and then select the Device Manger in the Menu. OR you can press the windows key Windows + x to open the menu, and select Device Manager

Step 2– Now Double Click Network adapters to broaden the list.

Step 3– Find out the device whose name contains the term ‘wireless’ or ‘wlan‘.

Step 4– Right Click and click on ‘Update Driver’.

Solution 4- Reset your Wireless Router

This is the last option you can try in order to fix the windows 10 Wi-fi problems. Before resetting your router, keep in mind that you’ve noted down all the configuration details of your router. You can reset your router manually by following these steps:

Note: Resetting your router will delete your wireless and router password, and it’ll set to default after the process.

Step 1– Turn on your router.

Step 2– Remove all the internet cables from the router.

Step 3– At the back of your router you’ll find a small reset button. Press and Hold the button for a minute.

Step 4– Make sure the Power LED is blinking when you press the Reset button.

These are some of the necessary steps you need to follow in order to fix your Windows 10 Wi-Fi and connectivity issues.

Problem 4- Windows 10 Audio Problems

Is your sound not working on Windows 10? Audio not working even after removing the headphones? Are volume controls grayed out? Well, we’ve all been there, and we know how annoying sound issues can get. After a lot of research, we’ve compiled a list of reasons why sound stops working on windows 10 and how to fix it.

The common reason behind Windows 10 audio problems

1. Audio Drivers– Not updating the drivers regularly can be one of the crucial reasons why your sound is not working. Also, not installing the correct driver while upgrading to Windows 10 is one of the primary reasons why your Windows 10 audio is not working.
2. Windows Updates– Periodically right after an auto Windows 10 updates, the audio stops playing. It is most likely that the new upgrade causes problems with the audio card within your computer, or maybe the latest update contains incompatible items with your sound drivers. Rolling back to the older version can fix this issue or updating your driver.
3. Cables, Volumes, Headphones, and Speakers– Before starting any troubleshooting steps, make sure to check your cables are plugged in the proper jack, check your volume levels from both the computer and speakers. Try another device to check the speakers or headphones.

How to Fix Windows 10 Audio Problems

Solution 1- Make sure your Audio Device is the Default

Alright as we said earlier you should first endure by checking your volumes, headphones, and speakers before starting troubleshoot. If the problem is still not getting resolved try checking your volume control option. Here’s how you can make your Audio device default in Windows 10.

Step 1– On the right bottom corner of your screen you’ll see a volume option.

Step 2– Right Click on it and Select Sounds from there.

Step 3– Click on the Playback tab and Right Click on the device you want to set as Default and then click on “Set as Default Device”. Click Apply and then OK.

Step 4– Restart your PC.

Solution 2- Audio Troubleshooter.

Let the Windows find the audio issues and suggest you with the proper solutions. In order to access the audio troubleshooter, you need to follow few steps.

Step 1– On the search box of your Windows 10 type audio troubleshooter.

Step 2– Click on Find and Fix audio playback problems.

Step 3– Let the troubleshooter find the common Windows 10 problems with the Audio and fix it for you. If the problem is still there then try following the next solution.

Solution 3- Update your Audio Drivers

This is one of the common fixes when you are having sound issues on your Windows 10. Try updating the audio drivers and see whether the problem gets resolved.

Step 1- Press Windows + x key from your keyboard or right click on Start icon.

Step 2- Select Device Manager.

Step 3- Now you need to Double Click on Sound, video and game controllers.

Step 4- Next Click on the Driver tab (In our case it’s “High Definition Audio Device”) and click on Update Driver.

Step 5- Follow the instructions.

Step 6- Once the process is finished restart your computer.

Problem 5- Windows 10 Auto Shut Down Problem

We know how annoying it is for you when you are working on your computer or laptop on something important and suddenly your system shuts down without giving you any prior warning so that you can save your files or any incomplete task for later.

Are you among the Windows 10 users who are experiencing the similar situation? Do not worry anymore here we’ll provide you with the causes of the auto shut down and how to fix the problem with our effective and simple solutions.

What are the Causes of Common Windows 10 problems with Auto Shutdown?

1. Over-Heating Issues– A lot of computers especially laptops shut down when they overheat, this is a common practice every Laptop brand follows in order to avoid permanent damage. In this case you can either change your fans inside the CPU or you can use a blower to clean the vents.
2. Updates– As we’ve mentioned several times in this content that Windows 10 updates are one of the major reasons why many problems occur in the first place. That doesn’t mean you can turn off your auto updates and free yourself from all the issues in the future. Doing that will make things worse for you because every Windows upgrades contains patch for security issues. Follow the methods below and we think your problems will get resolved.
3. Dying Batteries– Almost every modern laptop has enough battery power to last for a day or two, however, this is not the case in old laptops. Most of users also complains about Laptop shutting down without any prior warnings, but only when the charger cable is not plugged in. Other than this there are several reasons why your battery dies. (Follow this article to know how to revive and jumpstart your dying laptop battery.) New Topic.

Steps you need to follow to fix auto shutdown issues: –

The one question that floods the official Microsoft forum is “my pc is shutting down automatically?” and yes as we said earlier that overheating can cause auto shut down issues on your PC there are other reasons as well to consider. So, without any further ado let us show you how to resolve this problem.

Solution 1- Replace your Power Cable (For PC only)

A loose connection between your power supply and the tower can make your PC automatically shut down without your knowledge. In this case replacing the power cable can be the best option because if the power supply cable continue disrupts the power to the tower aka CPU then it may corrupt your hard disk and motherboard.

Solution 2- Disable Fast Start-up Feature in Windows 10

The fast start-up feature is mostly used for speed loading up your Windows 10 when you start it. Well its truly a harmless feature but the way it changes the settings of your system might get conflict with other important setting.

For example, when your Fast start-up feature is enabled on your Windows 10 and you try to shut down your PC or laptop then what it does is it saves an image file of your pre-loaded kernel and all the drivers in hiberfile, once you restart your computer then it simply reloads the image file. This makes your system load boots faster and sometime it leads to shut down issues. Follow the steps below to turn of the feature:

Step 1– Open Power & Sleep Options

Step 2- Click Additional Power Settings  on the right

Step 3– Now, on the left click on “choose what the power options do.”

Step 4– Select “change settings that are currently enable”

Step 5– If the “Turn on fast startup” is checked then you need to untick it.

Step 6– Finally Click on Save changes to disable the feature (You can re-enable it at any point of time by following the similar steps but this time you need to check the box).

Solution 3- Disable Sleep Mode

Sleep mode works when you stop using your pc for some time depending upon the setting (from 30 mins-5 hours) to preserve energy. Press a button from your keyboard and your computer will come back to the exact state where you left them. Sleep mode is automatically enabled in most of the modern laptops for saving the battery. To disable sleep mode/ hibernation you need to follow the steps shown below:

Step 1– Right Click on Start Menu and Select Power Option for there or Search for Power option inside the search box and hit enter.

Step 2– Next to your current power plan click change plan settings.

Step 3– Change “Put the computer to sleep” to never.

Step 4– Click on “Save Changes”.

Solution 4- Review the Windows System Logs

This may not solve your auto shutdown issues on Windows 10 which is one of the most common Windows 10 problems but it can give you reasons that why your system crashed. One of our readers complained that his PC was crashing unexpectedly and he checked the system logs where it indicated that while in transition between sleep states a firmware changes occurred and the device kept on getting crashed causing an HDD issues. To review your Windows 10 System Logs, follow the steps below:

Step 1– Right click on the Start Icon

Step 2– Select Control Panel

Step 3– Click on System & Security and Expand Administrative tool

Step 4– Now Double-Click Event Viewer

Step 5– Select Yellow Warnings and Red Errors to Review them.

Solution 5- Perform a Startup Repair

Due to OS corruption the auto shutdown operation takes place. Doing a startup repair can solve the issue. Startup repair is a Windows Recovery tool which helps in fixing certain startup issues on your system by scanning the computer to find the problem and then fix it. Here’s how you can perform a startup repair.

Kindly backup all the important files from your computer before doing the Startup Repair.

Step 1– Download the Windows 10 ISO and Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft Website here https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Step 2– Connect your USB Drive or CD/DVD with the ISO Image and restart your computer.

Step 3– A black Screen will appear saying “Press any Key to boot from CD/DVD. Hit on any button in your Keyboard.”

Step 4– Choose the Correct time and Keyboard type.

Step 5– Click Repair your Computer in the left bottom corner.

Step 6– Select Troubleshoot.

Step 7– Click Advanced options in troubleshoot screen.

Step 8– Select Start up Repair.

Once the startup repair is done your computer will restart automatically and if it does not try starting it and check if your Windows 10 auto shutdown problem has been solved or not.

Conclusion

According to our researches these are some of the most common Windows 10 problems reported by Windows 10 users on different platforms. We’ve tried our best to list all the major problems their causes and how to fix it. If in case you are still having any issues related to your Windows 10 then kindly comment below that what exactly issues you are facing. We’ll try our level best to provide you with further solution which can help you resolve the problems.

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