Windows 11: common problems and fixes

Is your Windows 11 PC slow, freezing, unable to finish updating, or not starting properly? The fixes run from the quickest and safest to the most drastic, so stop as soon as the problem is gone.

Before you start

Most of these fixes take a few minutes. Save anything open first. If the PC holds files you cannot replace, copy them to an external drive or OneDrive before the later fixes; see how to back up your files and make a restore point. A laptop should stay plugged in.

Try these fixes in order

1. Restart the PC properly

A restart clears many temporary faults. Choose Restart, not Shut down, because a restart fully reloads Windows.

1. Select Start, then the Power button, then Restart.
2. If the PC does not respond at all, hold the power button until it switches off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it on. Do this only when nothing else works, because unsaved work is lost.

2. Deal with a frozen app or a slow PC

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. On the Processes page, right-click the app marked as not responding and select End task. The app closes and you lose its unsaved work.
3. To reduce slow starts, open Startup apps in Task Manager, or Settings then Apps then Startup. Switch off programs you do not need at sign-in. This does not uninstall them.

For slowness, also check free space in Settings then System then Storage, and run a scan in Settings then Privacy & security then Windows Security (open Windows Security, then Virus & threat protection and Quick scan). See why a PC runs slowly.

3. Install updates and run the troubleshooter

Microsoft's order for update trouble starts with the built-in troubleshooter.

1. Open Settings then System then Troubleshoot then Other troubleshooters. Find Windows Update and select Run. Microsoft says some troubleshooters now open in the Get Help app.
2. Check your internet connection and keep the PC plugged in.
3. Unplug external drives and docks you do not need.
4. Open Settings then Windows Update and select Check for updates.
5. When updates are ready, restart to finish them.

Updates also need free disk space. Microsoft's update troubleshooting page lists at least 20 GB free to upgrade a 64-bit system, so free up space if the drive is nearly full. If updates keep failing, read what to do when Windows Update is stuck or failing.

4. Repair damaged system files

If Windows behaves oddly or updates fail with errors, use Microsoft's two repair tools. They are safe and do not remove your files. Run DISM first, then SFC. DISM needs an internet connection.

1. Right-click Start and select Terminal (Admin). Select Yes if Windows asks for permission.
2. Type this, press Enter, and wait. It can take several minutes.

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. When it reports success, type this and press Enter. Wait until it reaches 100 percent without closing the window.

   sfc /scannow

4. Restart the PC and try the thing that was failing.

5. Undo a recent change

If the trouble began after an update or a new program, remove it.

1. To remove a program, open Settings then Apps then Installed apps, select the three dots next to it, then select Uninstall.
2. To remove an update, open Settings then Windows Update then Update history and select Uninstall updates.
3. If you made a restore point earlier, you can use it: press Windows + R, type rstrui and press Enter, then follow the screens. Restore points exist only if System Protection was turned on.
4. If Windows 11 itself was installed in the last 10 days over Windows 10, Microsoft lets you go back. Open Settings then System then Recovery and select Go back. Apps, drivers and settings you added after the upgrade are removed.

6. Start in Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with only basic parts, which helps you find a faulty program or driver and fix it.

1. Open Settings then System then Recovery. Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now. If you cannot sign in, hold Shift while selecting Restart on the sign-in screen.
2. Select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, then Startup Settings, then Restart.
3. Press 4 for Safe Mode, or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
4. In Safe Mode, remove the program or update you suspect, then restart normally.

If the PC keeps repairing itself or restarting in a loop, see the Automatic Repair loop guide. For blue error screens, see what to do about blue screens.

Last resort: Reset this PC

1. Open Settings then System then Recovery.
2. Under Recovery options, select Reset PC.
3. Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything, and read each screen carefully.
4. Wait. The PC restarts several times. Then install your programs again; see how to install software and apps.

If Windows cannot start, the same option is in the recovery screens under Troubleshoot. Microsoft says it needs no external media. A full wipe from a USB drive is covered in the clean install guide.

If it still does not work

If the problem remains after a reset, the cause may be hardware, such as a failing drive, memory or battery. Use the support page on your PC maker's website, which you reach by typing its address yourself. Never call a number shown in a pop-up or a message that claims your PC is infected.

Frequently asked questions