How to Fix Common Windows Errors Without a Technician

Windows is the world’s most popular desktop operating system, but it’s far from error-free. From system crashes and slow startups to annoying pop-up messages, users often encounter issues that seem to demand expert help. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a technician to fix most Windows errors. With a bit of guidance, you can solve many of them yourself—saving both time and money.

This comprehensive guide covers the most common Windows errors, explains their causes, and offers step-by-step solutions—perfect for beginners and intermediate users.

1. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

What Is It?

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a fatal error screen that appears when Windows encounters a critical system issue.

Common Causes:

Hardware conflicts
Driver issues
Faulty RAM
Corrupted system files

How to Fix:

Step 1: Note the Stop Code
When the BSOD appears, write down or photograph the stop code (e.g., MEMORY_MANAGEMENT, IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL).

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

Restart your PC and press F8 (or Shift + F8) before Windows loads.
Select Safe Mode with Networking.

Step 3: Use System Restore

Go to Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.
Choose a restore point before the BSOD began.

Step 4: Update Drivers

Use Device Manager to update drivers, especially graphics and chipset drivers.

Step 5: Run Memory Diagnostics

Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.

Step 6: Use SFC and DISM

Run these from an elevated Command Prompt to repair system files.

2. Slow Startup or Boot Time

Common Causes:

Too many startup apps
Fragmented hard drive
Outdated drivers
Background services

How to Fix:

Step 1: Disable Startup Programs

Open Task Manager > Startup tab.
Disable unnecessary programs like Skype, Adobe Updater, etc.

Step 2: Check for Malware

Run a full scan using Windows Defender or Malwarebytes.

Step 3: Optimize Drives

Open Defragment and Optimize Drives and optimize your HDD (not SSD).

Step 4: Use Fast Startup

Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power button does.
Enable Fast Startup.

Step 5: Clean Boot

Open System Configuration (msconfig).
Under Services, check “Hide Microsoft services,” then disable the rest.
Restart your PC.

3. “Windows Update Failed” Error

Common Causes:

Corrupted cache files
Interruption during update
Lack of disk space

How to Fix:

Step 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Clear Windows Update Cache

Step 3: Check Disk Space

Ensure at least 10GB of free space on your C drive.

Step 4: Manually Install Updates

Go to Microsoft Update Catalog and download the latest update manually.

4. “This App Can’t Run on Your PC”

Common Causes:

Incompatible architecture (32-bit vs 64-bit)
Security settings blocking the app
Corrupt executable file

How to Fix:

Step 1: Check System Architecture

Right-click on This PC > Properties. Make sure you’re not trying to run a 64-bit app on a 32-bit system.

Step 2: Run as Administrator

Right-click the app > Run as Administrator.

Step 3: Check SmartScreen Settings

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > App & Browser Control.
Set SmartScreen to “Warn” instead of “Block”.

Step 4: Re-download from Official Source

Avoid third-party sites. Always use official websites or Microsoft Store.

5. “No Internet Access” Even When Connected to Wi-Fi

Common Causes:

DNS issues
IP conflicts
Driver problems

How to Fix:

Step 1: Restart Network Adapter

Settings > Network & Internet > Change Adapter Options.
Right-click adapter > Disable, then Enable.

Step 2: Flush DNS and Reset IP

Step 3: Update Network Driver

Open Device Manager > Network Adapters.
Right-click your adapter > Update Driver.

Step 4: Change DNS

Go to Network Properties > IPv4 Settings.
Use Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

6. Application Not Responding / Freezing

Common Causes:

Insufficient RAM
Software bugs
Outdated programs

How to Fix:

Step 1: End Task

Open Task Manager > Right-click frozen app > End Task.

Step 2: Update the App

Check for the latest version or reinstall it.

Step 3: Increase Virtual Memory

Go to System Properties > Advanced > Performance Settings > Advanced.
Set virtual memory manually: 1.5x your RAM.

Step 4: Check for Windows Updates

Updates often fix app compatibility issues.

7. File Explorer Crashing

Common Causes:

Corrupted system files
Faulty shell extensions
Thumbnail cache

How to Fix:

Step 1: Clear File Explorer History

Go to Folder Options > General > Clear (under Privacy).

Step 2: Disable Shell Extensions

Use ShellExView (free tool) to disable third-party extensions.

Step 3: Rebuild Thumbnail Cache

Step 4: Restart Windows Explorer

Task Manager > Processes > Windows Explorer > Restart.

8. Printer Not Working or Offline

Common Causes:

Driver error
Connectivity issues
Print spooler service error

How to Fix:

Step 1: Restart Printer and PC

Step 2: Check Printer Connection

Make sure it’s connected via USB or Wi-Fi and powered on.

Step 3: Run Printer Troubleshooter

Settings > Devices > Printers > Troubleshoot.

Step 4: Restart Print Spooler

Step 5: Reinstall Printer Driver

Remove the printer > Reboot > Re-add it.

9. “DLL File Missing” Error

Common Causes:

Corrupted app installation
Removed DLL by antivirus
Registry error

How to Fix:

Step 1: Don’t Download DLLs Separately!

This is risky. Always reinstall the app.

Step 2: Run SFC

Step 3: Use System Restore

Restore your system to an earlier working state.

10. Black Screen After Login

Common Causes:

Graphics driver failure
Explorer.exe not loading
Corrupt user profile

How to Fix:

Step 1: Restart Explorer Manually

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc > File > Run new task > Type explorer.exe.

Step 2: Update Graphics Driver

Boot into Safe Mode, open Device Manager, and update or roll back the GPU driver.

Step 3: Check Display Settings

Sometimes Windows sends output to the wrong display. Press Win + P and select “PC screen only”.

Bonus Tips: Preventing Errors Before They Start

1. Keep Windows Updated

Regular updates patch security flaws and fix bugs.

2. Use Trusted Antivirus

Avoid downloading pirated or unverified software.

3. Clean Up System Regularly

Use built-in Disk Cleanup or third-party tools like CCleaner.

4. Backup Your System

Use File History or third-party backups to avoid data loss.

5. Learn Basic Command Line Tools

Tools like sfc, chkdsk, and DISM can fix most issues quickly.

Conclusion: You’re Your Own Technician Now

You don’t need to panic—or pay—for every Windows error you see. With the right steps and a bit of patience, you can fix most problems yourself. Bookmark this guide, follow the instructions, and you’ll be equipped to tackle nearly any common Windows issue like a pro.

Not only does fixing your PC build confidence, but it also saves time and money—and you avoid the downtime that comes with handing your system over to someone else.

Next time your Windows throws a fit, just take a breath, refer to this guide, and get to work. You’ve got this!