Windows Troubleshooting Tips

Install Windows Updates

Windows updates include patches and driver updates. Follow the instructions in the linked article if you need to upgrade to Windows 11. The directions below are for Windows 11.

Go to Settings > Windows Update
Click the dropdown arrow next to the Check for updates button
Select Check online for updates from Microsoft Update, even if it says "you're up to date"
Repeat the process until the computer actively looks for updates, but does not find any

Optimize your Windows laptop battery or check battery health

Learn how to optimize the life of the battery in your Windows laptop. You can change energy saving settings, use energy saver, change display settings, and change power settings.

For details, go to Battery saving tips for Windows.

To check battery health on your Windows laptop, follow the steps below:

Open the Start menu and search for Command Prompt
Select Run as administrator to open Command Prompt in administrator mode
Type powercfg /batteryreport /output “C:\battery_report.html” and press enter
Go to your C: drive
Navigate to the battery_report.html file
Click the html file to view the battery report

Run Windows diagnostic tools

There are a few ways to create system diagnostics reports on Windows 11. In addition to built-in Windows options, many hardware manufacturers have troubleshooting tools, and there are also third-party apps for diagnosing computer hardware issues.

Windows Troubleshooter

For Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
Select Other troubleshooters.
Choose a troubleshooter for your problem. Options include Bluetooth, Keyboard, Windows Update, Network and Internet, along with others.
If the troubleshooter finds a problem, it will suggest how you can fix it.

Windows Memory Diagnostic

If your computer programs frequently lag or freeze, there might be an issue with your RAM. Your best option is to run Windows Memory Diagnostic:

Save all the content you’re working on and exit out of any currently running programs, before you run Windows Memory Diagnostic app.
Open the Start menu and search for Windows Memory Diagnostic
Choose to "Restart now" or "next time I start my computer"
When your PC restarts, the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool will scan your computer.
For details, go to How to use Windows Memory Diagnostic

Windows Reliability and Performance Monitor

Windows Reliability Monitor helps identify software issues affecting system performance and reliability. Windows tracks system state from login to shutdown. Critical system components (memory, data drives, fans, and CPU) are constantly probed and the results are collected in Performance Counters. System and app events (as in Outlook activity, Word document access) are tracked and saved as event trace data

For details, go to How to Use Windows Reliability Monitor to Identify Software Issues

Windows Startup Repair or System Refresh for Personal Laptops

NOTE: the two options below are for personal laptops. If you have a college owned laptop, contact ITS.

Try Startup Repair if Windows is loading properly.
Try a system Refresh to reinstall Windows while keeping all of your files.

Manufacturer Hardware Diagnostics

Check your manufacturer's site for specific diagnostic tools

Dell - go to How to Run a Dell Online Diagnostic Test
Dell Hardware Test - go to How to Run Dell Preboot Diagnostics and Hardware Tests on Your Dell Computer
HP - go to Use our HP PC Hardware Diagnostic Tools to self diagnose PC issues