Troubleshooting Common Windows 10 Problems: A Comprehensive Guide

Windows 10, while popular, is not without its issues. From upgrade problems to performance slowdowns, users often encounter a variety of challenges. At TASTE GALAXIE, we understand how frustrating these issues can be. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate and resolve some of the most common Windows 10 problems. Remember, we pride ourselves on delivering genuine software licenses digitally in the shortest possible time, ensuring you can get back to work or play without delays.

Common Windows 10 Issues and How to Fix Them

Let’s delve into the common problems and their solutions. Whether you’re dealing with upgrade issues, storage problems, or security concerns, this guide will provide you with practical steps to ensure your system is running smoothly.

1. Can’t Upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8

Many users face compatibility issues when upgrading to Windows 10 from older versions. Here’s how to tackle it:

• Ensure System is Up-to-Date: Run Windows Update in the Control Panel to ensure your current OS is fully updated. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter if updates fail.
• Use the Media Creation Tool: Download the Media Creation Tool from site-ul Microsoft. Run it on the PC you want to upgrade. The tool has seen many improvements since Windows 10’s launch.
• Enable DEP: Verify that Hardware Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is enabled in BIOS. Adjust Data Execution Prevention settings through the ‘performance’ search in the Start Menu.

2. Can’t Upgrade to the Latest Windows 10 Version

Updating to the latest version of Windows 10 can sometimes be tricky. Follow these steps:

• Check Current Version: Find your current OS version in ‘About Windows’ in the Settings menu.
• Use Windows Update Tool: Try the Windows Update tool.
• Use Media Creation Tool: Download and run the Media Creation Tool for a more reliable option. Select the “keep personal files and apps” option during installation.

3. Less Free Storage After Upgrading

The old operating system might be consuming storage space post-upgrade. Here’s how to remove it:

• Run Disk Cleanup: Search for ‘Disk Cleanup’ via the Windows Start button.
• Select OS Drive: Choose the drive where your operating system is installed, usually the C:/ drive.
• Remove Previous Installation: Choose “Previous Windows Installation(s)” or “Clean up system files” and then delete previous Windows installation(s).

4. Windows Update Isn’t Working

If Windows Update isn’t working properly:

• Run Troubleshooter: Download and run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
• Check System Restore: Make sure System Restore is configured (see below, number 9) and create a restore point.
• Stop Services: Use Command Prompt (Admin) to stop the wuauserv and bits services using the commands: ‘net stop wuauserv’ and ‘net stop bits’.
• Delete SoftwareDistribution folder: Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete its contents. Restart and check updates again.

5. Windows Updates When I Don’t Want It To

To manage when updates are installed:

• Use Group Policy Editor (Pro Users): Search for ‘gpedit’ and run the Group Policy Editor. Go to Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Update and enable “Configure Automatic Updates”. Select “2 – Notify for download and notify for install”.
• Schedule Restarts (Home Users): Open Windows Update, click “Advanced Options” and schedule restarts from the “Choose how updates are installed” list.
• Choose Update Delivery: Click on “Choose how updates are delivered” and set it to ‘PCs on my local network’ or turn it off.

6. Too Many Unnecessary Windows 10 Notifications

Take control of your notifications:

• Manage Notifications: Open ‘Settings’ and go to ‘Notifications & Actions’. Customize which apps send notifications.
• Check Privacy Settings: Go to ‘Privacy’ in Settings. Control app access to your camera, microphone, and other data.
• Review Windows Defender: In ‘Update & Security,’ go to ‘Windows Defender’ and review cloud-based detection and automatic sample submission settings.
• Manage Wi-Fi Sense: Disable “Connect to suggested open hotspots” and “Connect to networks shared by my contacts” in ‘Network & Internet’ settings. Rename your network SSID to end with “_optout.”

7. Windows 10 Shares Too Much Data

Adjusting data-sharing settings is crucial for privacy:

• Review Privacy Settings: Go to the ‘Privacy’ section of Settings to manage app permissions.
• Adjust Feedback Settings: In ‘Feedback & diagnostics’, turn off sending ‘enhanced data’ to Microsoft.
• Review Windows Defender: Check default settings for cloud-based detection and automatic sample submission in Windows Defender.
• Manage Wi-Fi Sense: Disable “Connect to suggested open hotspots” and “Connect to networks shared by my contacts”. Rename your network’s SSID to end with ‘_optout’.

8. Can’t Access Safe Mode Using Keyboard Function Keys

If function keys aren’t working, try these alternatives:

• Use the Advanced Boot Options: Access these in ‘Update & Security’ settings or by using the Left Shift button during restart. See our detailed guide for all options.
• Set Safe Mode in Boot Options:
  • Open Command Prompt (Admin) using Windows key + X.
  • Type: `bcdedit /copy {current} /d ‘Windows 10 Safe Mode’`
  • Go to msconfig, Boot tab, select the created entry, check “Safe Boot,” and then “Minimal”
  • Make all boot settings permanent and click OK.

9. System Restore Isn’t Turned On

Enable System Restore manually:

• Open System Properties: Search for “Create a restore point” and open System Properties page.
• Configure Protection Settings: Select your system drive and click ‘Configure’.
• Turn On System Protection: Select ‘Turn on system protection’.

10. Windows 10 Default App Settings Reset After Update

Restore your app preferences:

• Go to Default Apps Settings: In Settings, click ‘System’ and then ‘Default apps’.
• Set Default Apps: Choose your preferred apps for different file types and extensions.

11. Windows 10 is Using 4G Data

Manage data usage on mobile networks:

• Set Metered Connection: Go to ‘Settings’, then ‘Network & Internet’. Select ‘Wi-Fi’, followed by ‘Advanced Options’, and enable the ‘Set as metered connection’ option.

12. Bad Localization, Cortana ‘Not Available’

Fix incorrect localization settings:

• Check Region & Language Settings: Go to the Region & Language settings in the Start Menu. Set your correct Country or region, and preferred language. Download necessary language packs.
• Check Keyboard Input Method: Ensure your keyboard input method is matched to your region.
• Additional Settings: In the Additional date, time & regional settings, choose the correct language format.
• Confirm Location: Under Location tab, confirm your Home location is correct.
• Check System Locale: Go to the Administrative tab and check System locale. Use the Copy settings to apply changes to new user accounts and Welcome screen.

13. Can’t Save a Webpage as an HTML File in Microsoft Edge

Use a different browser to save web pages as HTML:

• Use Chrome: Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser. Select ‘More tools’, and then ‘Save page as’. Choose “HTML file” when saving.

14. The Lock Screen Gets In The Way

Disable the lock screen through the Registry Editor:

• Open Registry Editor: Search for “regedit” in the Start Menu.
• Navigate to Key: Go to: `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows`
• Create Personalization Key: If it doesn’t exist, create a new key named “Personalization”.
• Create NoLockScreen Value: Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value called “NoLockScreen” and set its value to 1.
• Restart PC: Restart your computer to apply changes.

15. Boot Times Are Too Slow

Speed up boot times by disabling hybrid boot:

• Open Power Options: Search for ‘Power Options’ in the Start Menu.
• Change Power Button Settings: Click ‘Choose what the power buttons do’.
• Disable Fast Start-up: Click ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable’ and deselect ‘Turn on fast start-up’. Save the changes.

16. Windows 10 Sound Problems

Troubleshoot sound issues:

• Check Audio Output Device: Make sure the correct output device is selected from the speaker icon in the system tray.
• Update Audio Drivers: In Device Manager, expand “Sound, video and game controllers”, right-click your audio device, and select “Update driver”.
• Run the Audio Troubleshooter: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Update & Security’ > ‘Troubleshoot’ and select ‘Playing Audio’.

17. Windows 10 Startup Problems

Address startup issues:

• Use Startup Repair: Reboot, hold the Shift key, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
• Boot in Safe Mode: Use the Shift key while restarting and select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings. Uninstall problematic updates or drivers.
• Check Boot Order in BIOS: Verify in the BIOS settings that the correct drive is set as the primary boot device.