Windows is a powerful and versatile operating system: as of this year, around 72% of desktops and laptops worldwide run on Windows. But like any software, Windows runs into issues from time to time. From the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to high CPU usage, Windows errors can throw you off your workflow, slow down your PC, and cause disruptive data loss.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top 10 Windows errors and provide step-by-step solutions to fix them, quickly and easily.
1. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is one of the most fabled and feared Windows errors. It occurs when Windows encounters a critical system error and is forced to shut down to prevent damage. BSOD errors often display an error code, such as “CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED” or “MEMORY_MANAGEMENT“, and can feel intimidating when they appear. You can feel more confident resolving blue screen errors with the following tips.
How to fix it
- Restart your PC: Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve the issue. Hold down the Shift button when restarting to restart in Safe Mode.
- Check for Windows updates: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install the latest update.
- Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool: Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the search bar and run the test.
- Update drivers: Outdated drivers can cause BSOD errors. Update your drivers via Device Manager or a tool like iolo Updater.
- Scan for malware: Use a trusted antivirus program to check for viruses that could be corrupting system files.
- Perform a system restore: If the issue started recently, roll back your system to a previous stable state (such as your last backup) using System Restore.
2. Windows Update Errors
Windows Update errors can prevent you from installing important security patches and performance improvements. They’re often caused by the update process itself, corrupted files, or temporary server problems. When they occur, it’s likely not your fault. Here are some things to try if you find yourself struggling with Windows Update errors.
How to fix them
- Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Update and follow the instructions.
- Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable connection before retrying the update. Sometimes it really is that simple.
- Free up disk space: Insufficient storage can prevent updates. Delete unnecessary files using Disk Cleanup.
- Manually install the update: If you’re confident doing so, download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install it manually.
3. Application Crashes
Programs crashing frequently can be frustrating, especially if you lose unsaved work. This can happen due to corrupted files, incompatible software, or memory issues.
How to fix them
- Restart your PC: A fresh restart can resolve temporary software conflicts
- Check for software updates: Ensure the application is up to date
- Run the program as administrator: Right-click the program and select “Run as Administrator“
- Disable background apps: Too many background processes can cause crashes; close unnecessary apps via Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
- Reinstall the application: Uninstall the program and install the latest version from the official source
4. Slow Boot Time
You don’t have to suffer endlessly, waiting for your PC to start up: there are easy ways to improve its boot time and save yourself frustration in the process.
How to fix it
- Disable unnecessary startup programs: Adjust your settings to decide which programs will load at startup; the fewer programs trying to load at once, the quicker your PC will boot.
- Upgrade RAM or hard drive: If you’re working from an older PC, an upgrade to a solid-state drive (SSD) might do the trick.
- Use System Mechanic – Software such as System Mechanic can remove junk and bloatware, optimize your PC for speed, and keep it protected.
5. Hard Drive Space Errors
If you keep getting warnings about low disk space and you don’t do anything about it, your system may slow down and eventually become unresponsive.
How to fix them
- Delete unnecessary files: Use Disk Cleanup (Windows + R > type “cleanmgr“) to remove temporary files
- Uninstall unused programs: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program and remove applications you no longer need
- Move large files to an external drive: Transfer videos, backups, and other large files to free up space
6. Corrupted System Files
Corrupt system files can cause crashes, slow performance, and unexpected behavior.
How to fix them
- Run the System File Checker (SFC) Scan: Open Command Prompt (Admin) and type:
bash
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sfc /scannow
- Use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. If SFC fails, run:
swift
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DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Perform a system restore: Roll back to a previous restore point if the issue started recently
7. Driver Errors
Outdated or faulty drivers can cause hardware malfunctions, BSODs, and multiple performance issues.
How to fix them
- Update drivers via Device Manager: Right-click Start > Device Manager, right-click the affected driver, and select Update Driver.
- Download drivers via iolo Updater: ensure that you always have the latest versions using iolo Updater’s automated scanning and download settings.
- Rollback drivers: If an update causes issues, revert to the previous version under Device Manager > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver, or use iolo Updater to save and rollback to your previous version.
8. File and Folder Errors
If you can’t open, rename, or delete files, your system might have permission issues or file corruption.
How to fix them
- Check file permissions: Right-click the file, select Properties > Security, and adjust permissions
- Use CHKDSK to scan for errors: Open Command Prompt (Admin) and type:
bash
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chkdsk /f /r - Delete stubborn files in Safe Mode: Boot into Safe Mode and try deleting the file again
9. Network Connectivity Issues
Connectivity errors can prevent you from accessing the internet—making it difficult to browse, download updates, or stream content. There are a couple of methods you can try to fix these errors.
How to fix them
- Restart your router: Power cycle your modem and router
- Run the Network Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Troubleshoot
- Flush DNS cache: Open Command Prompt (Admin) and type:
bash
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ipconfig /flushdns
- Reset Network Settings: Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network Reset
10. High CPU Usage Errors
If your CPU usage is constantly high, your PC may run slowly, overheat, or even crash.
How to fix it
- Check task manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to identify resource-heavy applications
- Disable startup programs: Go to Task Manager > Startup and disable unnecessary apps
- Scan for malware: High CPU usage can be caused by hidden viruses or background mining programs
- Update Windows and drivers: Ensure your system is running the latest updates.
Don’t leave room for error
Windows errors can be frustrating, but with the right tools and knowledge, they can be resolved quickly. Talk to the experts at iolo for more information about how to keep your system protected from malware, performance issues, and cyber threats.
