How to Fix the Most Common Windows Errors

A computer is a machine that can do more than one task at the same time. It can be used for work, entertainment, and many other things. However, if there are too many errors, it won’t be able to run smoothly. Not to mention, it won’t be able to do other things.

As we all know, Windows errors are some of the most common problems with computers. If these errors aren’t fixed, they may cause more serious problems, affecting your programs and files.

Fret not. This article will mainly focus on how you can fix the most common Windows errors in order to keep your computer running smoothly and error-free.

Here you go!

Content Summary

Fix #1: Limit Processes That Consume Data in the Background
Fix #2: Reduce Notifications
Fix #3: Run Windows in Safe Mode
Fix #4: Free Up Disk Space
Fix #5: Enable System Restore
Fix #6: Reinstall the Problematic App
Fix #7: Make Sure Your System Meets the Necessary Requirements
Fix #8: Update Microsoft Store
Fix #9: Speed Up Your Computer
Fix #10: Delete the Files in the SoftwareDistribution Folder
Wrapping Up

Fix #1: Limit Processes That Consume Data in the Background

Microsoft regularly releases updates for its products. While some of these updates are essential, others aren’t really that big.

Now, while these updates are designed to do good than harm, sometimes, they only consume too much data and run in the background. And if you have a network that has limited data, you don’t want these processes to run in the background and consume all your bandwidth.

In such a case, you may have to set the connections as metered. On a metered connection, Windows will just download priority updates. To do that, simply navigate to the main Windows menu and go to Settings. After that, select Network and Internet. Then click Wi-Fi and tap on your network. Next, toggle the switch next to the Set as metered connection option to enable it.
Moving forward, Windows will consider that connection as metered and reduce data usage in the background.

Fix #2: Reduce Notifications

If you notice, Windows always displays random notifications when you boot up your device. And yes, some of these notifications are useful. Others are simply annoying.

So, if you are no longer happy seeing all these notifications on your Windows device, then limit the appearance of these notifications. Here’s how:

1. Access the notifications panel and select the Manage Notifications option.
2. Turn off the switch next to the Get notifications from apps and other senders option.
3. If you wish to block notifications from certain apps, simply scroll down and disable the button next to that particular app.

Fix #3: Run Windows in Safe Mode

Sometimes, running Windows in Safe Mode is all you need to do to resolve problems with your Windows device, including those related to standard ps/2 keyboard drivers, system files, and applications.

To run Windows in Safe Mode, just do the following:

1. Open the Windows Start menu and push the Power button.
2. Next, press and hold the Shift key while clicking the Restart option.
3. At this point, your computer will restart and enter the Windows Recovery Environment.
4. In this environment, go to Troubleshoot and click Advanced Options.
5. Then click Startup Settings and Restart.
6. Your computer will restart now and use the number keys to launch Windows in Safe Mode.

Fix #4: Free Up Disk Space

If you suspect that the problem is caused by apps consuming all your system space, then it is worth trying to free up your disk space. And for this, use a third-party PC cleaner tool to uninstall unnecessary apps, remove temporary files, and clean up your registry.

However, if you don’t fancy the idea of using a third-party tool, you can use the in-built Disk Cleanup tool. To use this tool, refer to this easy-to-follow guide:

1. Go to the Taskbar and click the Search box.
2. Input disk cleanup and hit Enter.
3. Click the most relevant search result.
4. Find the Files to Delete section and select what types of files you wish to delete. And if you are uncertain about what file types to remove, click on each type and read the description.
5. Once you have decided, hit OK.

Fix #5: Enable System Restore

For some reason, the System Restore feature is disabled in Windows 10. But if you need to enable it to fix a Windows error, it’s so easy to do it.

Refer to this set of instructions on what to do:

1. Type create a restore point into the text field and select the top-most result.
2. Scroll down to the Protection Settings area and click System Drive.
3. Choose Configure and select the Turn on system protection option.
4. Hit the Apply button and click OK.
5. Once done, Windows will automatically generate a restore point whenever a new update is installed or a major system change is applied.

Fix #6: Reinstall the Problematic App

If you are seeing a DLL error message, it may mean that Windows has encountered a problem while executing a program because a DLL file has gone missing.

To fix this problem, just reinstall the software program. And if it is a system file, download that file again online and save a copy of it. But make sure that you are getting the file from a trustworthy source.

Fix #7: Make Sure Your System Meets the Necessary Requirements

When installing applications, there are certain system requirements that should be met to ensure they run without problems. The same applies to installing Windows 10.

The requirements for installing Windows 10 are not that much. All you need is a 1GHz or faster processor, at least 1GB RAM, 16GB of disk space, a stable internet connection, and a Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics card.

If you don’t know your device’s specifications, navigate to Control Panel and choose System and Security. After that, click System. You should now see your current system specifications.

Fix #8: Update Microsoft Store

If certain applications don’t update automatically, try to update Microsoft Store. Simply launch Microsoft Store and go to Settings. Select Download and click Updates. Then click the Get Updates button.

Alternatively, navigate to the main Windows menu and select Settings. Next, find the Updates and Security section and click Troubleshoot. Choose Windows Store Apps. Windows will now find and repair the application you are having problems with.

Fix #9: Speed Up Your Computer

Having lots of applications launching at startup may affect your device’s boot times. Since most of them run in the background, they will eat up your disk space and make your boot time a lot slower.

Good thing that some of these apps are not really needed, so you can just stop them from running at startup. Here’s how:

1. Press the Control, Shift, and Esc keys altogether.
2. Click More Details.
3. Open the Startup tab and find Task Manager. Click on it.
4. Select the apps or services that you don’t want to boot at startup.
5. Hit Disable and restart your device.

Fix #10: Delete the Files in the SoftwareDistribution Folder

There are times when updates are pushed together. As a result, errors happen during the installation process.

In this case, the best thing you can do is clear the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows + R keys altogether to open the Run utility.
2. Next, input C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download into the search box and hit OK.
3. Now, delete all the files in this folder but be careful not to delete the folder itself.
4. Restart your computer.

Wrapping Up

So, here are some of the fixes to the most common Windows 10 issues. Many of the solutions here can also help in improving your Windows experience. The moment you experience any problems with your Windows device, simply pull up this article right away so as not to negatively affect your Windows experience.