Windows 11 23H2, released in late October 2023, brought many changes to the appearance, functionality, and performance of Windows 11. One of the most significant changes was the overhaul of the troubleshooting system and tools.
This article will explain what this change means for you, the user, and how it improves your experience with Windows 11. It will also give you a brief history of the previous troubleshooting methods and tools that Windows used to offer.
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A Blast from the Past by Mr. Fix-it
Before Windows 10, Windows had a series of “fix-it” tools that could fix specific issues with Windows, such as printer access, network connectivity, and user access controls (UAC). These tools featured a friendly repairman named Mr. Fix It.
However, in mid-2016, Microsoft discontinued these tools and replaced them with troubleshooters, which were more integrated with Windows 10. They said in a support note, “Fix-it tools aren’t around anymore in Windows 10. Instead, use a troubleshooter to help solve problems with your PC.” This marked the end of an era for Windows troubleshooting.
The New Era of Windows 11 Troubleshooting
Starting from Windows 11 23H2, Microsoft has deprecated the Windows 10-style troubleshooters and introduced a new architecture for troubleshooting. This means that you will no longer see the troubleshooters under Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
Instead, you will see a new option called “Get help,” which will take you to a web-based interface that connects you to Microsoft’s online support resources. There, you can search for solutions to your problems, chat with a virtual agent, or contact a human agent if needed.
This new approach is designed to provide you with more personalized and up-to-date assistance, as well as to reduce the clutter and complexity of the troubleshooters. However, some users may find this change frustrating, as it requires an internet connection and may not offer the same level of control and feedback as the troubleshooters.
If you prefer to use the old troubleshooters, you can still access them through the Control Panel or the Command Prompt. However, Microsoft warns that they may not work as expected or may be removed in future updates.
How Get Help Replaces Windows 10 Troubleshooters
Windows 11 23H2, released in February 2023, marked a major shift in Windows troubleshooting. Microsoft deprecated the Windows 10-style troubleshooters and the Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool (MSDT) platform that they were based on.
According to a support note, Microsoft redirected some of the troubleshooters to a new platform called Get Help, and removed the rest. A Microsoft Learn note confirmed that out of the 28 built-in troubleshooters for MSDT, half were redirected and half were retired.
In Windows 11 23H2, if you go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot, you will see a minimal display. The only options are Other troubleshooters and Get help. Other troubleshooters will show you the same list of items, but most of them will take you to Get Help. Only Windows Update, which has a “will be retired” warning, will launch an old-style troubleshooter; Privacy Resources will only give you information.
Get help is the new way to access online support resources from Microsoft. You can open it from the Troubleshoot screen, or by typing “Get Help” in the Windows 11 Start menu or taskbar search box. In Get help, you can type your problem and get suggestions or solutions.
Some solutions may involve launching a troubleshooter, such as the network troubleshooter.
The network troubleshooter will run a series of familiar network checks and repairs, such as restarting the adapter, checking the cable connection, restarting the boundary device, and restarting the PC. You can see the links to run these checks. (Only the “Restart adapter” button is shown, but the others are hidden in expandable widgets.)
Get help may look like the old troubleshooters in a new format, but it is more than that. It is a new platform that connects you to the latest and most relevant support resources from Microsoft. It also matches the Windows 11 design and style better. Get help is a smart and convenient way to troubleshoot your Windows 11 problems.
How to Get Started with Get Help
If you have Windows 11 22H3 or later, you should try out the new Get Help platform and see how it can help you solve your Windows problems. Get Help will eventually replace the old troubleshooters, so it’s better to get familiar with it sooner than later.
However, if you still prefer the old troubleshooters, you can still use them in Windows 10, or access them through the Control Panel or the Command Prompt in Windows 11. No matter what you choose, Windows troubleshooting is flexible and versatile enough to suit your needs.