If your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer is slow, unstable, or not working the way it should, you are not alone. Most Windows problems fall into predictable categories such as performance, startup failures, networking issues, storage problems, or malware infections.
This page is designed as a central troubleshooting hub. It lists the 50 most common Windows computer problems, explains what causes them, and gives you clear starting steps to fix each issue. For the most common and high-impact problems, full step-by-step solutions are included directly on this page.
For more complex topics, you will see links to detailed step-by-step guides that go deeper when needed.
Start with the section that best matches your symptom.
If the issue is performance, freezing, boot failure, networking, or malware related, follow the detailed steps provided.
If a problem requires deeper remediation, follow the linked detailed guide for that topic.
This page is intentionally updated and expanded over time to remain accurate for current versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Performance and stability issues affect how responsive Windows feels during everyday use. These problems are commonly caused by background programs, disk bottlenecks, overheating, driver issues, or malware.
Computer Is Running Slow
Often caused by too many startup programs, high disk usage, malware, or an aging hard drive.
Programs Take a Long Time to Open
Commonly linked to slow storage, corrupted program files, or insufficient memory.
Computer Freezes Randomly
Usually related to overheating, faulty drivers, or memory errors.
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
Typically caused by driver failures, hardware problems, or corrupted system files.
Spinning Cursor or System Hangs
Often occurs when Windows is waiting on a disk operation or a frozen background process.
👉 See: How to Fix a Slow or Freezing Windows PC
This step-by-step guide walks through safe performance and stability fixes in the correct order for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Startup and boot issues prevent Windows from loading normally. These problems are often caused by failed updates, corrupted system files, driver conflicts, or disk errors.
Computer Will Not Turn On
May be caused by power issues, battery failure, or hardware faults.
Computer Turns On but No Display
Commonly related to display hardware, loose memory, or graphics drivers.
Stuck on Boot Screen
Often caused by corrupted startup files or incomplete updates.
Endless Restart Loop
Usually triggered by a failed Windows update or incompatible driver.
Operating System Not Found
Indicates a boot configuration problem or drive detection issue.
👉 See: Windows Startup and Boot Repair Guide
This step-by-step guide walks through Safe Mode, Startup Repair, update rollback, and boot recovery tools for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Internet and network issues prevent Windows from connecting reliably to the web or local devices. These problems are usually caused by router issues, incorrect network settings, outdated drivers, or DNS configuration problems.
Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet
Often caused by DNS issues, router problems, or temporary network outages.
Slow Internet Speed
Commonly linked to network congestion, wireless interference, or outdated network drivers.
Frequent Disconnects
Usually caused by wireless interference, power management settings, or unstable drivers.
Cannot Connect to Wi-Fi Network
Often due to incorrect credentials, corrupted network profiles, or driver issues.
Ethernet Not Working
Typically caused by disabled adapters, faulty cables, or driver problems.
👉 See: Windows Internet and Wi-Fi Troubleshooting
This step-by-step guide walks through network resets, DNS fixes, driver updates, and connection diagnostics for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Software and application issues occur when programs fail to start, crash, or behave unpredictably. These problems are commonly caused by corrupted installations, permission issues, incompatible updates, or missing system files.
Application Crashes on Launch
Often caused by corrupted program files, incompatible updates, or missing dependencies.
Software Will Not Install
Commonly related to permission issues, antivirus interference, or insufficient disk space.
Program Not Responding
Usually occurs when an application is stuck waiting on a resource or has entered an infinite loop.
Missing DLL or System File Errors
Typically caused by incomplete installs, file deletion, or corrupted Windows system files.
Software Update Fails
Often linked to network interruptions, insufficient disk space, or corrupted update components.
👉 See: How to Fix Common Windows Software and Application Errors
This guide walks through repairing installations, fixing permissions, restoring system files, and resolving update failures in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Storage and file issues affect your ability to save, access, or move data. These problems are commonly caused by low disk space, file system errors, drive configuration issues, or failing hardware.
Hard Drive Full
Usually caused by temporary files, large downloads, or system cache buildup.
External Drive Not Detected
Often related to missing drive letters, faulty cables, or incompatible file systems.
File Corruption
Commonly caused by unsafe shutdowns, power loss, or disk errors.
Cannot Delete a File
Typically occurs when a file is in use or permission settings are incorrect.
Slow File Transfers
Often linked to disk errors, nearly full drives, or slow USB connections.
👉 See: Windows Disk and Storage Problems Explained
This step-by-step guide walks through disk cleanup, drive diagnostics, external drive fixes, and performance improvements for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Hardware problems occur when physical components fail, overheat, or lose connection. These issues are commonly caused by wear and tear, dust buildup, loose connections, or driver and power problems.
Overheating Laptop or PC
Often caused by dust buildup, blocked vents, or failing cooling fans.
Keyboard Not Working
Commonly related to driver issues, loose connections, or physical damage.
Mouse Not Working
Usually caused by dead batteries, USB port issues, or driver problems.
USB Ports Not Working
Often linked to power surges, driver corruption, or motherboard issues.
Webcam Not Detected
Typically caused by privacy settings, disabled devices, or missing drivers.
👉 See: How to Diagnose and Fix Common Windows Hardware Problems
This guide walks through hardware checks, driver validation, power diagnostics, and device testing for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Audio and display issues affect how you hear and see output from your computer. These problems are commonly caused by incorrect settings, driver issues, connection problems, or hardware faults.
No Sound from Speakers
Often caused by the wrong audio output device, muted settings, or missing audio drivers.
Microphone Not Working
Commonly related to privacy permissions, incorrect input selection, or driver problems.
Screen Flickering
Usually caused by display driver issues, refresh rate problems, or faulty cables.
Resolution Looks Wrong
Often due to incorrect display settings or missing graphics drivers.
External Monitor Not Detected
Typically caused by cable issues, incorrect input selection, or driver problems.
👉 See: How to Fix Windows Audio and Display Problems
This guide walks through sound settings, microphone permissions, display configuration, driver fixes, and multi-monitor troubleshooting for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Security and malware issues can cause pop-ups, browser redirects, slow performance, disabled antivirus protection, or locked files. These problems often require immediate attention to prevent data loss.
36. Pop-Up Ads Appearing
Usually caused by adware, malicious browser extensions, or bundled software.
37. Antivirus Disabled Automatically
Often indicates malware attempting to weaken system protection.
38. Browser Redirects to Unknown Sites
Commonly caused by malicious extensions or altered browser settings.
39. Unknown Programs Installed
Typically the result of bundled installers or unauthorized software.
40. Ransomware Warning or Lock Screen
Indicates a serious malware infection requiring immediate action.
👉 See: Windows Malware and Virus Removal Guide
This step-by-step guide covers Safe Mode scanning, malware removal, browser cleanup, and post-infection recovery for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
If security warnings appear suddenly, disconnect from the internet before attempting removal. This helps prevent further damage.
System and configuration problems affect how Windows behaves at a fundamental level. These issues are often caused by incorrect settings, failed updates, hardware clock problems, or account-related changes.
41. Forgot Windows Login Password
Occurs when account credentials are lost or forgotten.
42. Date and Time Keep Resetting
Commonly caused by a failing CMOS battery or sync issues.
43. System Clock Incorrect
Often linked to time synchronization or region settings.
44. Keyboard Layout or Language Changed
Usually caused by accidental shortcut keys or regional settings changes.
45. Cannot Install Drivers
Typically related to compatibility issues or permission restrictions.
👉 See: How to Fix Common Windows System and Configuration Issues
This guide walks through account recovery options, time synchronization, regional settings, and driver installation fixes for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
If system settings change without your input, scan for malware before making manual corrections.
Advanced and miscellaneous problems involve deeper system components, hardware detection, virtualization, or system-level failures. These issues are less common but often more complex.
46. Virtual Machine Will Not Start
Usually caused by disabled virtualization support or conflicts with other software.
47. Disk Usage Stuck at 100 Percent
Often related to background services, disk issues, or outdated drivers.
48. Task Manager Disabled
Commonly caused by group policy settings or malware.
49. BIOS Cannot Detect Drive
Typically indicates a hardware connection issue or failing drive.
50. System Randomly Shuts Down
Often caused by overheating, power supply problems, or hardware failure.
👉 See: How to Fix a Slow or Freezing Windows PC
This guide covers disk usage spikes, system instability, and shutdown issues commonly associated with performance and hardware stress.
If problems appear at the BIOS level or during startup, back up data immediately if possible. Hardware failures can escalate quickly.