Windows errors can appear for many reasons – corrupted files, registry issues, outdated drivers, or leftover junk from uninstalled programs. These problems can slow down your system or cause crashes. Improving how you fix these errors can save time and keep your PC running smoothly. Here are five proven methods, explained in step-by-step detail, with approaches for both beginners and advanced users.
Method 1: Run the Windows System File Checker (SFC)
SFC is a built-in Windows tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files.
For Beginners:
1. Press Windows + S and type “cmd”.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”.
3. In the black window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. Wait for the scan to complete. If corrupt files are found, Windows will attempt to repair them automatically.
5. Restart your PC once the process is done.
For Advanced Users:
If SFC shows errors it cannot fix, run the DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management) tool before repeating the SFC scan.
1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
3. After completion, run sfc /scannow again.
Method 2: Use Glary Utilities for One-Click Error Repair
Glary Utilities is a comprehensive maintenance tool that can detect and repair various Windows errors, clean up unnecessary files, and optimize the system.
For Beginners:
1. Install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Launch the program and select the “1-Click Maintenance” tab.
3. Check all available options such as Registry Cleaner, Temporary Files Cleaner, and Shortcuts Fixer.
4. Click “Scan for Issues” and then “Repair Problems” when the scan is complete.
For Advanced Users:
Use the individual modules in Glary Utilities for targeted repairs:
– Registry Repair: Deep scan the Windows registry for broken entries.
– Disk Repair: Check and fix file system errors on drives.
– Shortcut Fixer: Remove invalid desktop and start menu shortcuts.
Method 3: Check and Repair Disk Errors with CHKDSK
Disk errors can cause file corruption and slow performance.
For Beginners:
1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
2. Right-click your C: drive and choose “Properties”.
3. Go to the Tools tab and click “Check” under Error Checking.
4. If errors are found, allow Windows to repair them.
For Advanced Users:
Run CHKDSK from Command Prompt for more control:
1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter.
3. When prompted to schedule a scan, type Y and restart your computer.
Method 4: Clean the Windows Registry Safely
A cluttered or corrupted registry can cause error messages and slow performance.
For Beginners:
1. Open Glary Utilities.
2. Go to “Advanced Tools”.
3. Select “Registry Repair” and click “Scan”.
4. Review the results and click “Repair” to fix issues.
For Advanced Users:
Before making manual registry edits, create a backup:
1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. In Registry Editor, click File > Export.
3. Save the backup file, then proceed with careful manual edits to remove problematic keys.
Method 5: Remove Junk and Temporary Files
Excessive junk files can cause slowdowns and sometimes trigger application errors.
For Beginners:
Use Windows built-in Disk Cleanup:
1. Press Windows + S and type “Disk Cleanup”.
2. Select your system drive (usually C:).
3. Check Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, and other unnecessary items.
4. Click OK, then “Delete Files”.
For Advanced Users:
Use Glary Utilities’ Disk Cleaner for deeper cleaning:
1. Launch Glary Utilities.
2. Go to “Advanced Tools” > “Disk Cleaner”.
3. Select drives and file categories to scan.
4. Review the list and confirm deletion for maximum space recovery.
By applying these five methods consistently, Windows users can improve the detection and correction of system errors. Beginners benefit from easy-to-use tools like Glary Utilities and built-in Windows utilities, while advanced users can leverage command-line operations and targeted repairs for deeper maintenance. This approach not only fixes existing errors but also reduces the likelihood of future problems through regular cleanup and repair routines.