Windows operating systems are complex, and while they’re generally stable, errors and glitches are a part of everyday use. Whether it’s sluggish performance, app crashes, or mysterious error messages, the key is knowing how to fix issues efficiently. Here, we’ll explore 15 built-in Windows features that can help you manage, diagnose, and resolve errors more effectively. Drawing on professional experience, we’ll provide actionable strategies for both beginners and advanced users to maintain a smooth-running PC.
Beginner-Friendly Built-in Error Fixing Features
1. Windows Troubleshooters
What is it?
Troubleshooters are automated tools that detect and resolve common problems across Windows components like network, audio, printing, and Windows Update.
How to use:
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Select the troubleshooter relevant to your issue (e.g., Internet Connections, Windows Update).
Click Run the troubleshooter and follow on-screen instructions.
Real-world example:
If your printer isn’t working, use the Printer troubleshooter to auto-detect and resolve issues, saving you hours of manual investigation.
2. Disk Cleanup
What is it?
Disk Cleanup scans your system for temporary files, system cache, and other unnecessary data that can cause errors due to low disk space.
How to use:
Type Disk Cleanup in the Start menu and select the result.
Choose the drive to clean, select file types to delete, and click OK.
Pro tip:
Use Disk Cleanup regularly to avoid errors related to insufficient disk space, which can cause slowdowns and application crashes.
3. System File Checker (SFC)
What is it?
SFC scans and repairs corrupted or missing system files that can cause Windows errors.
How to use:
Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start, select Command Prompt (Admin)).
Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
SFC will automatically repair issues it finds.
4. Check for Updates
What is it?
Windows Updates often include bug fixes and security patches.
How to use:
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates.
Applying the latest updates can resolve errors caused by outdated software or drivers.
5. Startup Repair
What is it?
A built-in recovery tool that automatically fixes problems preventing Windows from starting correctly.
How to use:
Press Shift while clicking Restart to open the Advanced Startup menu.
Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
Follow prompts to let Windows diagnose and fix startup issues.
6. Reset This PC
What is it?
This feature restores Windows to a clean state while retaining or removing personal files as per your choice.
How to use:
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
Click Get started under Reset this PC.
This is a powerful fix for persistent, untraceable errors.
7. Storage Sense
What is it?
Automates the cleanup of temporary files and manages disk space to prevent errors.
How to use:
Go to Settings > System > Storage.
Toggle Storage Sense on and configure automatic cleanup.
Advanced Features and Methods for Experienced Users
8. Event Viewer
What is it?
Event Viewer provides detailed logs about system errors, warnings, and informational events.
How to use:
Right-click Start, select Event Viewer.
Navigate through Windows Logs for Application or System events.
Use the error details to pinpoint root causes and research fixes.
9. Reliability Monitor
What is it?
A user-friendly interface showing a timeline of system events and stability issues.
How to use:
Type Reliability Monitor in the Start menu and select View reliability history.
You’ll see a graph highlighting crashes and errors, with links to technical details.
10. Device Manager
What is it?
Manages hardware drivers and detects hardware conflicts or failures.
How to use:
Right-click Start, select Device Manager.
Look for yellow warning signs indicating device errors.
Update, disable, or uninstall problematic drivers to resolve related errors.
11. CHKDSK (Check Disk)
What is it?
Scans and fixes disk errors, bad sectors, and file system problems.
How to use:
Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Type chkdsk /f and press Enter (may require a restart).
This is essential after unexpected shutdowns or disk corruption.
12. Windows Memory Diagnostic
What is it?
Tests for RAM errors that can cause random crashes and blue screens.
How to use:
Type Windows Memory Diagnostic in the Start menu and select the tool.
Click Restart now and check for problems.
13. System Restore
What is it?
Rolls back your computer to a previous state without affecting personal files.
How to use:
Type Create a restore point in the Start menu, click System Restore.
Choose a restore point from before the issue began.
14. Safe Mode
What is it?
Starts Windows with minimal drivers and services, ideal for troubleshooting persistent errors.
How to use:
Press Shift and click Restart, then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Select Safe Mode from the menu.
15. Windows Security
What is it?
Built-in antivirus and security suite to detect and remove malware, a common cause of system errors.
How to use:
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
Run a Full Scan regularly to remove threats.
Bonus: Comprehensive Cleanup and Repair with Glary Utilities
While these built-in features cover most Windows error-fixing scenarios, using a third-party tool like Glary Utilities can further streamline the process. Glary Utilities combines multiple cleanup, repair, and optimization tools in one interface, such as Registry Repair, Disk Cleaner, Startup Manager, and 1-Click Maintenance. Beginners will appreciate the straightforward, automated fixes, while advanced users can delve into detailed settings for precise control.
Professional tip: Schedule regular maintenance in Glary Utilities to keep your system running error-free and optimized, reducing the need for manual troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Windows is equipped with a robust set of built-in tools for detecting, diagnosing, and repairing common errors. By familiarizing yourself with these features and applying them as part of regular system maintenance, you can resolve most issues quickly and efficiently. For those seeking a more consolidated approach, tools like Glary Utilities offer comprehensive cleaning and repair options that complement Windows’ native capabilities, ensuring a smoother and more reliable computing experience for users of all levels.