13 Troubleshooting Tools to Fix

Windows 10
By Kannon Yamada

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windows-10/

Windows offers a variety of tools for troubleshooting and repairing problems. Whether your
computer suffers from failed updates, awful appearances, sound problems, or driver errors,
there’s a tool out there for you.

This article covers a range of weapons in the arsenal for combating common Windows
problems. Some of the tools you must install from third parties. A large number come included
with the Windows 10 (and older) operating system.


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Windows Update Fails or Hangs
One of the most pernicious problems afflicting Windows users: Windows Update failure.
Whenever a system update stalls out or fails entirely, you’ve got a serious issue. You can
approach this problem in several different ways, but five essential tools stand out: Microsoft’s
official tool for Windows Update, the Windows Update troubleshooter, Deployment Image
Servicing and Management (DISM), FixWin, and an in-place upgrade.

1. Windows Update FixIt Tool

The Windows Update Diagnostic Tool offers the quickest way to troubleshoot Windows Update
problems. Simply download the tool and run it. It should automatically begin diagnosing and
repairing issues it finds.

Use the option Try troubleshooting as an administrator in case the first analysis doesn’t
detect any problems.

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2. Windows Update Troubleshooter
The Windows Update troubleshooter can automatically repair update issues. First, press the
keyboard shortcut Windows key + Q to open the Windows search. Second, type troubleshoot
into the search bar and choose the Troubleshooting Control Panel entry. Finally, in the
Troubleshooting window under System and Security, click the entry Fix problems with
Windows Update.

3. Deployment Image Servicing and Management

Microsoft’s default tool for repairing system files is a command line executable called DISM.
DISM requires using the Windows command prompt. I have previously shown you how to use
DISM in my article on how to fix a corrupted Windows 10 installation.

4. FixWin
FixWin repairs a lot of random problems with Windows, including app store malfunction and
Windows Update issues. It’s among the most versatile tools for fixing Windows problems.
FixWin can turn Windows features on or off, from a simple user interface. If you don’t want to
deal with the hassle of running utilities from the command line, FixWin is the tool for you.

5. In-Place Upgrade
The in-place upgrade offers a powerful tool for fixing Window’s most insidious problems.
Instead of running diagnostics, an in-place upgrade replaces the operating system with a fresh
installation — all without requiring the user to reinstall any programs. It can repair corruption
issues, along with Windows Update problems.

The in-place upgrade requires Windows 10 installation files, which you can obtain using the
Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, also mentioned below. The process isn’t very complex and
doesn’t even require installation. To get started, consider backing up Windows, in the event of
something catastrophic occurring. Second, download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. Third,
run the program. After running the software, you’ll need to click through a few menus.
Eventually, select the option Upgrade this PC now and then click Next.

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Change How Windows Looks and Behaves
Many tools can reshape the way Windows looks and behaves. Two of the best are Ultimate
Windows Tweaker 4, and ShutUp10. Probably the most useful feature: They can eliminate
Microsoft OneDrive.

6. Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4

Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4 is an advanced interface editing tool. It gives you quick access to
the context menu, Taskbar customization, and other core features of the Windows graphical
interface.

7. ShutUp10
Rather than changing Windows 10’s appearance, ShutUp10 reduces the amount of annoying
pop-ups and distractions that Microsoft slipped into Windows. The app also stitches up some
of the most severe wounds afflicting Windows 10 users, including gaping privacy issues. For
those looking to improve the Windows 10 experience without doing a lot of tinkering and
research, ShutUp10 offers a straightforward and direct solution. Like FixWin, ShutUp10 employs
a number of switches to turn features on or off.

Audio and Sound Problems

We’ve covered about a billion different ways to repair audio problems in Windows. The
methods range from using the integrated Windows Audio Troubleshooter to running
diagnostics from the command line. Out of the tools available, though, the Troubleshooter is
always a good first step.

8. Windows 10 Audio Troubleshooter

Windows 10’s baked-in audio troubleshooter is the first tool everyone should try before
proceeding to more advanced methods. Using it won’t require much effort. You can access it
the same way we accessed the Windows Update troubleshooter described above (#2). Briefly,
press Windows key + Q, type troubleshoot and select the Control Panel result, then, under
Hardware and Sound, click Troubleshoot audio playback.

My Printer Isn’t Working

Printers often don’t work. In recognition of this, Microsoft added a slew of troubleshooters for all
of the major Windows subsystems.

9. Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Like previous troubleshooters mentioned in this article, it can be found in the Control Panel.
This time, however, you’ll have to dig a little deeper.

First, press the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Q. Second, type troubleshoot into the search
bar and choose the Troubleshooting Control Panel. In the Troubleshooting menu, choose View
all from the left panel.

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From the following menu, select Printer.

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The troubleshooter itself requires almost no effort on the part of the user. Click Next to activate
it. The rest of the process is automated.

The Internet Is Not Working

A million different failures cause Internet problems. After determining the adequacy of
your wireless connection, you might want to try a few software toolkits or the baked-in Windows
Network Adapter Troubleshooter.

10. Complete Internet Repair

RizoneSoft’s Complete Internet Repair isn’t a diagnosis software; it’s a shortcut to a variety of
tools for fixing Windows Internet problems. If you can’t get your Internet working using the
default Windows Network Troubleshooter, you might want to give Complete Internet Repair a
look.

11. Windows Network Adapter Troubleshooter

The Troubleshooter comes pre-installed on the Windows operating system (as far as I can tell, it
first became useful in Windows 7). It automatically performs several tasks, such as resetting
the network adapter, and checking the stability of the Internet connection. Use it as the first
line of defense against spotty Internet connections. Accessing the Troubleshooter is easy.

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To launch the automated troubleshooter, find the Internet status icon in the lower right of the
Taskbar. The icon either appears as a Wi-Fi symbol, as shown below, or as a monitor with a LAN
cable to its left, depending on how you connect to the Internet. Right-click the icon and choose
Troubleshoot problems. The process only requires clicking through a few menus.

Driver Problems
The optimal method for resolving driver problems: locate the driver and install it. Sometimes,
though, finding the right driver can be next to impossible. In that case, you might need help.

12. Driver Booster 3
IOBit’s Driver Booster 3 automatically downloads and updates drivers. Driver Booster 3 (which
is the free version of Driver Booster) offers an “automagic” solution.

I do not advise using Driver Booster as the first line of defense against driver problems — it’s
best used when you’ve exhausted all other options and simply can’t find the correct drivers for
your device. And, even then, you would need to perform a full Windows backup before using it.
Because an incompatible driver can render your system unbootable, not only should you take
safeguards, you should also look towards other solutions for fixing irritating Windows problems.
Another place to look: Installing unsigned drivers in Windows.

Reinstall Windows or Upgrade In-Place

Sometimes, no matter what troubleshooting steps or tools you use, Windows just won’t work.
Fortunately, Microsoft released the Windows Media Creation Tool (our guide to the Windows
Media Creation tool).

13. Windows Media Creation Tool

The tool allows users to download and install a fresh image of Windows 10. The image must
match your current version of the operating system. In other words, if you have the Window 10
Home edition installed, you must download a Windows 10 Home edition. The tool also lets you
do an “in-place upgrade,” which will allow you to retain your settings, software, and personal
data. It’s pretty easy to perform an in-place upgrade using the Windows 10 Anniversary Edition.

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What’s the Best Tool?
In my experience, the troubleshooters work about half the time, but they take seconds to
complete — without much user effort. That’s why they’re best used as the first line of defense
against issues. Anything that you install from a third party source may, or may not, improve the
situation. Start with the easiest to use tools and work your way up from there. A final recourse
is to reinstall your operating system — but even then, you should always use the in-place
upgrade before trying other options.

If you’re still stuck, please consult our previous publications on the best free Windows repair
tools and how to repair common Windows problems for additional help.

Do you have a favorite tool for fixing problems with Windows? Please let us know in the
comments!

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