pc troubleshooting

Computeractive’s “Problems solved” column from the 10 September 2025 issue distils a familiar mix of household tech triage and hard-bitten workshop experience: practical fixes for everyday Windows upgrades, a clear-eyed primer on Microsoft’s new cloud-assisted recovery tool, and an...

Windows 11 has taken a significant leap forward in system resilience with the introduction of Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), a feature designed to drastically cut downtime and streamline recovery when disaster strikes. With Build 26120.3653, Microsoft is rolling out a new cloud-powered...

Audio driver nightmares were supposed to be relics of the 1990s, but for many Windows 11 users pairing Bluetooth headphones with a modern laptop, the frustration is all too familiar. Hopes for seamless plug-and-play connectivity are dashed as even premium hardware—like Sony’s top-ranked...

Most users consider themselves well-versed in the shutdown and restart options Windows 11 provides, yet even seasoned power users might be surprised to learn that their PC harbors a secret, undocumented emergency shutdown feature—buried below layers of UI and only recently thrust into the...

Here’s a concise summary of the situation as reported by PCWorld and corroborated by other sources: What Happened? Several recent mandatory Windows 11 24H2 updates (notably KB5060842 and KB5063060 in June) caused major stability problems for users. Common issues included: Error messages during...

For many PC users, the realization that their Windows machine is running frustratingly slow hits hardest in moments where speed is essential—whether it’s opening a spreadsheet before a meeting or launching a video call that can’t be missed. Over time, even top-tier Windows 11 systems can succumb...

Few features in the world of personal computing are as immediately recognizable—or as dreaded—as the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). For decades, this stark blue crash indicator has been the visual hallmark of a critical system error on Microsoft Windows, seen by professionals and everyday users...

Reliability in the modern desktop operating system is a pursuit as much as it is a promise, especially in an era when user expectations increasingly demand products that just work—unobtrusively, seamlessly, and securely. Microsoft’s latest marketing push for Windows 11 24H2 makes a bold claim...

For many Windows 11 users—particularly those running older hardware or struggling with resource constraints—complaints of sluggish performance have become all too familiar. Despite a modern user interface and ambitious AI features, Windows 11 has in some configurations felt less responsive than...

For millions of Windows users, few situations are more anxiety-inducing than powering up a PC only to be met by an unyielding Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) or a system that simply refuses to boot. Microsoft’s latest innovation, Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), now available in preview builds of...

When your Windows PC starts misbehaving, often after a failed software update, troublesome driver installation, or a botched registry tweak, panic is a natural reaction. But before you start thinking about reinstalling Windows or losing hours to troubleshooting, Windows offers a powerful yet...

The Belief Behind “Clean” Versus “Dirty” Windows 11 in Gaming: Does It Still Hold Up? For years, PC gamers and power users have held to a simple maxim: a “clean” Windows installation runs faster and smoother than one that’s been cluttered with months, even years, of programs, games, and...

Every Windows user knows the sting of an unexpected crash, failed update, or driver disaster—one minute your device is humming along, the next it’s gripped by instability. For years, System Restore has been a crucial lifeline for getting things back on track, letting users roll back their...

Few things are more aggravating than sitting down at your Windows PC, ready to crunch numbers or enter data, only to find your numeric keypad stubbornly unresponsive because Num Lock is off—again. While Microsoft’s Windows 11 and Windows 10 are both mature, user-friendly operating systems, this...

Maintaining optimal performance on your Windows 11 system requires vigilance against certain common practices that can inadvertently slow down your computer. By identifying and rectifying these habits, you can ensure a smoother and more efficient computing experience. 1. Neglecting Regular...

If your Windows 11 PC is starting to show signs of sluggishness—longer boot times, lag when launching apps, or overall slow responsiveness—you're not alone. Even high-spec modern PCs can gradually feel weighed down due to a variety of issues: accumulated junk files, excessive background...

Most Windows users are familiar with the regular reboot process, but few are aware of a little-known "Emergency Restart" method embedded in Windows 11. Despite its longevity—sources trace its roots as far back as Windows XP—this option remains obscure even for experienced users. Its rediscovery...

Microsoft’s approach to making PC hardware requirements less mysterious for the average user has taken a notable step forward with the release of Windows 11 24H2. In this update, users are greeted with a revamped Settings experience that now includes an integrated FAQ within the System > About...

Few things are as universally dreaded by PC users as the sudden appearance of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on a Windows device. One moment you’re happily streaming, gaming, or crunching data, and the next, your world is a solid, un-navigable blue with a collection of cryptic characters and a...

For many Windows 11 users, sluggish performance isn’t simply a matter of outdated hardware—it can be the result of everyday clutter, unnecessary background processes, and resource-hungry visual flourishes. While Microsoft has poured significant resources into optimizing Windows 11’s performance...