Recently, a lot of users reported to Microsoft about getting an error code 0x80096004 while trying to update their Windows 10 computers. This kind of Windows Update error occurs during the initial download and verification process. It also affects the Windows features (FODs) and when you encounter this error, you will also see this error code, “TRUST_E_CERT_SIGNATURE”. This error code indicates that the signature of the certificate could not be confirmed. This is caused by a broken certificate store or a corrupt copy of the Windows operating system is installed.
Here’s the complete error message:
“There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x80096004).”
To fix Windows Update error 0x80096004, you can check out the options provided below.
Option 1 – Delete the contents in the Software Distribution folder and Catroot2 folder
Open the WinX Menu.
From there, open Command Prompt as admin.
Then type in the following command – don’t forget to hit Enter right after typing each one of them.
net stop wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
After entering these commands, it will stop the Windows Update Service, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic, and the MSI Installer
Next, go to the C:/Windows/SoftwareDistribution folder and get rid of all the folders and files thereby tapping the Ctrl + A keys to select them all and then click on Delete. Note that if the files are in use, you won’t be able to delete them.
After resetting the SoftwareDistribution folder, you need to reset the Catroot2 folder to restart the services you just stopped. To do that, follow these steps:
Type each one of the following commands.
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
After that, exit Command Prompt and restart your computer, and then try to run Windows Update once more.
Option 2 – Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Running the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter is one of the things you can first check out as it is known to automatically resolve any Windows Update errors like error code 0x80096004. To run it, Refer to these steps:
Tap the Win + I keys to open Settings.
From there, click Update and Security and go to the Troubleshoot section.
Next, select Windows Update and click the “Run the troubleshooter” button and wait until it’s finished, and then try to run Windows Update again.
Option 3 – Try to temporarily disable anti-virus and Windows Defender Firewall
As mentioned, the error could be due to the antivirus program or the Windows Defender Firewall installed on your computer. Thus, disabling them or any security software installed in your computer is always a good idea you can try when you’re not able to access the shared drive on your computer. There are times when you encounter problems like Error Code 0x80096004 due to interference of antivirus or security programs. Thus, you have to disable both your antivirus program and Windows Defender Firewall for the meantime and check if it fixes the error or not.
Option 4 – Try to replace the DLL file with a trusted source
You can also try to replace the crypt32.dll file as it could help in fixing the Windows Update error. Just make sure that you get one from a trusted source.
First, you need to get the new DLL file from another computer with preferably the same file version number.
After that, you need to boot your PC into Safe Mode and navigate to the paths listed below and then replace the file using a USB drive or other external storage devices.
x86: This PC > C:/Windows/System32
x64: This PC > C:/Windows/SysWOW64
Next, type “cmd” in the Cortana search box and right-click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator” to open it with administrator privileges.
Now type the “regsvr32 crypt32.dll” command and hit Enter.
Restart your PC and check if the error is now fixed.
Option 5 – Try downloading and installing the Windows Updates manually
Error Code 0x80096004 might be due to a Windows Update that has failed. So if it is not a feature update and only a cumulative update, you can download the Windows Update and install it manually. But first, you need to find out which update has failed, and to do so, refer to the following steps:
Go to Settings and from there go to Update and Security > View Update History.
Next, check which particular update has failed. Note that Updates that have failed to install will be displayed under the Status column which has a label of “Failed”.
After that, go to the Microsoft Download Center and look for that update using its KB number and once you find it, download and then install it manually.
Note: You can also use the Microsoft Update Catalog, a service from Microsoft that provides a list of software updates that can be distributed over a corporate network. With the help of this service, it can be easier for you to find Microsoft software updates, drivers as well as fixes.
Option 6– Run System File Checker or SFC scan
System File Checker or SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files to good system files. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.
Tap Win + R to launch Run.
Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
Reboot your PC.
Option 7 – Try to run the Windows Update Service in a Clean Boot State
There are some instances that some conflicting programs installed in your computer might be the one that’s causing Windows Update error. To identify which program is causing the problem, you need to put your computer in a Clean Boot State. To do so, follow the steps below.
Log onto your PC as an administrator.
Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
Clear the “Load Startup items” check box and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box.
Click Disable all.
Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
Now try to run the Windows Update Service again and see if Windows Update error 0x80096004 is now gone.
The new upgraded Surface Laptop Go 2 is the new iteration of the affordable original Surface Laptop Go aimed to offer good performance at a lower price of under $1000. The new version is not anything vastly different from the original but it comes with much-needed upgrades.
The biggest and main upgrade is the CPU, the Surface Laptop Go 2 is packing now Intel Core i5 1135G7, an Intels 11th generation CPU that should increase battery life. The laptop is also coming with an improved WEB camera and the cheapest one comes now with 128GB of storage instead of 64GB. Price went up from $550 to $599 which is not a big increase considering what was upgraded.
The bad news of new models is that sadly they are still packing only 4GB of RAM, that's really not enough for most applications released in 2022 and the screen is having a relatively low resolution of 1536 X 1024.
Microsoft is still offering all the color variations as in its first offering but added as well a new Sage color that is muted green in tint.
When we look at hardware it seems a little weak but for this price, there is not much competition in the field, and after all this line of models is aimed to provide good performance for an affordable price. If you really need something better you will go with a standard Surface or MAC book instead.
The new laptops are available to pre-order at Best Buy and Microsoft’s online store, and they’ll start shipping on June 7.
If you encounter the DRIVER_UNLOADED_WITHOUT_CANCELLING_PENDING_OPERATION Blue Screen error with an error code of 0x000000CE then it means that a driver failed to cancel the pending operations before unloading. Some of the driver files that might be the culprit include the intelppm.sys, intcdaud.sys, tmxpflt.sys, mrxsmb.sys and asusptpfilter.sys.
This kind of Blue Screen error occurs when the driver failed to cancel lookaside lists, worker threads, DPCs, and other items before unloading. You can usually identify which driver file is triggering the BSOD error in the BSOD error itself since its name would be printed on the blue screen and stored in memory at the location (PUNICODE_STRING) KiBugCheckDriver.
Refer to the possible solutions given below to fix the DRIVER_UNLOADED_WITHOUT_CANCELLING_PENDING_OPERATIONS error.
Option 1 – Perform a System Restore
Performing System Restore might help you in fixing the SYNTP.SYS Blue Screen error. You can do this option either by booting into Safe Mode or in System Restore. If you are already in the Advanced Startup Options, just directly select System Restore and proceed with the next steps. And if you have just booted your PC into Safe Mode, refer to the steps below.
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.
Option 2 – Disable the BIOS Memory options
Disabling the BIOS Memory options such as Caching and Shadowing can help you in fixing the DRIVER_UNLOADED_WITHOUT_CANCELLING_PENDING_OPERATIONS Blue Screen error. All you have to do is enter the BIOS first and then use the Arrow and Enter keys to select your choices. And if you can’t seem to find it, look for specific instructions from your OEM or you could also look out for instructions from the manufacturer of your motherboard.
Option 3 – Update or rollback your device drivers
If the first option didn’t work for you, then it’s time to either update or roll back the device drivers. It is most likely that after you updated your Windows computer that your driver also needs a refresh. On the other hand, if you have just updated your device drivers then you need to roll back the drivers to their previous versions. Whichever applies to you, refer to the steps below.
Open the Devices Manager from the Win X Menu.
Then locate the device drivers and right-click on them to open the Properties.
After that, switch to the Driver tab and click on the Uninstall Device button.
Follow the screen option to completely uninstall it.
Finally, restart your computer. It will just reinstall the device drivers automatically.
Note: You can install a dedicated driver on your computer in case you have it or you could also look for it directly from the website of the manufacturer.
Option 4 – Try to run the CHKDSK utility
Running the CHKDSK utility might also help you resolve the DRIVER_UNLOADED_WITHOUT_CANCELLING_PENDING_OPERATIONS Blue Screen error. If your hard drive has issues with integrity, the update will really fail as the system will think that it’s not healthy and that’s where the CHKDSK utility comes in. The CHKDSK utility repairs hard drive errors that might be causing the problem.
Open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
After opening Command Prompt, execute the following command and hit Enter:
chkdsk /f /r
Wait for the process to be completed and then restart your computer.
Option 5 – Run the Memory Diagnostic Tool to check for Memory leaks
Tap the Win + R keys to open Run and type exe and hit Enter to open the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool.
After that, it will give two options such as:
Restart now and check for problems (Recommended)
Check for problems the next time I start my computer
Once your computer has restarted, perform a basic scan or you could also go for the “Advanced” options such as “Test mix” or “Pass count”. Simply tap the F10 key to start the test.
Note: After you select the option, your PC will restart and check for memory-based issues. If it finds any issues, it will automatically fix them and if there’s no issue found, then it’s most likely not a memory-based issue so you should try the other options given below.
Option 6 – Try analyzing the Memory Dump Files
You can also try to analyze the Memory Dump files as it can help you identify the root cause of the DRIVER_UNLOADED_WITHOUT_CANCELLING_PENDING_OPERATIONS error.
Option 7 – Try checking the Registry settings
You might also want to try disabling the concerned driver file if it is mentioned in the Stop error. For example, if the stop error mentioned the “intelppm.sys” driver file then you have to disable this driver file since it is most likely the culprit. To do that, follow the steps below.
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Next, type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
After that, go to the this registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Services > Processor
From there, double click on Start and change its value to “4”.
Now go to this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Services > Intelppm.
Set its value to “4” and then restart your computer to apply the changes made.
Option 8 – Run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter
The Blue Screen troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that helps users in fixing BSOD errors like DRIVER_UNLOADED_WITHOUT_CANCELLING_PENDING_OPERATIONS. It can be found on the Settings Troubleshooters page. To use it, refer to these steps:
Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings panel.
Then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
From there, look for the option called “Blue Screen” on your right-hand side and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button to run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter and then follow the next on-screen options. Note that you might have to boot your PC into Safe Mode.
To understand the Xpcom.dll error better, first, you need to know what Xpcom.dll file is. Xpcom.dll is basically a typical DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file. It is associated with Firefox developed by Mozilla Foundation for the Windows Operating System.
DLL file contains small programs similar to exe (executable) files. Just like any other DLL file, Xpcom.dll helps loads and run programs smoothly. Xpcom.dll functions as a shared file that can be used to run multiple programs on your PC.
Xpcom.dll error code occurs when Windows cannot properly load the xpcom.dll file. The error may pop up on the screen in any one of the following formats:
"Xpcom.dll not found."
"The file xpcom.dll is missing."
"Cannot register xpcom.dll."
"Cannot find C:\Windows\System32\xpcom.dll."
"This application failed to start because xpcom.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem."
"Xpcom.dll Access Violation."
"Cannot start Firefox. A required component is missing: xpcom.dll. Please install Firefox again."
The xpcom.dll error can occur during program installation or while rebooting your PC or when shutting it down.[/section]
Solution
Error Causes
It is difficult to narrow down a single cause of this error code simply because the Xpcom.dll error code may be triggered due to several reasons. Some of the common causes include:
Invalid or corrupt xpcom.dll registry entry
Viral infection
Outdated PC drivers
Another program overwrote the required version of xpcom.dll
Xpcom.dll file is accidentally deleted or uninstalled
Mozilla Foundation hardware failure
Further Information and Manual Repair
Here are the best, quick and easy DIY methods to resolve Xpcom.dll error code on your system within minutes:
Method 1: Update Window Drivers
To resolve the xpcom.dll error on your system, try updating Window drivers. To do this simply use the driver update wizard from within Device Manager.
The driver update wizard walks you through the entire drive update process, making it easy and hassle-free for you to update drivers.
Method 2: Download and Install Xpcom.dll File
Since DLL are shared files and used to run and load multiple programs, it is possible that you might have accidentally removed this file while uninstalling a program on your system. This is the reason why the Xpcom.dll file goes missing.
To retrieve the Xpcom.dll file simply go to the recycle bin. Reinstall the deleted program. However, if it still doesn’t resolve the error, then it is advisable to download and install the Xpcom.dll file from a trusted DLL file website over the internet.
Method 3: Scan for Viruses and Repair the Registry
If the error code occurs due to malware infection or is related to registry issues, then simply download Restoro. This is a user-friendly and multi-functional PC Fixer deployed with 6 scanners including a powerful antivirus and a registry cleaner.
It is compatible with all Windows versions. Simply run it to remove all types of viruses infecting your system and clean/repair the registry.
Click here to download Restoro and resolve the Xpcom.dll error on your PC.
Error code 0x80070002 is a Windows Update error code. It occurs due to corruption errors which result when missing files in Windows Update prevent users from accessing updates on their system. It affects Windows 10 users and presents similar symptoms as error code 0x80070003, another Windows Update error. These symptoms include the following:
Presence of message box highlighting the name of the Windows Update error code
The inability of users to complete updates on their system
Error Causes
If certain files are missing in Windows Update on your system, you will most likely experience error code 0x80070002. These missing files prevent Windows Update from functioning properly even in cases where an update is downloaded on your PC.
Further Information and Manual Repair
Manual repair methods are necessary to resolve issues related to many Windows error codes. To fix Windows Update error codes like error code 0x80070002 in Windows 10, users will need to apply several procedures that include stopping and restarting the Windows Update service.
Note that the methods listed below must be done in the order they are listed. This is because they work in conjunction with each other to repair and replace corrupted update files that may be preventing your Windows Update service from functioning correctly.
Method One: Stop Windows Update Service
Stopping the Windows Update service will enable users to begin the manual repair process. It’s crucial, to begin with, this step, as it prepares users to delete temporary update files when the Window Update service is no longer functioning correctly. These temporary files may be the source of the corruption errors resulting in error code 0x80070002. Follow the steps below to stop Windows Update and resolve the error code.
Step one: Type Control Panel in the Search box near the Start button
Step two: Select Control Panel
Step three: Type Administrative Tools in the search box
Stop four: Select Administrative Tools
Step five: Click Services, then search for Windows Update
Step six: Right-click Windows Update service, then select Stop
After you have successfully stopped the service, proceed by deleting temporary update files in the SoftwareDistribution folder.
Method Two: Delete Temporary Update Files in SoftwareDistribution Folder
Error code 0x80070002 is unlikely to be resolved without addressing the problems related to missing or corrupted update files. By deleting temporary update files within the SoftwareDistribution folder, you will most likely be able to fix the error code and access updates within the Windows Update service.
Step one: Open File Explorer, then open Windows folder in drive C
Step three: Open the DataStore folder and delete all files within this folder
Step four: Click Back to access the SoftwareDistribution folder
Step five: Open the Download folder to delete all files from this folder as well
While attempting to delete these files, you may be asked to enter a password as an administrator. If this occurs, enter the required password to proceed.
Method Three: Restart Windows Update Service
Once you have logged on as an administrator and deleted appropriate update files in the SoftwareDistribution folder, follow the steps below to restart the Windows Update service.
Step one: Type Control Panel in the Search box near the Start button.
Step two: Select Control Panel
Step three: Type Administrative Tools in the search box, then select Administrative Tools
Step four: Double-click Services
Step five: Search for the Windows Update service
Step six: Right-click the Windows Update service, then select Start.
Once you’ve selected Start, you’ll be able to access the Windows Update service. Verify these manual methods have proven successful by restarting your PC, then check if you can access updates. If error code 0x80070002 has been resolved, you will be able to complete the download process when you attempt to access updates within Windows 10. You will also no longer see the error code 0x80070002 message box.
In Windows 11 if you do not own a mouse or it has suddenly malfunctioned you can still move your arrow on-screen using the numeric pad.
In this guide, we will guide you on how to turn this option ON, follow this easy guide step by step.
Press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open Windows settings
Click on Accessibility on left
Scroll down to reach the interaction section on the right and click on Mouse
Click on Switch beside Mouse keys under accessibility options
It is a fact that Google Chrome is one of the world’s most used web browsers and it’s because this search giant is focused on following the standards of the web. Although this web browser has become quite bloated over the years, it still remains at the top of the list of browsers used most by users. If you are a user of Google Chrome for a long time now, you have most likely come across a couple of issues in the past while using this browser. In this post, we’ll help you fix one of the issues commonly encountered in Chrome which is the “No Data Received – ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” error.
This kind of error message in Chrome pops up when you try to log into a website. It isn’t clear what’s the cause of this error but worries not, for there are several ways you can try to fix it.
Option 1 – Try checking if your network connection is working
The No Data Received – ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE error is not usually related to a downed network. However, anything is possible so you need to check if your internet connection is working just fine or not as it might be the reason why you’re getting this error in Chrome.
Option 2 – Try resetting the network
There are instances when a network goes into haywire because of a bad DNS. Thus, a bad DNS might be the one that’s causing this headache so it’s time for you to reset the entire network to resolve the issue. To reset the network, here’s what you have to do:
Click the Start button and type in “command prompt” in the field.
From the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and select the “Run as administrator” option.
After opening Command Prompt, you have to type each one of the commands listed below. Just make sure that after you type each command, you hit Enter
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /all
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew
netsh int ip set dns
netsh winsock reset
After you key in the commands listed above, the DNS cache will be flushed and the Winsock, as well as the TCP/IP, will reset.
Now restart your computer and open Google Chrome then try opening the website you were trying to open earlier.
Option 3 – Try to clear the browsing data of Google Chrome
If your browsing data in Chrome hasn’t been cleared for some time now then that might be the reason why you’re suddenly getting the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE error when you browse the web. To fix this error, you need to clear your web browsing data. Refer to the following steps to do so.
Tap the Ctrl + Shift + Delete buttons to go to the Clear browsing data section in Chrome.
Next, set the time range to “All time” and tick all the boxes and then click on the Clear data button.
After that, restart the Chrome browser and try to open the website you were trying to open earlier.
Option 4 – Reset Google Chrome
If none of the options given above worked, you can try resetting the Chrome browser. To do that, follow these steps:
Open Google Chrome, then tap the Alt + F keys.
After that, click on Settings.
Next, scroll down until you see the Advanced option, once you see it, click on it.
After clicking the Advanced option, go to the “Restore and clean up an option and click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” option to reset Google Chrome.
Restart Chrome and check if you can now open the webpage or not.
Sndvol32.exe is actually an important part of the Windows operating system.
Responsible for managing the sound-card volume and running programs properly, the problem occurs when error messages appear. The user will be unable to listen to music on the system. Usually, Windows XP users encounter the Sndvol32.exe error.
Solution
Error Causes
Sndvol32.exe error can be caused by any one or several of the reasons listed below.
Accidental deletion of the DLL file from the system
Damage to the DLL file due to spyware or virus infection
Improper removal of software
Unintentional overwriting on the DLL file by a mismatched version
Obsolete hardware drivers
Several obsolete/invalid registry entries
Corrupt registry entries
Regardless of what triggers the Sndvol32.exe error, it is of utmost importance to take immediate measures to fix the problem and to keep it from occurring again.
Further Information and Manual Repair
If you are looking for ways to fix this error manually, the Windows functionality of System Restore will come into play in this particular scenario.
In case the error is caused by a damaged or corrupt file, performing System Restore is an ideal choice as it will allow you to not only get a fresh copy of the operating system, it will be possible for you to remove the error at the same time as well. The procedure for performing System Restore is outlined below as follows.
Click on the Start menu and type ‘System Restore’ in the search box.
When the icon for ‘System Restore’ appears, click on it.
Now type ‘Restore’ in the search box that appears on the start menu.
The window for the System Restore center will now appear.
Now you have two options. You can either opt for “Recommend Restore” which is the case where the system itself will choose a restore point for you or you can select “Choose a different restore point”. Users are advised to choose the latter option as it is more customizable.
Users can now select from a list of restore points that have been created before. If you observe closely, you will realize that one of the restore points is prior to the occurrence of the Sndvol32.exe error.
Click on the restore point. Once you have confirmed your selection, your system will restart and it will roll back to its previously selected restore point.
One recommendation is to perform the system restore in Windows Safe Mode. This is just to ensure that the System Restore is performed smoothly and any potential problems are kept at bay.
Sometimes we need and want some apps that are not part of the official Amazon Appstore but having their Fire TV stick prevents us from installing anything that's not in their store, or does it?
You can quickly "jailbreak" given stick and unlock additional installations via different providers. Although the term jailbreaking is associated with illegal and hacker activities rest assured that in this case there is nothing illegal about this procedure and that you are entirely safe.
Jailbreaking process
In order to do this procedure firstly you will have to allow the installation of apps obtained from outside the Amazon Appstore. To do this open the settings menu on your Fire TV Stick and inside settings choose My Fire TV. On the My Fire TV page select Developer Options and inside select Apps From Unknown Sources. The prompt screen will open, choose Turn On to activate the option.
APK installation is enabled now and the next step is to download an app like Downloader that will allow you to get your favorite apps. Downloader is free to download manager fully available on the Amazon Appstore and with it, you can download any kind of file to your device including APKs.
Once installed open the Downloader app and type in the URL or search term in order to find your application of choice but please do get all of your APK from trusted sources in order to avoid exploits and getting malware.
Error 2032 is a Windows stream error. The error is generated when running applications like Flash. It shows that the application is unable to request ads from server.
Error Causes
The error 2032 is triggered due to multiple reasons including:
The URL cannot be located or is blocked
HTTP Service is not found
Incorrect proxy settings
Automatic cookies handling
Corrupt Flash Player
Viral infection
Registry issues
Further Information and Manual Repair
Here are some easy and best do it yourself methods to resolve the error 2032 on your system:
Fix the Proxy Settings
To do this, first, go to the start menu and press RUN, type regedit in the RUN box and press enter. Now from the left-hand panel of the registry path open: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionInternet Settings. Now double click the proxyenable string and replace its value with 0.
After that, right-click on proxy server and select delete option. Then exit Regedit and restart your PC to activate changes.
Verify the URL
Sometimes the error 2032 may be generated due to wrong or incorrect URL in the HTTP Service URL property. So, verify your URL and look for typos. Specifying the correct URL can fix the error right away.
Check Cookies Handling
Automatic cookies handling can also trigger this error code. Therefore, to resolve the error, it is advisable to disable automatic cookies handling. This can be done by launching your web browser.
Go to tools and then press the privacy tab. Now click on the advance tab from settings and un-check override automatic cookie handling. To confirm changes press OK.
Uninstall and then Reinstall the Flash Player
It is possible your Flash Player is corrupt. Therefore, another way to fix error 2032 is to uninstall the Flash Player and then reinstall it on your system.
Scan for Viruses
Programs usually get corrupted due to two reasons, viruses or registry issues. Therefore, to remove viruses on your PC, download and run an antivirus program.
It really sucks when you can’t fully enjoy the newest version of your favorite OS.
Windows 11 is still relatively fresh and consequently has some annoying little bugs that really ruin our experience. The good news is that you’re not alone and most of them are easy to fix.
Here are 5 commonly reported Windows 11 issues and what you can do to get rid of them.
1. Windows 11 audio problems
One of the absolute most irritating things in the world is struggling with the sound on your computer. Windows 11 users have reported facing the issue of low or no sound. If you’re currently experiencing the same frustration, you can be relieved. Chances are fixing it will only take a few minutes.
The first thing to check would be whether you accidentally muted your device by pressing the mute button on your keyboard. Yes, we know it sounds a lot like the old “have you tried turning it off and on again?” But it’s important to leave no stone unturned, and the most obvious things are usually the ones we easily overlook.
Moreover, if you have several audio output sources, check whether the right one is selected. You can do this via the Action Center or through Settings. If you want to use the same source every time, we also recommend you set it as the default one.
It’s also important to have a good, up-to-date audio driver. More often than not, this will be the true cause of your audio struggles. Make sure to update your driver, and if that doesn’t work out, you can always un- and reinstall it or install a different one.
Lastly, if all attempts remain unsuccessful, run the audio troubleshooter to figure out what’s actually going wrong.
2. Unable to find files
Such a powerful new operating system, yet it can’t seem to do the simplest thing imaginable? The File Explorer not responding on Windows 11 is one of the most frustrating and most common problems with Microsoft’s newest iteration of its awesome OS.
However, 9/10 times it can be fixed by simply restarting your PC. You could also try killing the Windows Explorer process in the Task Manager and then rerunning it.
If these don’t help, check whether there are any pending Windows 11 updates. A single missing update can compromise your PC’s functionality, so always make sure to install them all on time.
Should none of that work, then there are other ways to solve the File Explorer problem. However, then the issue is probably a bit deeper and it’s no longer in the ‘easy fix’ territory.
3. Start menu not working
Just like the File Explorer, the Start menu is a fundamental element of your OS. So, it’s only natural that its malfunction grinds your gears. It may be more customizable than on previous Windows versions, but it doesn’t always work smoothly.
If you’re facing the so-called Start menu critical error, there are a few things this could be caused by. Usually it means you turned off your system while an important update was still being installed, there is a corrupt file on your PC, or Windows forcefully stopped a program.
Whatever the reason, the solution should be pretty simple. Try the basic steps: restarting your File Explorer (like we explained above) and signing out and back into your account. If that doesn’t do anything, you may want to try uninstalling third-party start menu apps (if you have any), since they can interfere with your default programs’ functionality.
Now, those are the easy fixes. If you get nowhere with them, you might need to identify the root cause and search for more complex solutions than that.
4. Snipping tool not working
Our beloved screenshot tool was introduced with Windows 10 and Microsoft decided to keep it. However, you were probably just as disappointed as us when you tried to run it and failed.
Normally, this can be fixed by installing the latest Out-of-band (OOB) update, or even pending updates in general. Even if your system appears to be up-to-date, run the checker just in case.
Another cool thing Windows 11 lets you do is ‘Repair’ and ‘Reset’, which is the easiest way to troubleshoot your Snipping tool. If this fails, you can also try the good old un- and reinstall method. Simply uninstall the tool through the Control Panel and reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.
Furthermore, in the case of an upgrade from Windows 10 to 11, it may be that the old Snipping tool version is interfering with the launch of the new one. If you don’t care that much about the additional options available with the enhanced screenshot tool, you can use the old version instead.
Simply go to your C Drive, find the Windows.old folder, search for the tool and open it from there. Make sure to pin it to your taskbar as well, if you know you’re going to use it often.
5. Can’t install the latest update
The latest Windows 11 version, 22H2, has brought tons of enhancements to our dearest operating system. Unfortunately, a lot of users still haven’t had the opportunity to experience it. A mere update of your OS version should be the one thing that goes smoothly, but sometimes that’s not the case.
Failure to install 22H2 can be caused by a few things. Most commonly, the issue is caused by lack of storage space or corrupted files, but there could be other culprits.
There are a couple of things you could try. For example, it’s crucial that your drivers be up-to-date and some important services be enabled. These are: Windows Modules Installer, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Cryptographic Service, Windows Update services.
To enable them, search ‘Services’, find the service you need and right-click on it. Open ‘Properties’ and select the startup type ‘Automatic’.
It may also be necessary to unplug all peripherals that aren’t crucial and disable third-party antivirus tools until after the update is finished.
Ultimately, you can run the Windows Update troubleshooter to detect and fix other possible issues.
Summary
Tiny bugs like these are nothing out of the ordinary. That said, we still all hate when they happen.
Hopefully some of our solutions have helped you to a smoother Windows 11 experience. But if you’re still struggling, feel free to reach out to us. We’d be happy to help!