troubleshooter Archives

Winsage

December 21, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (KB5072043) is being released to the Dev & Beta Channels. Insiders in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels are offering the same 25H2-based updates. New features include Ask Copilot on the taskbar for commercial customers, which provides one-click access to Microsoft 365 Copilot and a streamlined search experience. The update also introduces Agents on the taskbar for monitoring tasks, Agent Launchers for app integration, and enhanced Narrator customization. Voice typing experience has been improved, and a new Discover Windows widget is being introduced. The Settings Agent now supports additional languages, and the Click to Do feature now supports Microsoft 365 Copilot. Various fixes and known issues have been documented, including improvements to File Explorer and taskbar functionality. The Paint app is also receiving an update with a collapsible toolbar feature.

Winsage

December 2, 2025

5 reasons your PC can feel slow after a Windows update, and how to fix each one

Large Windows updates involve reconfiguring system files, installing components, updating drivers, and initiating post-update tasks, which can temporarily slow down performance, especially on older hardware. The Windows Module Installer (TiWorker.exe) finalizes updates and may trigger cleanup and maintenance tasks, consuming CPU and disk resources. Outdated or incompatible drivers can hinder performance, leading to sluggish boot times and reduced gaming frame rates. The indexing feature may intensify after a major update, increasing CPU and disk usage. Major updates can reset user-defined settings and reintroduce background processes and applications, causing additional resource consumption. Cumulative updates may lead to performance issues due to memory leaks or driver conflicts, and Microsoft provides a "Windows release health" dashboard for tracking known issues. Slowdowns after updates are typically temporary, lasting from a few minutes to several hours, but persistent issues may require further investigation.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Survey reveals you’d rather go hands-on than try to troubleshoot with a remote app

Many Americans seek tech support from family during Thanksgiving gatherings. Remote support apps allow users to connect directly to a relative’s device, making it easier to diagnose and resolve issues. However, the effectiveness of these apps depends on prior setup, and many users are hesitant to invest time in this process. Survey results show that about two-thirds of respondents have acted as troubleshooters, but only 10% use remote support apps as their first choice, and 12% consider them a last resort. Additionally, 36% of participants have convinced others they lack the skills to help. Concerns about setup complexity and potential misuse by scammers contribute to the low adoption of these tools. One reader suggested RustDesk as an alternative to TeamViewer.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Windows 11 can’t find your printer? The instant solution!

Windows 11 may fail to recognize a printer even when it is powered on and ready. This issue can occur after system updates, restarts, or when switching to a new device. To resolve it, follow these steps: 1. Ensure all connections are secure, including checking for a loose USB cable, a powered-off WLAN printer, and the correct network connection for wireless printers. Restarting both the printer and PC may help. 2. If the printer is not recognized, manually add it by going to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & Scanners and selecting Add device. If it still doesn't appear, use the "The desired printer is not listed" option to start the setup wizard. 3. Update the printer drivers by visiting the manufacturer's website to download the latest software compatible with Windows 11 for your printer model. 4. If these steps do not resolve the issue, use the built-in repair tool by going to Settings > System > Troubleshooting > Other troubleshooters and selecting the Printers troubleshooter. If problems persist, consider the possibility that the printer itself may be faulty or outdated.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Fix: “Failed to Update the System Registry” Error in Windows 10/11

The error message “Failed to update the system registry. Please try using REGEDIT” indicates issues with the Windows Registry, which stores system settings and application information. This error often arises when running older programs on newer Windows versions due to factors such as lack of administrative permissions, incompatibility with current Windows versions, or interference from antivirus software. To resolve this error, users can take several steps: 1. Run the program as an administrator by right-clicking the application and selecting “Run as administrator,” or by setting this option permanently in the program's properties under the Compatibility tab. 2. Use the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter, accessible through the Control Panel on Windows 10 or through Settings on Windows 11, to adjust settings for older programs. 3. Whitelist the program in antivirus settings to prevent it from blocking necessary registry modifications. 4. Reinstall the program with administrator rights by right-clicking the installer and selecting “Run as administrator.”

AppWizard

July 6, 2025

Warren Spector was so desperate to make Deus Ex that it almost became a Command & Conquer RPG: ‘I was going to find a way to make it one way or another, even if it meant making another damn sci-fi game!’

Deus Ex recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. In an alternate reality, PC gamers are celebrating a different 25th anniversary for a first-person Command & Conquer game that could have been created by Warren Spector, who initially conceived a game called "Troubleshooter" in 1994. Spector aimed to create an open-ended near-future simulation featuring a supercop named Jake Shooter. He managed to persuade Westwood Studios to invest in a version of his game set in the Command & Conquer universe, intending to combine genre elements and player choice. However, he later joined Ion Storm after receiving an invitation from John Romero, leading to the development of Deus Ex, with Jake Shooter evolving into JC Denton.

AppWizard

July 2, 2025

The game that would become Deus Ex was originally called Troubleshooter and starred Jake Shooter, supercop

Deus Ex is a classic PC game known for its innovative approach to the first-person shooter genre and as a pioneer of the immersive sim, allowing players to explore a non-linear world with moral complexities. The game's designer, Warren Spector, initially pitched it as "Troubleshooter" to Origin Systems before joining Ion Storm in 1997. He faced skepticism regarding the mix of shooter, stealth, and RPG elements. The protagonist's name, JC Denton, was chosen during development, contributing to the game's legacy. An interview with Spector will be published in PC Gamer on July 15.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Deus Ex was a hard sell because, among other things, the Thief devs thought ‘if you give players a gun, they won’t sneak’

Deus Ex is a significant title in the immersive simulation genre, allowing players to approach challenges from various perspectives and breaking away from traditional linear gameplay in CRPGs and FPS games. Warren Spector, the game's creator, expressed frustration with conventional RPGs and FPS games before developing Deus Ex. The game has influenced many others, including Baldur's Gate, Pillars of Eternity, Skyrim, Avowed, Prey, and Baldur's Gate 3, showcasing its impact on player freedom and game design. An interview with Spector will be featured in the upcoming issue of PC Gamer, releasing on July 15.

Winsage

May 18, 2025

Microsoft shares official guide for fixing every Windows 11/10 update download/install error

Microsoft has updated its official support article for Windows Update troubleshooting following the launch of Windows 11 24H2. The update includes new recommendations for resolving update-related challenges, such as using the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter and clearing the Windows Update cache. To use the Windows Update Troubleshooter, users should: 1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security. 2. Choose Troubleshoot from the left-hand menu, then click on Additional troubleshooters. 3. Select Windows Update under the Get up and running section and click Run the troubleshooter. 4. Follow the on-screen instructions. To clear the Windows Update cache, users should: 1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. 2. Locate the Windows Update service, right-click it, and select Stop. 3. Navigate to C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution and delete all files and folders within this directory. 4. Return to the Services window, right-click Windows Update, and select Start. Microsoft has also provided a list of common update-related error codes and their explanations, including: - 0x800705b4: Update took too long to install or was interrupted. - 0x80240034: Update process is stuck due to an incomplete update or connection issue. - 0x800f0922 or 0x8007000E: Unable to install the update due to insufficient disk space. - 0x800F081F, 0x80073712, or 0x80246007: Corrupted or missing system files or incomplete download. - 0x80070020: Another program or process is blocking the Windows update process. Additional error codes specific to Windows 11 include: - 0x8007000d: Issue with Windows Update files or corruption in the update cache. - 0xC1900101: Incompatible driver causing the update to fail. - 0x80070005: Access Denied error or insufficient permissions to install updates.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

Struggling with the latest Windows 11 update? You aren’t alone

Many users are experiencing issues with Windows 11 following a recent update, including sluggish performance, Wi-Fi connectivity problems, and blue screen errors. To troubleshoot, users should first ensure their PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, which include: - Processor: 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC. - RAM: At least 4 GB. - Storage: 64 GB or more of available storage. - Firmware: UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability. - TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 must be enabled. - Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later and have a WDDM 2.0 driver. - Display: High definition (720p) display, at least 9 inches diagonally, with 8 bits per color channel. - Internet and Microsoft account: Required for initial setup of Windows 11 Home and for updates and some features on all editions. To resolve issues, users can: 1. Uninstall the latest update via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates. 2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter found in Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. 3. Check for driver updates in Device Manager by looking for devices with a yellow exclamation mark. 4. Perform a System Restore through Control Panel > Open System Restore. 5. Use Microsoft's built-in repair tool "Fix problems using Windows Update" found in Settings > System > Recovery. 6. Check for known issues acknowledged by Microsoft. 7. Access advanced startup options by holding down the Shift key while clicking Restart to use Startup Repair or Command Prompt. 8. Reset the PC from the advanced recovery menu, which can reinstall Windows while preserving files or perform a clean reset. Users should back up important files before proceeding with significant troubleshooting steps.