Most common Windows 11 problems and how to fix them

Microsoft may have polished its operating systems over the decades, but Windows 11 still isn’t immune to frustrating bugs and performance hiccups. Since its debut in October 2021, the operating system has matured, yet many users continue to encounter problems — from upgrade headaches to sluggish performance and compatibility issues.

Fortunately, most of these problems have straightforward fixes. Below, we break down the most common Windows 11 issues and how to resolve them, helping you keep your system stable and efficient, echoing familiar challenges faced during the Windows 10 era.

1. Can’t upgrade to Windows 11

One of the biggest frustrations for users eager to adopt Windows 11 is finding that their PC isn’t eligible for the upgrade. Microsoft has enforced strict system requirements — including a compatible CPU (generally from 2018 or later) and TPM 2.0 support — that leave some relatively recent devices behind.

To check if your system qualifies, use the PC Health Check tool, which quickly assesses upgrade compatibility. If your device fails the check, there are unofficial workarounds such as editing the Windows registry to bypass these limitations. However, these carry potential security risks and may block future updates.

Additionally, if you're running compatible hardware but the upgrade option is unavailable in the Windows Update menu, try these steps:

1. Check for updates: Open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
2. Use the Installation Assistant: Microsoft offers the Windows 11 Installation Assistant for users who want to manually upgrade their systems.

Before upgrading, perform a complete system backup to safeguard your data. The Windows 11’s upgrade process, while generally smooth, can occasionally encounter errors that result in data loss.

2. Windows 11 is slow or frequently freezes

Windows 11’s slick interface and new features don’t guarantee top performance, especially if your system was upgraded from Windows 10 without a clean install. Sluggish performance or random freezes are common complaints, often caused by outdated drivers or lingering software conflicts.

To boost performance, start with the following steps. 

Update your drivers

Outdated drivers, particularly for graphics cards, are a common culprit. Ensure your drivers are up-to-date by:

• Using built-in tools like Windows Update. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options and check for Optional Updates.
• Installing updates through your PC manufacturer’s utility software, such as Lenovo Vantage, Dell Update, or HP Support Assistant, which often include optimized drivers for Windows 11.
• Visiting the device manufacturer's website directly (e.g., Nvidia, AMD, or Intel) for the latest driver versions tailored to your hardware.

Reset your PC

For systems upgraded from Windows 10, lingering compatibility issues might be slowing things down. A clean reset of Windows 11 can resolve these conflicts:

1. Navigate to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
2. Select the "Keep my files" option to preserve your personal data while reinstalling the OS.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to reset the system.

Check system settings

Other potential fixes include disabling unnecessary startup programs or adjusting performance settings:

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and navigate to the Startup tab. Disable non-essential apps from launching at startup.
2. Adjust performance options by typing "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows" in the Start Menu, then selecting Adjust for best performance.

If issues persist, consider performing a clean install of Windows 11 to eliminate any legacy software conflicts. We also have a step-by-step guide to resetting Windows without losing data.

3. Windows 11 can’t find a printer

Printer problems continue to plague Windows users, and Windows 11 is no exception. While the OS typically installs printer drivers automatically, connection failures, missing drivers, or network issues can still leave you unable to print or even detect your printer, particularly in networked environments or business printers.

Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Manually install printer drivers
Go to your printer manufacturer’s website (such as HP, Epson, Canon) and download the latest Windows 11-compatible driver. Follow the installation instructions provided.

Fix network printer issues

Reset the print spooler

Run the Windows printer troubleshooter

If none of the above resolve the issue, check your network or consult your IT support team, particularly in business environments with shared printers.

4. Snipping Tool is crashing or not opening 

Windows 11’s redesigned Snipping Tool offers more features than before, but it’s not without flaws. Some users report crashes, failure to launch, or freezing during screen captures.

To get it working again:

Install updates to fix Snipping Tool issues

Microsoft has addressed many Snipping Tool issues through updates, so ensure your system is up to date:

1. Open Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
2. If updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

Use an alternative screenshot method

If the Snipping Tool remains unresponsive, try using built-in alternatives:

• Press Windows key + Shift + S to activate the Snip & Sketch overlay. This shortcut allows you to capture a portion of the screen without launching the full app.
• Use the Print Screen key to copy a screenshot of your entire screen to the clipboard, then paste it into Paint or another image editor.

Reinstall the Snipping Tool

If the app is still malfunctioning, reinstalling it can often resolve persistent issues:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Search for "Snipping Tool" in the list, select it, and click Uninstall.
3. Open the Microsoft Store, search for "Snipping Tool" and reinstall the app.

Reset the app

Resetting the Snipping Tool can resolve configuration or file corruption issues:

1. Navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Select Snipping Tool and click Advanced options.
3. Choose Reset to restore the app to its default state.

Check for system-level issues

If none of the above solutions work, there may be broader system issues affecting the app. Running a System File Checker (SFC) scan can help:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any recommendations provided.

These steps should restore the Snipping Tool to full functionality, but if the problems persist, consider using a third-party screenshot tool like Greenshot or ShareX as a temporary solution.

5. Windows 11 PC is short on disk space

If you’ve performed an in-place upgrade from Windows 10, you might find that you now have less free disk space than before the upgrade. This decrease in space is due to Windows retaining the old Windows 10 files for a while, in case you decide to revert to the older operating system. 

Thankfully, resolving this issue is straightforward, as Windows only keeps these files for ten days after the upgrade. After this period, the old files are automatically removed, freeing up space.

If you need the space back immediately and are satisfied with Windows 11, you can manually delete the old files at any time. Here’s how:

1. Open the Windows 11 Start Menu
2. Type "disk"
3. Click to run the Disk Clean-Up tool
4. Select the drive that needs to be cleaned (will be C: if you only have one drive)
5. Click Ok
6. In the new window, find "Previous Windows Installation(s)" and tick the box
7. Click Ok

If you still need more disk space, open Windows settings, choose Apps, then Apps & Features, and sort the list of installed apps by size to show you which programs are hogging the most disk space. Remove any you no longer need.

Other quick ways to clear space include emptying the ‘Downloads’ folder and the ‘Recycle Bin’.

Additionally, you can use Storage Sense, a built-in Windows 11 feature that helps manage disk space automatically. By enabling storage sense, your system will periodically delete unnecessary files, such as temporary files and items in your recycle bin, helping to keep your disk space optimized without manual intervention.

6. Windows 11 search isn’t finding my files

The new search menu – available by clicking on the magnifying glass or Windows key + S – should search for almost anything on your computer, including apps, files, and photos. If you find that it’s not picking up files that you know are on your computer, you can force Windows 11 to rescan the PC, which should solve the problem.

The first thing to note here is that it takes a while for Windows 11 to build a search index, particularly if you’ve got hard disks full of files. If you’ve only just completed the Windows 11 upgrade, give the index a few hours to complete, as the process runs in the background.

In case the search index still doesn't locate your files after waiting for some time, you might want to try manually rebuilding the index. This can often resolve persistent search issues. Access the Indexing Options through the Control Panel, click on "Advanced", and then select "Rebuild". This process starts a fresh scan of your system, ensuring that your files are indexed accurately and should be easily searchable.

7. Distracting notifications

With many people still working from home, distractions have become a common occupational hazard. The last thing you need is Windows 11 notifying you of Slack chats or emails about forthcoming Amazon deliveries when you’ve got a report due the next day.

Fortunately, Microsoft has improved its notification system in Windows 11 to make them less distracting than before. This is achieved through a new mode called Focus Assist. To activate it, click on the icons in the bottom-right corner of the screen where the battery, Wi-Fi, and volume indicators are located. A pop-up panel will appear, allowing you to switch on Focus Assist.

There are two modes to choose from within Focus Assist:

· Priority Only: This mode allows messages from specific apps or people to come through. It requires setting up your priority list, which can be customized to include applications such as Microsoft Teams or contacts like your boss.

· Alarms Only: As the name suggests, this mode only allows pre-set alarms to interrupt your work, providing a more distraction-free environment.

To set up Focus Assist:

· Click on the Notifications icon in the bottom-right corner (this will turn into a moon icon if Focus Assist is active).

· Select Focus Assist settings.

· Add the applications or people you deem important to the Priority list.

This feature helps you maintain concentration, ensuring that only crucial notifications interrupt your workflow. By customizing your Focus Assist settings, you can minimize distractions and enhance productivity, even if the boss often calls from Microsoft Teams.

8. Windows 11 Wi-Fi issues

Wi-Fi connectivity problems can be a major source of frustration for Windows 11 users, manifesting as dropped connections, slow internet speeds, or an inability to connect to networks altogether. These issues can originate from outdated drivers, conflicting settings, or hardware malfunctions. Below are detailed steps to troubleshoot and resolve common Wi-Fi problems in Windows 11.

Update network drivers

Outdated or incompatible network drivers are a frequent cause of Wi-Fi issues. Ensuring your drivers are up to date can often resolve connectivity problems. To update your network drivers:

1. Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
2. Look for network adapter updates and install them.
3. Alternatively, visit your network adapter manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, Realtek, or Broadcom) to download the latest driver.

Reset your network settings

If updating drivers does not resolve the issue, resetting your network settings to their default configuration may help:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
2. Select Network reset and follow the prompts.
3. Restart your PC and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.

Disable power-saving settings

Windows 11’s power-saving features can sometimes interfere with Wi-Fi connections, particularly on laptops. To disable these settings:

1. Open Device Manager by pressing Windows key + X and selecting it from the menu.
2. Expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, and select Properties.
3. Navigate to the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

Forget and reconnect to your network

Corrupted network profiles can also cause connectivity issues. To resolve this:

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
2. Select your network and click Forget.
3. Reconnect to the network by entering the password again.

Check your router and connection

Sometimes, the problem lies with your router or internet connection:

• Restart your router by powering it off for 30 seconds and then turning it back on.
• Ensure your router’s firmware is up to date by checking your manufacturer’s support page.
• Test your connection on another device to rule out ISP-related issues.

Use the troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter for diagnosing Wi-Fi issues:

1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Run the Internet Connections troubleshooter and follow the recommendations.

These steps should help resolve most Wi-Fi connectivity problems. If issues persist, it may be worthwhile contacting your internet service provider or check for hardware faults in your network adapter or router.

9. Windows 11 updates fail to install 

Keeping Windows 11 up to date is essential for security, stability, and new features, but sometimes updates refuse to install, get stuck in a loop, or cause unexpected errors.

If you’re seeing messages like “Updates failed” or experiencing endless loading on the Checking for updates screen, try the following solutions:

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft includes a dedicated tool to diagnose and repair common update problems:

Follow the steps provided to detect and fix issues such as corrupted update files or misconfigured settings.

Clear the Windows Update cache

Sometimes, damaged files in the update cache cause downloads to fail. You can safely remove them:

net stop wuauserv

net stop bits 

del /f /s /q %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\*.* 

net start wuauserv 

net start bits

3. Then restart your computer and check for updates again via Settings > Windows Update
4.Install the update manually

If a specific update keeps failing, you can manually download and install it:

Use the Windows Update Assistant

For persistent issues, the Windows 11 Update Assistant can sometimes force through a stuck update:

If update failures continue, consider temporarily disabling third-party antivirus tools or performing a System File Check using sfc /scannow in the Command Prompt to repair system files.