Most common Windows 11 problems and how to fix them

Microsoft has spent decades refining its operating systems, but even the latest iteration, Windows 11, is not without its quirks. While the initial wave of compatibility issues during its launch in October 2021 has largely subsided, new bugs and performance issues continue to surface, affecting both personal and business users alike.

Many of these problems stem from hardware and software conflicts or unoptimized system settings, echoing familiar challenges faced during the Windows 10 era.

The good news is that most Windows 11 problems are relatively straightforward to resolve. Below, we’ve outlined the most common issues and practical solutions to get your system running smoothly.

1. Can’t upgrade to Windows 11

A common issue for many users is the inability to upgrade to Windows 11, often due to hardware incompatibility. Microsoft has enforced strict requirements for systems eligible for the upgrade, such as the need for a modern processor (post-2018) and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip. This means even some high-performing machines built just a few years ago may not qualify.

For those unsure about their hardware compatibility, Microsoft's PC Health Check tool remains the quickest way to verify eligibility. If your system doesn’t meet the requirements but you’re determined to upgrade, workarounds such as editing registry settings to bypass the checks exist, though they come with potential security risks and may not guarantee 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

Despite its modern design and new features, Windows 11 can sometimes fall short in performance, especially on systems that were upgraded from Windows 10 without a clean install. Performance issues, such as slow operation or frequent freezes, are among the most common complaints.

If you’re experiencing these problems, here are the key steps to improve your system’s performance:

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.

We have a step by step guide on how to reset Windows without losing data, with the process being almost identical between Windows 10 and Windows 11. Make sure to perform a full backup first, just in case something goes wrong.

3. Windows 11 can’t find a printer

Printer connectivity issues remain one of the more persistent challenges in Windows 11, particularly in networked environments or business printers. While the OS generally does a good job of automatically downloading and installing printer drivers, errors in this process can still occur, leaving users unable to print or even detect their devices.

Update drivers manually

If your printer isn’t being detected, manual driver installation is often the quickest solution:

1. Visit the printer manufacturer’s website and navigate to their support section.
2. Download the latest Windows 11-compatible driver for your specific model.
3. Install the driver following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Many leading brands, including HP, Canon, and Epson, now provide dedicated software tools that streamline the driver installation process and ensure compatibility.

Fix network printer issues

For shared network printers, problems often arise from incorrect permissions or connectivity errors. To resolve this:

1. Confirm that the printer is powered on and connected to the same network as your computer.
2. Open Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners and select Add a printer or scanner.
3. If the printer doesn’t appear, click The printer that I want isn’t listed and use the manual network printer setup wizard.

In business settings, contacting your IT department might be necessary for network-specific configurations or access to administrative tools.

Clear and reset the print spooler

The print spooler, which manages print jobs, can sometimes get stuck, causing detection issues. Resetting it can help:

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, then type services.msc and press Enter.
2. Find Print Spooler in the list, right-click, and select Restart.
3. Try adding your printer again via the Printers & Scanners settings.

Troubleshoot with Windows tools

Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooting tools that can automatically diagnose and fix common printer problems:

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Select Printer and follow the on-screen instructions.

These steps typically resolve most printer detection issues, helping you avoid the need for more advanced troubleshooting or external support.

4. Snipping Tool isn’t working

The Snipping Tool, a popular utility for taking screenshots, has been revamped in Windows 11. While the redesigned app offers improved functionality, it has occasionally been plagued by bugs. In some cases, users have reported the tool failing to launch or crashing when attempting to capture screenshots.

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 you now have less free disk space than what you had prior to the upgrade. This is because Windows keeps the old Windows 10 files for a while, just in case you decide you want to revert to the older operating system.

This is one of the easiest Windows 11 problems to fix, as Microsoft now only gives you ten days to change your mind about the upgrade. After the ten days have expired, the old Windows 10 files will be automatically removed from your Windows 11 PC, freeing up the space in the process.

If you're happy with Windows 11 and need the space back immediately, you can manually delete the old files at any time. To do this:

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’.

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 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.

If you’ve had Windows 11 for a couple of days and it’s still not finding your files, do the following:

1. Open the Start Menu
2. Type 'Index'
3. Click on Indexing Options
4. Click Advanced
5. Click Rebuild

Now click the button to Rebuild the search index. After a few seconds, you’ll see a screen showing the progress of the rebuild. You can carry on working while it does its thing in the background.

7. Distracting notifications

With many people still working from home, distractions are already an occupational hazard. You probably don’t need Windows 11 notifying you of Slack chats or emails about forthcoming Amazon deliveries when you’ve got a report due the next day.

Microsoft has upped its notifications game in Windows 11 to make them less distracting than previously, thanks to a new mode called Focus Assist. If you click on the icons in the bottom-right corner of the screen containing the battery/Wi-Fi/volume indicators, a pop-up panel will appear allowing you to switch on Focus Assist. There are two modes to choose from here: Priority Only or Alarms Only.

Alarms Only, as the name suggests, only allows pre-set alarms to interfere with your work. Priority Only brings more nuance, allowing messages from certain apps or people to get through - although the people filters are less than perfect.

So, if the boss often calls from Microsoft Teams, for example, add that application to the Focus Assist Priority list by clicking on the Notifications icon in the bottom-right corner (it will turn to a moon icon if Focus Assist is on) and selecting Focus Assist settings.

8. Windows 11 Wi-Fi issues

Wi-Fi connectivity problems are a common source of frustration for Windows 11 users, ranging from dropped connections to slow speeds or inability to connect altogether. These issues can stem from outdated drivers, conflicting settings, or hardware problems.

Update network drivers

Outdated or incompatible network drivers are a frequent cause of Wi-Fi problems. To ensure your drivers are up to date:

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 doesn’t resolve the issue, try resetting your network settings to their default configuration:

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, especially 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 worth contacting your internet service provider or checking for hardware faults in your network adapter or router.