The Windows 10 operating system is used by everyone - both experienced PC users and beginners. For any category in the OS there is an auxiliary service that allows you to solve problems. If an experienced user can independently understand this or that issue, then a beginner needs help from a computer wizard. In order to help the user find errors in the system and malfunctions in hardware, the developers came up with a program for troubleshooting Windows 10. We will get to know it better and learn how to use the wizard, in which cases and where it can be found.
Where to find?
The latest operating system update, Fall Creators 1703, introduced some changes. Now the troubleshooting wizard can be launched not only through the control panel, which takes several minutes, but also through the system settings interface.
Both launch options give access to the same tool. This means that the Windows 10 troubleshooting wizards in the control panel and settings are no different. Let us examine in more detail how to run the program in both ways.
Via control panel
First, find out the answer to the question "where is the control panel in Windows 10". You can open it in several ways:
- Through a search in the Start menu. It is enough to enter the name of the program, as it appears in the search window.
- The second option is through the Run window. To do this, hold down the Win + R key combination and enter the control command.
- Through the command line. If one of the above methods does not work, then open a command prompt (via search or "Run" using the cmd command) and enter the word control.
Further, for the convenience of the search, it is necessary to switch the type of sections to large or small icons. Then find “Troubleshooting” in the list. In Windows 10, this window provides access to all the wizard tools.
Via "Options"
The second option is available only to Windows 10 users:
- right-click on the "Start" icon;
- in the context menu, click "Parameters";
- then go to the "Update and Security" section;
- now in the left column select "Troubleshooting".
Done! Now you know where the "Control Panel" is in Windows 10 and where is the "Options". Through them, you can access the troubleshooting wizard. The interface of these windows looks different, but in them you will find the same functionality, which we will talk about below.
How does diagnostics work?
Before a troubleshooter can help a user get rid of a breakdown or malfunction, it must carry out a diagnosis. If you know what you are having problems with, select the appropriate item in the Windows 10 troubleshooting menu. After starting the tool, a window will appear with the search for the problem. Wait until the process is completed to see the possible cause of the malfunction. If the assistant successfully found a malfunction, then all the information will appear in the window and ways to solve the problem will be offered. If the wizard did not detect a breakdown during the scan of the system status, he will offer you to answer some leading questions to narrow your search. Select one of the options and click "Next." The tool will again scan the computer for a breakdown in the area you specified and give the result. In the event that troubleshooting Windows 10 for a very long time is looking for problems, but finds nothing, you will have to seek the help of specialists or solve the problem on your own.
Typically, a problem check takes 1 minute. If the program does not offer any further actions, but only continues to display the "Problem Detection" window with a scrolling line, then try restarting it and scanning the system again. Consider all the categories by which you can diagnose a computer using standard operating system tools.
Programs
This category addresses issues related to the compatibility of the operating system and installed software (applications, games, and so on). To start the diagnosis, you must click on the "Run programs designed for previous versions of Windows" button. Most of the compatibility issues are related to using older versions of software on Windows 10. This wizard will help you automatically fix this problem.
After starting, the program will automatically scan the system for several seconds. If the problem software has not been identified, then you will be asked to select one of the installed programs from the list. Then you can apply the recommended parameters to start the program and check the operability or continue to search for the problem.
Equipment and sound
Here you can find and fix problems with any connected equipment:
- Device setup. The program allows you to fix all errors associated with connected devices, their drivers and so on.
- Using a printer. Corrects all problems in the operation of connected printers, scanners and MFPs.
- Sound recording troubleshooting. Save you problems with sound recorders.
- Troubleshooting audio playback.
Network and Internet
In this section you can diagnose the status of the Internet connection and configure the network environment (access to folders on this and other computers). To start the search and fix problems, click the "Internet Connection" button. In the window that appears, click "Next" to start the operation. After a short diagnosis, the program will ask you to clarify the type of problem - a connection failure or lack of access to a specific page. In the first case, the computer will check the ability to go to the official Microsoft website.
The "Access to shared files and folders on other computers" button opens the wizard for diagnosing problems. As in the previous case, on the main window, click "Next" and wait for the search to complete. To clarify, you must enter the path to the folder you want to access.
system and safety
With the help of this section you will get the opportunity to correct the following points:
- errors that interfere with updating the operating system;
- diagnostics and identification of unnecessary files and shortcuts, as well as subsequent deletion;
- search for power problems and optimizing the system when working on battery power; This feature will be relevant for laptop users.
Diagnostic problems
We'll figure out what to do if troubleshooting doesn't work properly on Windows 10. The problem may be due to the fact that your copy of the operating system is damaged or infected with viruses. This often happens with pirated versions. Check your computer for malware and clean it.
The second reason is the lack of updates. In order for troubleshooting not to hang when starting Windows 10 or during diagnostics, you must install all the latest updates to the operating system. You can do it this way:
- open "Options";
- Go to the tab "Update and Security";
- then click on the "Check for Updates" button;
- Install the update if necessary, and then restart the computer.
To get help with the Diagnostic Wizard, you need to click on the "Help" link in the "Troubleshooting" window.
Total
Remember that Microsoft's operating system troubleshooting tool does not always work. Often, getting rid of a malfunction or error in the system does not work with this wizard. However, you can determine the cause and try to optimize the PC with its help.