Top 5 Most Common Windows Errors and How to Fix Them

by | Aug 31, 2025 | Windows

As someone who has spent countless hours troubleshooting Windows PCs — my own, my friends’, and even for clients — I can confirm one universal truth: Windows errors are inevitable. Whether you are a casual user or a professional, you will face system hiccups that can leave you frustrated or, worse, unable to work. But the good news is, most common Windows errors are surprisingly easy to fix once you know how.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the top 5 most common Windows errors and provide step-by-step instructions to resolve them. With a little patience and the right approach, you’ll be back to a smoothly running system in no time.

TL;DR

  • Blue Screen of Death (BSOD): Usually hardware, driver, or system file issues. Restart, update drivers, check for hardware faults.
  • Windows Update Failures: Run the troubleshooter, clear update cache, restart PC.
  • Slow Performance: Disable startup programs, check for malware, upgrade hardware if needed.
  • DLL Errors: Use System File Checker, reinstall affected programs.
  • Boot Issues: Repair with Windows Recovery, check disk for errors, disconnect faulty peripherals.

Why Do Windows Errors Happen So Often?

I’ve seen it all — from the dreaded blue screens to those cryptic error codes that pop up during updates. Windows is a complex operating system, with millions of lines of code and thousands of possible hardware and software combinations. This complexity makes it susceptible to errors, including:

  • Hardware incompatibility
  • Corrupted system or driver files
  • Incomplete updates
  • Malware infections

But don’t worry. Let’s dive into the most common culprits and how to defeat them.

1. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

What Is It?

The infamous Blue Screen of Death appears when Windows encounters a critical error it cannot recover from, often due to hardware, driver, or system file problems. The screen usually displays a sad face, a stop code, and sometimes a QR code.

Common Causes

  • Faulty or outdated drivers
  • Failing RAM or hard disk
  • Corrupted system files
  • Overheating or power supply issues

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Restart Your PC: Sometimes, a reboot is all you need.
  2. Note the Stop Code: This helps pinpoint the cause (e.g., “CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED”).
  3. Boot Into Safe Mode: Press F8 during boot or use Windows Recovery (Shift+Restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings).
  4. Update or Roll Back Drivers: Use Device Manager, especially for graphics, network, and chipset drivers.
  5. Run System File Checker: 
    sfc /scannow

    in Command Prompt (Admin).

  6. Check for Hardware Issues: Use Windows Memory Diagnostic and hard drive tools.
  7. Uninstall Recent Updates/Software: If the error started after a recent change.

Real-World Example

A client’s laptop crashed with a “MEMORY_MANAGEMENT” BSOD. After running a memory test, I found a faulty RAM stick. Replacing it resolved the issue instantly^3.

2. Windows Update Failures

What Is It?

Windows Update errors prevent your system from downloading or installing updates. These errors usually come with codes like 0x80070057, 0x8024402F, or “We couldn’t complete the updates.”

Common Causes

  • Corrupted update cache
  • Network issues
  • Antivirus interference
  • Disk space shortage

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter:
    • Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update.
  2. Clear Update Cache:
    • Open Command Prompt (Admin) and stop Windows Update services: 
      net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
    • Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders: 
      ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
    • Restart the services: 
      net start wuauserv
net start bits
  3. Restart and Try Again.
  4. Check Internet Connection and disable VPN/Proxy temporarily.
  5. Free Up Disk Space if less than 20% is available.
  6. Turn Off Antivirus Temporarily (but re-enable after updating).

Common Mistake

Not restarting the PC after clearing the update cache will often leave the error unresolved^5.

3. Slow Performance

What Is It?

Your PC takes forever to boot, applications lag, and everything feels sluggish. This is one of the most widespread Windows complaints.

Common Causes

  • Too many startup programs
  • Background processes
  • Malware or bloatware
  • Insufficient RAM or outdated hardware

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Disable Startup Programs:
    • Ctrl + Shift + Esc > Startup tab > Disable unnecessary items.
  2. Run Disk Cleanup:
    • Search for “Disk Cleanup,” select your drive, and clear junk files.
  3. Scan for Malware:
    • Use Windows Defender or a trusted third-party tool.
  4. Uninstall Unused Programs:
    • Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  5. Upgrade Hardware:
    • SSD instead of HDD, more RAM (8GB+ recommended).
  6. Check for Windows Updates:
    • Sometimes performance fixes are included.

Pro Tip

Disabling visual effects (System > Advanced > Performance Settings) can make even older PCs snappier^1.

4. DLL Errors

What Is It?

DLL (Dynamic Link Library) errors pop up when a required system or application file is missing or corrupted. Typical messages include “MSVCP140.dll is missing” or “DLL not found.”

Common Causes

  • Incomplete software installations
  • Malware infection
  • Manual deletion or disk errors

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Restart Your PC and try the action again.
  2. Reinstall the Affected Application.
  3. Run System File Checker:
    • Command Prompt (Admin): 
      sfc /scannow
  4. Run DISM Tool:
    • Command Prompt (Admin): 
      DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  5. Download DLLs from Official Sources Only: Never trust third-party DLL download sites.
  6. Scan for Malware:

Real-World Example

A friend couldn’t launch Photoshop due to a missing DLL. Reinstalling Visual C++ Redistributable fixed the error within minutes^3.

5. Boot Issues (Stuck at Startup)

What Is It?

Windows refuses to boot, gets stuck at the logo, or restarts endlessly. This is a nightmare, especially if you don’t have backups.

Common Causes

  • Corrupt boot sector
  • Faulty updates
  • Hardware changes or failures

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Disconnect All External Devices:
  2. Boot Into Recovery Mode:
    • Power on and off the PC three times to trigger automatic repair.
  3. Run Startup Repair:
    • Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.
  4. Use System Restore:
    • If restore points are enabled.
  5. Check Disk for Errors:
    • Command Prompt (from Recovery): 
      chkdsk /f /r C:
  6. Rebuild Boot Configuration:
    • Command Prompt: 
      bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Pro Tip

Always keep a Windows installation USB handy — it can save you during boot crises^9.

Case Study: Fixing a Real-Life Windows Error

Last year, a small business owner approached me with a laptop that kept crashing with a “BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO” BSOD after a failed update. Here’s how I solved it:

  • Booted into Safe Mode (Shift+Restart).
  • Opened Command Prompt and ran: 
    bootrec /rebuildbcd
sfc /scannow
  • Restored the system to a point before the update.

Result: Laptop was back to normal in 30 minutes. Takeaway? Understanding error codes and having a step-by-step plan makes all the difference.

Pros and Cons of DIY Windows Troubleshooting

Pros Cons
Cost-effective (no technician needed) Can be time-consuming
Learn valuable tech skills Risk of data loss if not careful
Immediate action possible Some hardware issues require professional help
Satisfying to solve your own problems Potential to worsen the problem if steps ignored

Comparison Table: Common Windows Errors

Error Type Severity Typical Fix Time DIY-Friendly Data Loss Risk
BSOD High 30-60 min Yes Medium
Update Failure Medium 20-40 min Yes Low
Slow Performance Low-Medium 15-30 min Yes Low
DLL Error Medium 20-60 min Yes Low
Boot Issue High 30-90 min Sometimes High

Common Mistakes When Fixing Windows Errors

  • Skipping backup before making changes
  • Downloading DLLs from untrusted websites
  • Ignoring hardware diagnostics
  • Not restarting after changes
  • Overlooking malware as a root cause

Checklist: How to Safely Fix Windows Errors

  • Back up important files before troubleshooting
  • Search error code/message online for clues
  • Restart PC before deeper fixes
  • Run built-in troubleshooters
  • Check for hardware issues if errors persist
  • Keep a Windows rescue USB handy
  • Document changes made (for rollback)

Glossary

  • BSOD (Blue Screen of Death): Critical Windows error screen indicating a system crash.
  • DLL (Dynamic Link Library): Shared code files used by Windows and applications.
  • System File Checker (sfc): Windows tool to scan and repair corrupted system files.
  • DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management): Tool to repair Windows images.
  • Startup Repair: Automated tool for fixing boot problems.
  • Safe Mode: Minimal Windows environment for troubleshooting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are Windows errors dangerous?
A: Most are not, but some (like BSODs or boot failures) can lead to data loss if not fixed promptly.

Q2: Should I reinstall Windows for every error?
A: No. Most errors can be solved with targeted troubleshooting. Reinstall only as a last resort.

Q3: Can I prevent Windows errors completely?
A: While you can reduce them by updating drivers, running antivirus, and keeping backups, no system is error-proof.

Q4: Is it safe to download missing DLL files from the web?
A: No. Only use official sources or repair tools like System File Checker.

Q5: What if nothing works?
A: Consult a professional or use Windows’ reset/reinstall option as a last resort.

Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Windows Experience

Facing Windows errors can seem overwhelming, but with patience and the right steps, you can tackle most common issues yourself. The key is to stay calm, follow systematic troubleshooting, and never skip backups. If you are stuck, don’t hesitate to seek expert help — but try these steps first. Bookmark this guide for reference, and share it with anyone struggling with Windows woes!

Ready to fix your PC? Start with the checklist and let me know how it goes. Happy troubleshooting!

References

My Step-by-Step Windows Troubleshooting Process

I’ve worked through countless Windows headaches, and over time I’ve developed a process that almost always gets results. Here’s exactly how I go about solving Windows errors—from simple annoyances to show-stoppers:

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

  1. Stay Calm and Identify the Error
    First, I note any error codes, messages, and what I was doing when the problem happened. Sometimes the solution is hiding right in the wording of the pop-up or blue screen.
  2. Restart and Observe
    I always try a basic restart. You’d be shocked how often this clears up random glitches, memory leaks, and driver hiccups.
  3. Check for Windows and Driver Updates
    I run Windows Update and open Device Manager to check for outdated drivers. Updates often patch bugs and compatibility issues.
  4. Run Built-in Troubleshooters
    Windows’ built-in troubleshooters (Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot) can resolve problems with networking, audio, printing, and more without much effort.
  5. Google the Error Code
    If the above don’t work, I search the specific error code online, adding my Windows version (e.g., “0x80070057 Windows 10”). This surfaces official Microsoft docs and helpful forum posts ^5.
  6. Try System Restore or Safe Mode
    If the error started recently, I boot into Safe Mode or roll the system back to a previous restore point. This often undoes recent changes that triggered the issue.
  7. Check Hardware (if applicable)
    For persistent BSODs or crashes, I unplug new peripherals, run a memory test (Windows Memory Diagnostic), and check for overheating or drive errors (using chkdsk).
  8. Repair System Files
    I run System File Checker (sfc /scannow) and DISM commands to repair corrupted system files, especially if Windows behaves unpredictably ^3.
  9. Backup and Consider Reset/Reinstall
    As a last resort, I back up important data and use Windows’ reset or clean install features. This is rarely needed, but sometimes it’s the only way to get a clean slate.

Pros and Cons of DIY Windows Troubleshooting

After years of solving my own PC issues, I’ve seen both sides of tech self-reliance. Here are the main upsides and drawbacks as I see them:

Pros

  • Saves Money: No need to pay for tech support or a repair shop for routine issues.
  • Quicker in Many Cases: I can often fix issues in minutes or hours—much faster than waiting for appointments or mail-in service.
  • Learn Valuable Skills: Each fix builds my confidence and makes future problems easier to tackle.
  • Total Control: I decide which solutions to try, and I keep my data private.

Cons

  • Takes Time and Patience: Some problems are stubborn; troubleshooting can eat up a whole afternoon.
  • Risk of Data Loss: There’s always a danger of making things worse, especially if I’m not careful with backups or registry edits.
  • Limited by My Knowledge: If I hit an advanced hardware failure or deep system corruption, I may need professional help anyway.
  • Potential for Frustration: Not every fix works the first time; it’s easy to get frustrated if I don’t take breaks or stay organized.

Final Thoughts: My Personal Approach

Through all my Windows adventures, the most important lesson I’ve learned is to approach every error methodically. Rushing or panicking rarely helps. Instead, I break the process down, use all the tools at my disposal, and give myself permission to ask for help when truly stuck.

If you follow the same approach, you’ll not only fix more Windows errors—you’ll also build resilience and tech confidence that pays off for years. Whether you’re a casual user or the family’s go-to IT guru, you’ve got this!