11 Most Common Windows Errors & How to Fix Them

The Windows operating system is a vast system comprising millions of lines of code and many interdependent components. These include the kernel, device drivers, registry, and system files, to name but a few.

Although Microsoft continues to fine-tune Windows with every new release, we all still face errors and other problems with varying degrees of severity.

What are the most common Windows errors?

1. DLL Errors

Shared DLL files are used by Windows programs and third-party software. If these files are corrupted or deleted, programs will stop running properly or crash with the error message:

The program can’t start because DLL is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix the problem.

A DLL failed to register error is also common. This occurs during installation when the DLL cannot be logged into the Windows registry.

2. Blue Screen of Death (BSoD)

The BSoD is a critical error that shuts Windows down to prevent damage. Windows 10 and 11 often display a clear error message on the blue screen to help you troubleshoot the problem. It can be caused by hardware, software, and problems with system files.

3. Disk Full

These errors occur when there is not enough free space on the hard drive to save a file or install a program. Windows will advise performing a disk cleanup, and tools like Fortect can remove unnecessary junk files to free up further space.

4. Driver errors

Drivers help the operating system interact with your hardware devices. A ‘Driver not found’ error occurs when it is missing or not installed correctly, which can prevent hardware from working.

A similar error reads: “Windows cannot start this hardware device” when it is not recognized in the registry.

5. Access errors

Whenever you receive an Access denied error, it’s because the current user does not have the appropriate permissions to access a file, folder, or system setting.

This occurs with user accounts that are not the admin or to protect all users from accessing important areas of Windows that shouldn’t be altered. However, malware can also interfere with access permissions.

6. Windows Explorer errors

The Windows Explorer has stopped working error happens the file manager for Windows crashes. This can be due to corrupt system files. It is also commonly associated with an outdated or corrupted video driver.

7. Unreadable file or directory

When The file or directory is corrupted or unreadable it refers to a file or folder that has been deleted or damaged on your hard drive.

This often occurs when external storage is accidentally removed but can also happen when a hard drive is failing.

8. Application is not responding

This is a common error when Windows programs and other software freeze. It can be linked to memory and storage issues or damaged system files. While the application usually needs to be ended, sometimes it will revive if you wait a few minutes.

9. Windows Update failed

This error occurs when Windows is unable to install updates, which can cause security vulnerabilities and other issues.

10. Windows activation error

This happens when Windows itself is unable to activate properly, which can prevent the user from using certain features of the operating system. It can be caused by a hardware problem, by reinstalling Windows with the wrong edition, or when trying to use a pirated version of the OS.

A rare manufacturing glitch can also cause activation problems on some computers that have Windows preinstalled.

11. BIOS errors

The BIOS is vital firmware installed on your motherboard, which houses all other computer components. BIOS errors express themselves on startup and can prevent booting to the desktop.

These can occur due to hardware failure, overheating, bad USB ports, and a range of other issues.

How do I fix common Windows errors?

Although Windows has several built-in diagnostic and repair tools, it can be difficult to understand and fix errors manually. One solution is to use a comprehensive third-party Windows repair tool like Fortect.

• Download Fortect Here

After just one scan that takes only a couple of minutes, it will find all common Windows errors and organize them into categories for you to inspect.

This includes:

• An overview of your hardware setup.
• Recently crashed programs from the event log.
• Malware damage and potentially dangerous programs.
• Unneeded files and cache data to clean.
• Broken and missing registry items.
• Bloated browser caches and cookies.

The software then automatically fixes these problems by replacing any damaged or missing files and settings with the blueprints from its database of fully-working Windows systems.

There are many common Windows errors, but it is rare for these to permanently damage your system. Using a tool like Fortect can quickly identify and repair Windows problems without needing any technical knowledge.