How To Repair The Windows 11

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Alright, let's dive deep into the world of Windows 11 repair! Has your trusty Windows 11 installation started acting a little… untrustworthy? Don't panic! Before you consider a complete reinstall, there are several steps you can take to nurse it back to health. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various repair methods, from simple quick fixes to more involved procedures. Let's get started!

Step 1: Initial Quick Checks - The First Line of Defense

Before we delve into more technical solutions, let's perform some basic checks. These might seem simple, but often they can resolve common issues without requiring further intervention.

Check for Simple Errors and Restart

Have you tried turning it off and on again? Yes, it's a cliché, but a simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches and software conflicts. Close all your applications and restart your computer. You'd be surprised how often this works!
Look for error messages: Are you seeing any specific error messages? Note them down! These messages can provide valuable clues about the underlying problem. Search online for the exact error message to see if others have encountered the same issue and found solutions.
Check recent installations: Did the problems start after installing a new application or a driver? If so, try uninstalling the recently installed software to see if that resolves the issue. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find the recently installed program, click the three dots, and select Uninstall.

Step 2: Utilizing Built-in Troubleshooting Tools

Windows 11 comes equipped with several built-in troubleshooters designed to automatically diagnose and fix common problems. Let's explore these.

Running Specific Troubleshooters

Accessing the Troubleshooters: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Here, you'll find a list of various troubleshooters categorized by the type of problem they address (e.g., Internet Connections, Bluetooth, Audio, etc.).
Running the relevant troubleshooter: Identify the troubleshooter that seems most relevant to your issue and click Run next to it. Follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter will attempt to automatically detect and fix any problems it finds. Run multiple troubleshooters if you're experiencing a variety of issues.

Using the System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker is a command-line utility that scans for and restores corrupted Windows system files.

Opening Command Prompt as Administrator: Press the Windows key, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator. Click Yes if prompted.
Running the SFC scan: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
This process might take some time, so be patient. It will scan all protected system files and replace any corrupted ones with cached copies.
Reviewing the results: Once the scan is complete, you might see one of the following messages:
- "Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations." This means no corrupted system files were found.
- "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them." This indicates that the SFC tool found and fixed corrupted files. Restart your computer.
- "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them." If you see this message, proceed to the next step involving the DISM tool.

Employing the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool

The DISM tool is used to repair the Windows image, which is the foundation for your Windows installation. It can often fix issues that SFC cannot.

Opening Command Prompt as Administrator: (Follow the same steps as in the SFC section).
Running the DISM health check: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
This command checks for component store corruption.
Running the DISM scan and restore health: If the health check indicates issues, run the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This command will attempt to repair the Windows image using Windows Update servers. Ensure you have a stable internet connection for this step.
Running SFC again: After the DISM process is complete, it's a good idea to run the sfc /scannow command again to ensure all system files are now in a healthy state.

Step 3: Exploring System Restore

System Restore allows you to revert your computer's system files, installed applications, Windows Registry, and system settings to a previous point in time, known as a restore point. This can be helpful if problems started occurring after a recent change.

Accessing System Restore

Searching for System Restore: Press the Windows key, type restore point, and click on Create a restore point.
Opening System Protection Tab: In the System Properties window, under the System Protection tab, you'll see a list of available drives and their protection status. Ensure that system protection is turned On for your system drive (usually C:).
Initiating System Restore: Click the System Restore... button.
Choosing a Restore Point: The "System Restore" wizard will open. You can choose the recommended restore point or select a different one by clicking Choose a different restore point and then Next. It's usually best to select a restore point created before you started experiencing problems.
Scanning for Affected Programs: Before proceeding with the restore, you can click Scan for affected programs to see which applications and drivers will be affected by the restore process.
Completing the Restore: Once you've selected a restore point, click Next and then Finish. Warning: System Restore will restart your computer, and the process cannot be interrupted.

Step 4: Considering Startup Repair

If your computer is having trouble booting into Windows, the Startup Repair tool might be able to diagnose and fix the problem.

Accessing Startup Repair

Automatic Repair Screen: If Windows fails to start correctly multiple times, it should automatically boot into the Automatic Repair environment.
Manual Access (if Automatic Repair doesn't appear):
1. Power off your computer completely.
2. Power it on, and as soon as you see the manufacturer's logo, hold the power button down again to force a shutdown.
3. Repeat this process (power on, force shutdown) two or three times.
4. On the next startup, Windows should boot into the Automatic Repair environment.
Navigating to Startup Repair: In the Automatic Repair screen, click on Advanced options. Then, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
Running Startup Repair: Select your operating system (usually Windows 11). Startup Repair will then attempt to diagnose and fix startup-related issues. This process might take some time, and your computer might restart.

Step 5: Exploring Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. If your computer runs fine in Safe Mode, it indicates that a third-party application, driver, or startup item is likely causing the problem.

Booting into Safe Mode

From the Automatic Repair Environment: (Follow the steps to access the Automatic Repair environment as described in the Startup Repair section).
1. In the Advanced options screen, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
2. Click Restart.
3. After your computer restarts, you'll see a list of startup options. Press the 4 key or F4 to start in Safe Mode, 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
Troubleshooting in Safe Mode: Once in Safe Mode, try performing the actions that were causing problems in normal mode.
- Uninstall recently installed programs or drivers: If you suspect a particular application or driver, uninstall it.
- Disable startup programs: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Startup tab, and disable any non-essential startup programs.
- Run system scans: You can still run SFC and DISM from Safe Mode (especially Safe Mode with Command Prompt).
Restarting in Normal Mode: After troubleshooting, simply restart your computer to boot back into normal Windows. If the problem is resolved in Safe Mode, you'll need to systematically re-enable startup items and reinstall applications/drivers one by one to identify the culprit.

Step 6: Performing a Reset This PC

If the previous steps haven't resolved your issues, the "Reset This PC" feature allows you to reinstall Windows 11 while choosing to keep your personal files or remove everything.

Accessing Reset This PC

Through Settings: Go to Settings > System > Recovery. Under Recovery options, click the Reset PC button next to "Reset this PC".
From the Windows Recovery Environment: (Follow the steps to access the Automatic Repair environment as described in the Startup Repair section). In the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.

Choosing Reset Options

Keep my files: This option reinstalls Windows but keeps your personal files (documents, photos, etc.). It will remove installed apps and drivers, along with changes you made to settings.
Remove everything: This option removes all your personal files, apps, and settings, essentially giving you a clean installation of Windows. This is a more drastic option but can be effective for resolving persistent issues.
Cloud download vs. Local reinstall: You might be given the option to download the latest Windows installation files from the cloud or use the files already present on your system. Cloud download ensures you have the latest version but requires a stable internet connection.

Completing the Reset

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process. Your computer will restart several times. Be patient, as this process can take a significant amount of time.

Step 7: Considering a Clean Installation

If all other repair methods fail, a clean installation of Windows 11 is the most comprehensive way to resolve persistent and severe issues. This involves completely erasing your hard drive and installing a fresh copy of Windows. Important: This will delete all your data, so ensure you have backed up everything important beforehand.

Prerequisites for a Clean Installation

Windows 11 Installation Media: You'll need a USB drive (at least 8GB) or a DVD with the Windows 11 installation files. You can create this using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website.
Product Key (if required): While often not needed as the license is usually tied to your hardware, have your Windows product key handy just in case.
Backup of Your Data: This is crucial! Copy all your important files to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another safe location.

Performing the Clean Installation

Boot from the Installation Media: Plug in your USB drive or insert the DVD. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing Del, F2, F12, or another key during startup – check your motherboard manufacturer's documentation). In the BIOS/UEFI, change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive or DVD.
Start the Windows Setup: Save the changes in BIOS/UEFI and exit. Your computer will restart and boot from the installation media. Follow the on-screen prompts to begin the Windows setup.
Installation Type: When prompted, choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
Drive Selection: Select the drive where you want to install Windows (usually your primary hard drive). You can delete existing partitions if you want a completely clean installation.
Follow Installation Steps: Continue following the on-screen instructions to install Windows. This includes setting your language, region, keyboard layout, creating a user account, etc.
Install Drivers and Applications: Once Windows is installed, you'll need to install the necessary drivers for your hardware (graphics card, network adapter, etc.) and then reinstall your applications.

Step 8: Updating Your Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause various system issues. Keeping your drivers up to date is crucial for system stability.

Updating Drivers Through Device Manager

Open Device Manager: Press the Windows key, type device manager, and click on Device Manager.
Identify Devices with Issues: Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark, which indicates a problem.
Update Driver: Right-click on the problematic device and select Update driver.
Choose Update Method: You can choose to Search automatically for updated driver software (Windows will try to find a suitable driver online) or Browse my computer for drivers (if you've already downloaded a driver from the manufacturer's website).

Obtaining Drivers from Manufacturer Websites

It's often best to download the latest drivers directly from the websites of your computer or hardware manufacturers (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS for laptops/desktops; NVIDIA, AMD, Intel for graphics cards; etc.).

Step 9: Checking for Malware

Malware infections can cause a wide range of system problems, including performance issues, instability, and even data loss. Running a thorough malware scan is essential.

Using Windows Security

Windows 11 comes with built-in antivirus and anti-malware protection called Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender).

Open Windows Security: Search for "Windows Security" in the Start Menu and open the app.
Run a Scan: Click on Virus & threat protection and then click the Quick scan button. For a more thorough scan, click Scan options and choose Full scan. This will take longer but will check all files and running programs on your system.

Using Third-Party Anti-Malware Tools

Consider using reputable third-party anti-malware software for a more comprehensive scan. Many free and paid options are available.

Step 10: Monitoring System Health

After performing repairs, it's important to monitor your system's health to ensure the issues are resolved and no new problems arise.

Using Performance Monitor

Performance Monitor is a tool that allows you to track various system resources in real-time.

Open Performance Monitor: Press the Windows key, type perfmon, and press Enter.
Monitor Key Metrics: Pay attention to CPU usage, memory usage, disk activity, and network usage. অস্বাভাবিক high usage of any of these resources when your system is idle could indicate a problem.

Checking Event Viewer

Event Viewer records detailed information about significant events on your computer, including errors, warnings, and informational messages.

Open Event Viewer: Press the Windows key, type event viewer, and press Enter.
Examine Logs: Look for errors (red icons) and warnings (yellow icons) in the Windows Logs section, particularly under Application and System. These logs can provide clues about ongoing issues.

How to - Frequently Asked Questions

How to create a system restore point?

Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System, then click System protection on the left. In the System Protection tab, click Create..., enter a description, and click Create.

How to boot into advanced startup options in Windows 11?

Restart your computer while holding down the Shift key, or go to Settings > System > Recovery and click Restart now under Advanced startup.

How to check my disk for errors in Windows 11?

Open File Explorer, right-click on your drive (e.g., C:), select Properties, go to the Tools tab, and click Check under Error checking.

How to update Windows 11 to the latest version?

Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. If updates are available, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.

How to uninstall a problematic Windows update?

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates. Select the update you want to remove and click Uninstall.

How to run a network troubleshooter in Windows 11?

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, find Internet Connections or Network Adapter, and click Run.

How to check my system specifications in Windows 11?

Press the Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. This will open the System Information window.

How to manage startup apps in Windows 11?

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Startup tab, and disable any unnecessary applications that are slowing down your boot time.

How to access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)?

Repeatedly interrupt the normal boot process by powering off your computer during startup a few times. The system should automatically boot into WinRE.

How to back up my files in Windows 11?

Use File History (Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Backup options) or a third-party backup solution to regularly back up your important data to an external drive or cloud storage.

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has provided you with the tools and knowledge to effectively repair your Windows 11 installation! Remember to proceed methodically and back up your data whenever making significant system changes. Good luck!

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