If you’ve upgraded to Windows 10, you’ll know that it’s a big improvement on its predecessors and has some great features. However, like every other operating system, it’s not perfect and you will sometimes run into problems. Fortunately, very few PC problems are without a solution. Here are 10 of the most common Windows 10 problems and how to fix them.
1. Not enough space to install a Windows update
If you want a quick way to free up tens of gigabytes of space, we recommend CleanMyPC. It will uninstall apps and all their files, clean up Windows Registry database, and remove temporary files that are still hanging around. It can remove files automatically, after scanning your PC, or you can choose to review the results of the scan and decide for yourself what to delete. You can download it for free here.
Another way to deal with this problem is auto free up space on your hard drive or SSD. One way to do that is to use the Built in Disk Cleanup tool.
- Click on the Start menu
- Choose All Programs
- Select Accessories, then System Tools
- Click on Disk Cleanup
- Under the Files to delete heading, choose which file types you want to remove
- If you’re not sure about which file types to get rid of, select each one in turn and read its description
- When you’ve selected the file types to delete, click OK
You can also free up space by manually archiving and removing large and old files and uninstalling applications, however, it will take much of your time.
2. PC boots slowly
There are a number of reasons Windows 10 might be booting slowly. The first two things to check are that Windows is up to date and hasn’t been infected with malware.
To check for malware:
- Press the Windows key and “I”
- Choose Update & Security
- Select Windows Defender
- Click on Open Windows Defender
- Press Full Scan and the Scan now
Once it’s finished scanning, follow the on-screen instructions.
To check for updates to Windows, go to Updates & Security and the select the option to either check for updates or install available updates.
Another option is to disable startup programs, that slow down your PC’s boot. The simplest way to do that is to use CleanMyPC. It allows you to manage autorun applications in just a few clicks.
3. Files open in the wrong application
Most of us double-click a file to open it, but if the file association in Windows is broken, as it often is, it won’t open in the app you expect it to. You can fix that by clicking on the Start menu and choosing Settings. Click on the System tab and look for the category labelled “default apps.” In there, you can choose what app opens each type of file and specify an app for different file extensions.
4. Windows uses 4G data when you don’t want it to
If you’re using a personal hot spot to connect to the internet over 4G, the last thing you want is for background processes and downloads to eat up your bandwidth.
- Click on the Start menu and choose Settings
- Click Network & Internet
- Select Wi-Fi, then Advanced Options
- Switch “Set as metered connection” to the ON position
5. You can’t play DVD movies
Windows 10 doesn’t have its own built-in DVD player anymore. Probably because Microsoft assumes everyone watches movies online. You can pay to download a DVD player from Microsoft, but a better idea is to download VLC instead. It’s free and will play your DVDs.
6. Too many notifications
Action Center in Windows 10 is great for keeping all your notifications in one place. However, it can quickly become cluttered with messages you’re not really interested in from apps you hardly ever use. Fortunately, you can switch those off.
- Go to the Start menu and choose Settings
- Click on System, then choose Notifications & Actions
- Use the toggle switches to control how and when notifications appear, or if they appear at all. As well as controlling system level notifications, you can set them on a per-app basis.
If you do not longer need the program with annoying notifications, you can uninstall it and forget the pain. CleanMyPC’s Multi Uninstaller is the right tool to get rid of such apps completely and for good.
7. Your privacy settings aren’t right for you
The default privacy settings in Windows 10 might be fine for many people, but for lots of others, they’re likely to allow too much access to personal data. Here’s how to change them.
- Go to Settings from the Start menu
- Choose Privacy
- Go through each section on the left hand side in turn (General, location, camera, microphone, etc)
- Review the settings in each section and use the toggle switches to adjust them to suit your preference
8. System Restore has gone missing
System restore hasn’t disappeared in Windows 20, but it is turned off by default, for reasons best known to Microsoft. To turn it on, do the following:
- Click on the Start menu and type ‘system restore’ into the search box
- Select Create a restore point
- When you see the System Properties panel, click on the System Protection tab
- Make sure your C: drive is selected and press Configure
- Click the radio button next to Turn on system protection
- Use the slider to specify how much of your hard drive to use for restore points — 5-10% should do it
9. Too many pop ups in Edge
Pop up adverts can be very frustrating. Fortunately, Edge has a built-in pop-up blocker, though it’s off by default. To turn it on, launch Edge, click on the More button (three dots) and choose Settings, then View advanced settings. Set Block pop-ups to “On”.
10. Printer trouble
Printers are a common source of trouble, but it can often be easily fixed.
- Go to Control Panel, then choose Devices and Printers.
- Right-click on your printer and choose to remove it.
Now, go to your printer maker’s website and download the latest drivers for your printer and follow the instructions to install them.
Windows 10 problems don’t have to cause you nightmares. If you follow the tips here, you can resolve the most common ones quickly and easily. And, don’t forget to download CleanMyPC and let it help you clear space, speed up your PC and fix other annoying Windows 10 issues.