How to use the Troubleshoot feature to fix problems on Windows 11

How-to
By
last updated

Your computer can fix itself automatically with the Troubleshoot feature, and here's how to use it on Windows 11.

Windows 11 Troubleshoot feature
Windows 11 Troubleshoot feature (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
Jump to:

On Windows 11, "Troubleshoot" is a feature that uses diagnostic data to detect and fix common problems automatically. It can restore critical service settings, make system changes on your behalf to match the hardware configuration or adjust settings to help keep the computer running smoothly.

The Troubleshoot feature can also suggest fixes for problems that are not critical to operating Windows 11 but may still impact the experience. For example, it may recommend disabling an app or feature that is not working as intended until a fix is released through Windows Update.

Furthermore, if you ever encounter a problem with an internet connection, audio, printer, Bluetooth, or Windows Update, you can run many troubleshooters manually to resolve the issue quickly.

In this how-to guide, I will walk you through the steps to fix problems with the Troubleshoot feature.

How to manage Troubleshoot settings on Windows 11

To change the Troubleshoot settings on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click the Troubleshoot page on the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Select the best option for your computer using the "Recommended troubleshooter preference" setting:
  • Run automatically, don't notify me — Recommended fixes will apply automatically without user interaction.
  • Run automatically, then notify me—This option applies the fixes automatically, and the system will notify you about the changes.
  • Ask me before running (default) — You will need to review the notification before applying it.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will run and apply fixes according to your configuration.

How to run Troubleshoot on Windows 11

While the system will fix problems automatically, you can also run troubleshooters manually for many issues that may appear on your computer.

To fix common Windows 11 problems with Troubleshoot, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click the Troubleshoot page on the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Click the Other troubleshooters page on the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Select the topic that best describes the problem and click the Run button.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Continue with the on-screen directions in the Get Help app.

After you complete the steps, the system will give you through the troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue. 

Although you can always open the Get Help app to search for self-help articles, the app can also assist you in automating the process of fixing problems related to audio, network and internet, printer, system update, camera, video, and more.

How to view Troubleshoot history on Windows 11

To review previous fixes with Troubleshoot, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click the Troubleshoot page on the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Click the "Recommended troubleshooter history" page on the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Review the troubleshooter history (if applicable).

Once you complete the steps, the fixes that the system tried to apply automatically will appear on this page. However, manual troubleshooters, such as those to fix internet connections, audio, printer, updates, and others, won't appear in the history page.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources: 

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.