Complete Windows 11 System Troubleshooting Guide [2026]
Quick Answer: System issues stem from corrupted files, update problems, or app cache. This guide covers Settings, search, notifications, and recovery.
Settings & Apps Issues
| Issue | Fix | Collector |
|-------|-----|-----------|
| Settings app crashing | Run SFC/DISM | check_windows11_ui |
| Windows Store not opening | wsreset.exe | check_windows11_ui |
| Snipping Tool not working | Repair/reset app | check_windows11_ui |
| Calculator not opening | Reinstall via PowerShell | check_app_cache |
| Photos app crashing | Reset app | check_app_cache |
Quick Fix Commands
# Run system file checker
sfc /scannow
# DISM repair
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
# Reset Windows Store
wsreset.exe
Start Menu & Taskbar
| Issue | Fix | |-------|-----| | Start menu not opening | Restart Explorer | | Taskbar disappeared | Check tablet mode, restart | | Action Center not opening | Restart Explorer |
Search Problems
| Issue | Fix | Blog | |-------|-----|------| | Search not typing | Restart SearchHost | | File Explorer search slow | Rebuild index | | Windows search not working | Restart WSearch service |
Notifications
| Issue | Fix | |-------|-----| | Notifications not showing | Disable Focus assist | | Print Screen not working | Disable Snipping Tool override | | Clipboard not working | Restart rdpclip |
Windows Update
| Issue | Fix | |-------|-----| | Windows Update stuck | Clear SoftwareDistribution | | System Restore not working | Run in Safe Mode |
System Recovery Commands
# System restore
rstrui.exe
# Reset this PC
systemreset -cleanpc
# Advanced startup
shutdown /r /o /f /t 00
When to Use Againly
Againly runs check_windows11_ui to detect system issues.