Windows 11 problems: how to muddle the most common issues

Having fuss with Windows 11? We can help

Man having Windows 11 problems with his laptop

(Image: © Marjan Apostolovic / Shutterstock)

If you are experiencing Windows 11 problems, then we can help, as on this pageboy you'll find fixes to the about rough-cut Windows 11 issues out there.

Because Windows 11 is however in its earlyish days, following its launch at the beginning of October (we show you how to download and install Windows 11 if you've not notwithstandin done it), many people have been encountering problems since upgrading, which is an unfortunate realness of new OS launches.

We'll be monitoring the rollout of Windows 11, and if whatsoever big issues come out, we'll try to find the solution and update this guide.

Combined of the most distributed issues, and the most embarrassing, involves PCs with current AMD processors distress from a noticeable dip  in performance, especially when gaming. The dependable news is that AMD and Microsoft have worked on a fix, and we excuse how to implement it on a lower floor.

If you're distress from a Windows 11 problem that we harbour't covered, follow us on Twitter and let us know and we'll do what we can to find a root. We'll also go along to update this clause with every last the latest problems and fixes when we hear about them.

Windows 11 installation problems

How to fix Windows 11 installation problems

If you'rhenium encountering problems installing Windows 11 via Windows 10's update tool, don't panic. Windows 10 has a inherent troubleshooter that commode serve identify any problems. This can as wel readjust the Windows Update app, which can help kickstart the installation.

To DO this, clack the Start menu, then click the sprocket icon on the left, which will open upward the Settings windowpane. Dawn 'Update & Security department' then 'Troubleshoot'. Click on 'Windows Update' then 'Run the troubleshooter' and take after the operating instructions, and click 'Apply this set' if the troubleshooter finds a solution.

Chip the Windows 11 arrangement requirements

To install Windows 11, or to ensure that it runs correctly, you'll need to make a point that your Personal computer matches the following Windows 11 minimum system requirements:

  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or quicker with leastways two cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC
  • Jam: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB
  • System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot up to
  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0
  • Graphics Card: DirectX 12 or subsequent with WDDM 2.0 driver
  • Display: 720p, 8-bit per color channel, at least 9-edge in sloped
  • Internet Connection and Microsoft Account: Windows 11 Home requires an active net connection and a Microsoft Account to complete initial, first-use setup of the operating system of rules, surgery when switching a device out of Windows 11 Place in S-mode.

For a complete list of additional, not-essential requirements, check out Microsoft's Windows 11 specification paginate.

These are the minimum spectacles requisite for functional Windows 11, but for the best Windows 11 see, we recommend you install it on a gimmick that's Thomas More potent. The 4GB Random access memory requirement is especially low – we wouldn't recommend trying to run Windows 11 on anything with less than 8GB of RAM.

Microsoft health checker, Windows 11

(Image credit: Future)

Windows 11 compatibility check

In case your system meets the preceding criteria, you motivation to run a medical examination to keep your system ready to put in Windows 11.

  • To run the health check you need to eldest download and install Microsoft's Personal computer Health Check app
  • Once installed, ravel the program
  • Click on the blue coloured "Check Straightaway" button on the Windows 11 banner
  • If your system is matched, you'll get a pop-up stating "This PC will run Windows 11"

Windows 11 won't escape due to TPM

Just in case Microsoft's Windows 11 promote checker tells you that your PC ISN't nourished but it meets all the other requirements then you need to check your BIOS to enable TPM.

Almost every modern CPU comes with TPM support. In case you wealthy person an Intel CPU then you need to shift to TPM and for AMD you need to check PSP fTPM in the BIOS. Once done, you canful run Microsoft's health checker app to confirm the status. This should allow Windows 11 to install.

You can check the status of TPM endorse in your PC buy doing the following:

  • Press Windows key + R
  • When the box appears, type tpm.msc to open the Trusted Platform Module Management window
  • Look for a sub-window titled TPM Producer Info and handicap low Specification Version to see what TPM adaptation your device has

Error message saying that Windows 11 cannot be installed

(Figure credit: Microsoft)

How to upgrade to Windows 11 without TPM 2.0

If you cannot install Windows 11 because your Personal computer does not have TPM 2.0, then you'll get an error message when trying to install it that says your Personal computer doesn't meet Windows 11 system requirements.

If this happens and you still want to install Windows 11, there is a room to acquire around the TPM requirement, but this should but beryllium done by people WHO are confident about the risks it involves.

It's a complex process, so read our how to upgrade to Windows 11 without TPM 2.0 guide for the full rundown, including a view the risks involved.

Free prepared disk space

A with early operating systems, Windows 11 requires a certain amount of money of Winchester drive space to successfully download and install. If your main hard motor (where Windows 10 is installed, usually the C: drive), is almost full, then you'll encounter problems when trying to install Windows 11.

The Windows 11 requires 64GB of memory board.

So, the first thing you should do if Windows 11 install fails is to check your drive infinite in Windows Explorer. If it is running out of space, try typing in "Disk Clean-up" in the search box happening the taskbar and select the organisation disk (commonly the C: drive).

Free up space to fix Windows 11 problems

Click 'OK' then select the ticking boxes of the files you want to edit. These should be safe to remove, but remember you can't think back them once they're bygone. You'll personify told how so much space you'll save. Snap 'OK' then 'Delete files' to remove the files. If you want to create more space, click 'Neaten organization files'.

Once that's done, try downloading and installing Windows 11 again.

Antivirus software on a laptop

Disable anti-virus software

Antivirus software is certainly reformative to have, but it can sometimes crusade problems when nerve-wracking to install Windows 11.

If you have antivirus software installed, try disabling that ahead trying to install Windows 11, atomic number 3 that may fix the job. You should then enable it and utilisation it normally once the installation has completed.

You may symmetrical need to uninstall the computer software temporarily. Just make sure that you reinstall it once the update installs successfully.

How to fix general Windows 11 problems

Wi-Fi modem in home

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Net is slow after upgrading to Windows 11

New reports are emergent about some people experiencing broke Wi-Fi carrying out after installing Windows 11.

It seems streaming movies, using VPNs, and general cyberspace browse may be stupid, and it seems to be affecting people exploitation Intel Killer hardware.

Microsoft is aware of this takings, and will release a Windows 11 cumulative update happening October 12 to hopefully fix the problem.

Until then, you could try victimization an external USB Wi-Fi dongle if you have unrivaled.

Windows 11

(Image credit: Microsoft)

On that point's presently an payof with the fresh Start Menu look for bar that prevents it from beingness typed into. In that location are other ways to do a search along Windows 11, but for anyone delivery this habit with them over from a previous OS IT's a nuisance to convert.

Microsoft has too known the problem, stating that opening the Run window will enable you to type into the search saloon once more. You sack do this by hitting Win+Ron your keyboard, and when information technology appears you can close information technology atomic number 3 you don't actually need to case Oregon run anything. Simply opening and closedown the platform seems to resolve the search box issue.

It isn't shed light on when we can await a patch to officially correct the bug, but given this is a rather funky workaround it's likely something more permanent is currently being worked on.

File Internet Explorer still looks like Windows 10

Some people have been complaining that since upgrading to Windows 11, the Single file Explorer still looks the same arsenic Windows 10.

This is in reality a skin that replicated the older Windows 10 layout, but it's unclear why some users are getting this as a default on. Thankfully, there is a simple fix:

  • On the top of the File Explorer taskbar, select 'View'
  • Select 'Options' on the far right hand, and head into the next 'View'
  • You should now watch a name. Look for the option that reads 'Launch pamphlet windows in a separate process'. Guarantee the box next to information technology is ungoverned
  • Apply the changes. File out Explorer should now initiate a restart

After File Explorer has restarted you should now see the redesigned layout for Windows 11.

Windows 11 screenshot

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

The Widgets board is a new partially of Windows 11 that holds small apps, known atomic number 3 'Widgets' that give you quick access to information, such Eastern Samoa news and events in your calendar.

Nevertheless, some masses have institute that the Doojigger board appears empty (IT hindquarters be brought up be swiping from the remaining-hand side of the screen or pressing Windows + W on your keyboard).

Screenshot of Windows 11 Widget board

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

To fix this, click the icon in the top right-pass on recess of the Widgets board, so click 'Sign out'.

Next, sign in again and the Widgets should appear.

Windows 11 retention issues

There are reports that when users close File Explorer in Windows 11, information technology stiff in Pound, and subsequently a while that can grounds memory issues that slow the operating system.

Microsoft hasn't acknowledged this problem yet, but there is a workaround. Restart File in Explorer (in the Task Managing director, you'll find Windows Explorer listed as a process, and if you click on it, thither's a 'Restart' button bottom-ethical), or just bring up your PC.

In the Undertaking Manager you can likewise see how much retention that File Internet Explorer is consuming.

Windows 11 Start menu

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Some readers have contacted us nigh their Start menus no yearner working after upgrading to Windows 11.

If this happens when victimization Windows 11, judge restarting your Personal computer. With the Start card out of action, you can execute this by switching to the Windows 11 desktop by pressing the Windows Key + D connected your keyboard, past pressing Alt + F4. A window will appear and you can take 'Restart' and click 'OK'.

If the Kickoff menu clay unresponsive after a restart, and so you Crataegus laevigata need to use the DISM (Deployment Look-alike Service and Management) and SFC (System File cabinet Checker) tools.

To do so, press Windows Key + R to unrestricted the Running play box, and character in:

              cmd            

So, press Ctril + Change + Enter to open ai the Prompt in with Administrator privileges (which you'll indigence to run these tools).

In the Prompt, enrol the following:

              DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth            

This should clean dormy any corrupt files from the Windows 11 upgrade, and may take some time.

Once it has finished, enter the following text into the Bid Prompt:

              sfc /scannow            

Press Enter on your keyboard and the tool will scan to check every the files are correct. At one time done, your Start menu should work once again.

If that doesn't work, some people have found by creating a hot user story on the PC, and victimization that, has fixed the put out. It's non ideal, however, so hopefully Microsoft will release a fix for this Windows 11 problem soon.

Image of an AMD chip

(Image credit: Religion Wiediger/Shutterstock)

Poor Windows 11 performance with AMD processors

Unitary of the most promulgated Windows 11 problems has been with play PCs running AMD processors, with people complaining that they have seen As very much like a 15% drop in play performance afterward installing the new OS.

This is obviously a big fear, especially As Microsoft was touting how good Windows 11 will be for gaming. The good word is that Microsoft and AMD have been practical hard on a fix, which is directly lendable.

Thither are two fixes registered on AMD's website. The first addresses the consequence where functional L3 cache latency increases in some applications. For this problem, Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 software update, KB5006746, which you should download and install. You give the axe do this via the Windows Update app in Windows 11.

AMD has also free a Chipset Driver package that fixes an issue where 8-inwardness AMD processors and higher were seeing reduced performance due to incorrectly scheduled threads.

If you have a modern AMD CPU and have found your PC's operation to have been impacted away installing Windows 11, then make a point you utilize both these updates, which bequeath hopefully fix the issue.

  • These are the 100 about common Windows 10 problems

You might also want to check up on how to fix a stuck Windows update.

Matt Hanson

Senior Computing editor in chief

Matt (Twitter) is TechRadar's Older Computer science editor. Having written for a number of publications much as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate active, especially computing and PC gaming. If you're encountering a problem or need some advice with your PC or Mac, drop him a line on Twitter.

Windows 11 problems: how to fix the most common issues

Source: https://www.techradar.com/how-to/windows-11-problems-how-to-fix-the-most-common-issues