Top 10 Common Windows 11 Errors (2026) – Causes & Fixes

Windows 11 can occasionally encounter errors that frustrate users and slow down productivity. From app crashes to system freezes, this Top 10 Common Windows 11 Errors Guide (2026) walks you through each error, explaining the cause and providing step-by-step solutions to fix them quickly.

Note: Want specialized fixes? Check our related guides for Performance Optimization and Slow Boot Fixes.

Quick Navigation

• 1. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
• 2. High CPU & RAM Usage
• 3. Slow Boot Time
• 4. 100% Disk Usage
• 5. Application Crashes
• 6. Windows Update Failures
• 7. Network Connectivity Issues
• 8. Missing Drivers
• 9. Gaming Performance Drops
• 10. File Explorer Not Responding
• FAQ

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1. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

BSOD occurs when Windows detects a critical system failure. Causes include faulty drivers, incompatible software, or hardware issues.

Fix Steps:

1. Boot into Safe Mode (Shift + Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Enable Safe Mode)
2. Update all drivers via Device Manager or manufacturer site
3. Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Check RAM & SSD health using MemTest86 and chkdsk

2. High CPU & RAM Usage

Some processes and background apps can consume excessive resources, slowing down your PC.

Fix Steps:

1. Open Task Manager and identify resource-heavy processes
2. Disable unnecessary startup apps and background services
3. Adjust visual effects for best performance in System Properties → Performance Settings

3. Slow Boot Time

Excessive startup programs and services increase boot time significantly.

• Disable non-critical startup apps in Task Manager → Startup
• Keep security and driver services enabled
• Use Fast Startup (Settings → System → Power & Battery → Additional Power Settings)

4. 100% Disk Usage

High disk activity can freeze your PC. Common causes are antivirus scans, background indexing, or old HDD limitations.

• Run Storage Sense to clear junk files
• Check disk health using chkdsk
• Disable SysMain (Superfetch) on older HDDs
• Ensure TRIM is enabled for SSDs

5. Application Crashes

Apps may crash due to compatibility issues or corrupted files.

Fix Steps:

1. Update the app to the latest version
2. Reinstall if crashes persist
3. Check for Windows updates

6. Windows Update Failures

Updates sometimes fail due to corrupted components or conflicting software.

• Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
• Reset Windows Update components using Command Prompt
• Ensure enough free disk space for updates

7. Network Connectivity Issues

Problems with Wi-Fi or Ethernet can result from drivers or misconfigurations.

• Update network drivers
• Run Network Troubleshooter (Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network Troubleshooter)
• Reset TCP/IP using netsh int ip reset

8. Missing Drivers

Missing drivers can disable hardware functionality.

• Use Device Manager to identify missing drivers
• Download drivers from the official manufacturer website
• Keep drivers updated to prevent future errors

9. Gaming Performance Drops

Gaming performance can lag due to outdated GPU drivers, overlays, or background apps.

• Enable Game Mode in Windows Settings
• Update GPU drivers regularly
• Set High Performance power plan
• Disable overlays and background recording software

10. File Explorer Not Responding

File Explorer may freeze due to corrupt cache or third-party shell extensions.

• Clear File Explorer history (File Explorer Options → Clear)
• Restart Windows Explorer in Task Manager
• Use ShellExView to disable problematic extensions

Vital System Error Check

Error	Before Fix	After Fix	Status
BSOD Occurrences	2–5 per month	0–1 per month	✅ Fixed
CPU Usage	50–90%	5–20%	✅ Improved
RAM Usage	60–85%	30–50%	✅ Improved
Disk Active Time	80–100%	5–15%	✅ Fixed

Final Verdict

Most Windows 11 errors are **fixable without reinstalling the OS**. With proper driver updates, system optimization, and hardware checks, users can restore stability, speed, and performance across all workloads.

Share Your Experience

Which error was the most troublesome for you, and which fix helped the most? 🚀

• 💻 BSOD fixes
• ⚡ High CPU & RAM optimization
• 🕒 Faster boot times
• 🎮 Gaming performance improvements

Comment below to share your results and help other readers!

Related Guides

• Windows 11 Performance Optimization Guide
• Fix Windows 11 Slow Boot

QE

Quick Error Fixes Editorial Team

Specialists in Windows kernel optimization and hardware diagnostics with over 10 years of experience in system recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can all Windows 11 errors be fixed without reinstalling?
A: Yes, most errors like BSOD, high CPU/RAM usage, and slow boot can be fixed with proper optimizations and driver updates.

Q2: How do I prevent errors from recurring?
A: Regularly update drivers, optimize startup programs, maintain disk health, and apply Windows updates.

Q3: Which error is most common in Windows 11?
A: BSOD and high CPU/RAM usage are the most frequently reported errors.

Q4: How often should I check system performance?
A: Monthly checks are recommended, especially after updates or installing new software.

Q5: Can hardware cause repeated errors?
A: Yes, failing SSDs, bad RAM, or outdated firmware can trigger repeated errors even after software fixes.