Top 20 Windows Errors and Their Solutions – 2026

Let’s have an honest conversation today. Windows is the world’s most popular operating system – especially in India. Whether it’s a government office, a school computer lab, a startup workspace, or a laptop used by children at home for homework, Windows is running on them all. However, being popular doesn’t mean being perfect. All of us Windows users can agree on one thing: errors are a frequent occurrence. Sometimes it’s the “Blue Screen of Death,” sometimes a failed update, sometimes a “DLL missing” alert, sometimes “Access Denied,” and sometimes error codes that look as if they were written in an alien language.

Now, the problem is that when errors strike, most people in India either call upon the “kid next door”, who will “install Windows” for a fee of ₹300–₹500, or they end up making things even worse by blindly following random videos on YouTube. However, if you were familiar with the top 20 most common Windows errors and their precise solutions, you could resolve 90% of these issues yourself – without having to pay anyone a single rupee.

In this article, we will walk you through the 20 most common Windows errors and their solutions, step-by-step – describing each error, an explanation of why it occurs, and the exact fix. So, let’s get started.

How to navigate this article?

The 20 errors have been divided into 5 categories:

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) – The Most Terrifying Errors and Their Solutions (#1–#5)

#1. IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

This is the most common BSOD error. In India, this error frequently appears on most budget laptops (in the ₹25,000–₹40,000 range) – especially when running heavy software such as Tally or AutoCAD, or when multiple Chrome tabs are open.

Why it occurs:
This error is triggered when a kernel-mode process or driver attempts to access a memory location for which it lacks permission. Simply put, a driver or system process is crossing memory boundaries.

Primary Causes:

• Faulty or incompatible device drivers
• Corrupt system files
• Hardware issue (especially RAM)

How to fix:

• Boot into Safe Mode: Hold down Shift while restarting > Troubleshoot > Startup Settings > Safe Mode
• Roll back recently installed drivers: Device Manager > Problem device > Driver tab > Roll Back
• SFC scan: In Command Prompt (Admin):

sfc /scannow

• RAM Check: Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool (search for “memory” in the Start menu).
• Driver Update: Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website – generic Windows drivers often cause problems.

#2. CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED

This error occurs when an essential Windows system process terminates unexpectedly. Think of it as a vital organ of Windows ceasing to function.

Why it occurs:

• Corrupted system files
• Bad Windows Update
• Driver conflicts
• Malware infection

How to fix:

Step 1 – DISM + SFC (This combo fixes most cases):

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

First, run DISM – this repairs the Windows Component Store. Then, run SFC – this checks and fixes system files.

Step 2 – Clean Boot: Boot with all third-party services disabled:

• Win+R > msconfig > Services tab > “Hide all Microsoft services” ✅ > Disable all > Restart
• If the problem does not occur during a Clean Boot, enable the services one by one to identify the culprit.

Step 3 – System Restore: If the problem started recently:

• Win+R > rstrui > Go to the previous stable restore point.

Step 4 – Last resort – Windows Repair Install:

• Create a bootable USB using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool > Run Setup.exe > Select “Keep personal files and apps”.

#3. SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION

This BSOD occurs when a system service crashes – usually due to a driver fault.

Why it occurs:
The name of a .sys file often appears in the error message – that is the culprit driver.

• nvlddmkm.sys = NVIDIA Graphics driver
• atikmdag.sys = AMD Graphics driver
• ntfs.sys = File system/disk issue
• win32kfull.sys = Display / GUI driver

how to fix:

• Identify the Driver: Note down the .sys filename displayed on the BSOD screen.
• Analyze the minidump file using BlueScreenView (a free tool available at nirsoft.net) – it pinpoints exactly which driver caused the crash.
• Update/Reinstall the Culprit Driver:
• NVIDIA: Download the latest version from nvidia.com/drivers.
• AMD: Download the latest version from amd.com/support.
• Completely remove the old driver first using DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller), then perform a fresh installation.

#4. KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR

This indicates a hard drive or SSD problem. Windows is attempting to read data from the disk but is failing.

Why it occurs:

• Hard disk bad sectors
• SSD failing
• Corrupt file system
• SATA cable loose (on desktops)

How to fix:

Step 1 – CHKDSK:

chkdsk C: /f /r

It will be scheduled for the next restart – it will perform a disk check and repair during boot-up. On an HDD, this process may take 2–4 hours.

Step 2 – Drive Health Check:
Install CrystalDiskInfo (free) :

• “Good” = Drive OK ✅
• “Caution” = Drive aging ⚠️ – Take backup, make replacement plan
• “Bad” = Drive failing ❌ – immediate backup, ASAP replace

Step 3 – SATA Cable Check (Desktop):
Open the PC and check that the SATA and power cables for the HDD/SSD are firmly connected.

#5. MEMORY_MANAGEMENT

RAM (memory)-related BSOD. Faulty RAM or extreme memory pressure is the cause.

How to fix:

• Windows Memory Diagnostic: Start > Search for “Windows Memory Diagnostic” > Restart and check
• MemTest86 (Free – memtest86.com) – Boot from a USB drive to perform a thorough RAM test (Run it overnight and check the results in the morning)
• If errors are detected, the RAM stick is faulty; replace it.
• Using a dual RAM setup? Test the sticks one by one to identify which one is defective.

Windows Update Errors and Their Solutions (#6–#9)

#6. Error 0x80070002 – Update Files Missing

Windows Update starts, downloads some content, and then fails.

Why this occurs: The update components are corrupted, or the update files were downloaded incompletely.

How to fix it:

Method 1 – Windows Update Troubleshooter:
Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run
This automated tool automatically fixes 40–50% of update errors.

Method 2 – Reset Update Components:
CMD (Admin):

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Then Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates

Method 3 – Manual Update:
Search the KB number of the failed update on Microsoft Update Catalogue> download > manually install

#7. Error 0x80073712 – Component Store Corruption

The Windows Update internal database has become corrupt.

How to fix it:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

Then, restart your computer and retry the update.

If DISM also fails – Repair using the Windows Installation USB:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:D:\Sources\install.wim

#8. Error 0x800f0922 – System Reserved Partition Full

The update cannot be installed because there is insufficient space in the System Reserved partition.

Why this happens (India-Specific): Many local computer shops do not properly configure the partition scheme while installing Windows. The System Reserved partition should be between 100–500 MB; however, it is sometimes left with only 50 MB of space.

How to fix it:

• Check the size of the System Reserved partition using Disk Management (Win+R > diskmgmt.msc).
• Resize the partition using MiniTool Partition Wizard (free).
• Alternatively, disable your VPN if you are connected – sometimes a VPN causes this error.

#9. Windows Update Stuck – Stalled at “Working on Updates”

“Working on updates 35%, Don’t turn off your computer” – and it has been stuck at 35% for 2 hours.

In India, power cuts and unstable internet make this problem even more common.

How to Fix It:

• Wait for 30–45 minutes – some updates genuinely take time.
• If it has been stuck for over an hour, perform a force shutdown by holding down the power button for 10 seconds.
• Windows will automatically roll back the update upon restarting.
• Boot into Safe Mode and retry the update.
• Alternatively, rename the SoftwareDistribution folder to force a fresh download of the update.

Prevention Tip: Before starting Windows Update, ensure that your laptop is fully charged or connected to a charger, you have a stable internet connection, and there is at least 15–20 GB of free space available.

System Files & DLL Errors and Their Solutions (#10–#13)

#10. “VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing.”

In India, this is perhaps the most frequently encountered DLL error – Tally, games, and many other software applications trigger this error.

Why it occurs: The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is either not installed or is corrupted.

How to fix it:

• Download Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable – install both x86 and x64 versions.
• Restart.
• If the error persists, reinstall the affected software.

⚠️ Never download individual DLL files from random websites – they may contain malware.

#11. “Windows Resource Protection Found Corrupt Files But Was Unable to Fix Some”

I ran SFC /scannow and received this message – now what?

How to Fix It:

This occurs because the source (the Windows Component Store) from which SFC retrieves healthy copies for repairs is itself corrupt. Therefore:

Step 1: First, repair the Component Store:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

(An internet connection is required – healthy files will be downloaded via Windows Update.)

Step 2: Then, run SFC again:

sfc /scannow

This sequence (DISM first, SFC afterwards) works in over 90% of cases.

Step 3 (If DISM also fails): Try in Safe Mode, or perform an offline repair using a Windows Installation USB.

#12. “.NET Framework Error” – Program Not Installing/Running

Many Indian government and banking software applications require the .NET Framework, such as TRACES, GST portal Java applets, and the Income Tax e-filing utility.

How to Fix:

• Enable via Windows Features: Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows Features On/Off > .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8 (both)
• If the online installation fails, use the offline method:

DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /Source:D:\sources\sxs /All

(D: = Windows Installation USB/DVD drive letter)

• Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool (free) – automated repair

#13. “Side-by-Side Configuration is Incorrect”

This cryptic error appears when launching the application.

Why it occurs: The Visual C++ Redistributable versions are mismatched or corrupt.

How to fix it:

• Uninstall all Visual C++ Redistributable versions (Control Panel > Programs).
• Restart.
• Perform a fresh installation of all versions using the Visual C++ All-in-One Pack.
• Reinstall the affected application.
• Run sfc /scannow.

Application and Permission Errors and Their Solutions (#14–#17)

#14. “This App Can’t Run on Your PC”

This error occurs when running certain old or incompatible software on Windows 10/11.

How to fix it:

• System type check: Settings > System > About > System type – 64-bit or 32-bit?
• Correct version download: Download the correct version for your system (x64/x86) from the software’s website.
• Compatibility Mode: Right-click on Software > Properties > Compatibility > “Run in compatibility mode for” > Select Windows 7/8 > Apply
• Run as Administrator: Right-click > Run as Administrator

#15. “Access Denied” / “You Don’t Have Permission”

This error occurs when opening, deleting, or modifying a file or folder.

How to fix it:

Method 1 – Run as Admin:
Program पर Right-click > Run as Administrator

Method 2 – Take Ownership:

• Right-click on File/Folder > Properties > Security > Advanced > Change (Owner)
• Type your username > Check Names > OK
• “Replace owner on subcontainers” ✅ > Apply

Method 3 – CMD (forceful):

takeown /f "C:\path\to\file" /r /d y
icacls "C:\path\to\file" /grant administrators:F /t

Method 4 – Safe Mode:
Boot into Safe Mode to operate – permission restrictions are relaxed in Safe Mode.

#16. “Application has Stopped Working” / App Crash

The program crashes immediately upon opening or shuts down in the middle of use.

How to fix:

• App-specific cache clear: Delete App’s AppData folder:
  C:\Users[Name]\AppData\Local[App Name]
• Try Compatibility Mode
• Check app update
• Reinstall the App (Uninstall > Restart > Fresh Install)
• Check Event Viewer: Win+R > eventvwr.msc > Windows Logs > Application – error details will be available.

#17. “Windows SmartScreen Prevented an Unrecognized App”

This error occurs frequently in India because many local Indian software applications (such as state government portals, banking tokens, and digital signature tools) do not possess SmartScreen certification.

How to Fix:

• Click on “More Info” > Click “Run Anyway”
• ⚠️ Do this only for software downloaded from trusted sources.
• Do not completely disable SmartScreen – it poses a security risk.
• If the prompt keeps reappearing: Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > App & Browser Control > Reputation-based protection settings > SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge = Warn (Not Off)

Boot & Disk Errors and Their Solutions (#18–#20)

#18. “BOOTMGR is Missing” – Windows Is Not Booting

This error appears when you turn on your PC, and Windows fails to load.

Why it occurs:

• Boot Manager file is corrupt or missing
• BIOS boot order glitch
• Hard drive connection loose (desktops)
• MBR (Master Boot Record) damaged

How to fix:

Step 1 – BIOS Boot Order Check:

• Enter the BIOS (press F2/F10/Del at startup).
• Ensure the hard drive/SSD is listed first in the Boot Order.
• If a USB drive or CD drive is listed first, remove it.

Step 2 – Boot Repair via Installation USB:

• Boot from Windows Installation USB
• “Repair your computer” > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

• Restart

Step 3 – Startup Repair:

• Installation USB > Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Startup Repair
• Windows will automatically detect and fix boot problems

#19. “Preparing Automatic Repair” Loop

Windows restarts, displays “Preparing Automatic Repair,” fails, restarts again, and returns to the same screen – an infinite loop.

This is one of the most frustrating Windows errors. Many people get stuck in this loop and end up reinstalling Windows – but in most cases, their data can be saved.

How to Fix It:

Method 1 – WinRE Access:

• Perform a force shutdown 3 times (interrupt the boot attempt) – The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) will open.
• Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt
• Run:

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Method 2 – Safe Mode:

• WinRE > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart > 4 (Safe Mode)
• Uninstall recently installed software/drivers in Safe Mode

Method 3 – System Restore:

• WinRE > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore
• Select the previous working restore point

Method 4 – Boot Record Repair:

• WinRE > Command Prompt:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Method 5 – Last Resort – Reset:

• WinRE > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Keep my files
• This will perform a fresh installation of Windows but will preserve your personal files (Documents, Photos).
• ⚠️ Installed programs will be removed.

#20. “Disk Boot Failure – Insert System Disk”

This error appears when turning on the PC – even before Windows loads.

Why it occurs:

• Hard drive not being detected
• BIOS boot order wrong
• The hard drive is failing/dead
• SATA cable loose

How to fix:

Step 1 – Drive Detection Check in BIOS:

• Open BIOS (F2/F10/Del) > Storage/Boot section
• Is the hard drive listed? If not – hardware issue.

Step 2 – Physical Connections (Desktop):

• Open the case.
• Check that the SATA data cable and power cable are firmly connected.
• Try replacing both cables.

Step 3 – Boot Order Fix:

• BIOS > Boot tab > Hard Drive priority

Step 4 – Drive Health Test:

• Connect the hard drive to another PC and check its health using CrystalDiskInfo.
• “Bad” status = Drive is dead – replacement is necessary.

20 Errors – Quick Reference Table

Universal Fix Tools – All of these will be useful for fixing errors.

Free Built-in Tools:

Free Third-Party Tools:

Windows 10 vs Windows 11 – Error Handling Comparison

Prevention Tips – Don’t Let Errors Occur in the First Place

• ✅ Regular Updates: Install Windows Updates and driver updates every month.
• ✅ SFC Monthly: Run sfc /scannow once a month.
• ✅ Disk Health: Check your drive health quarterly using CrystalDiskInfo.
• ✅ UPS / Voltage Stabilizer: Power fluctuations are common in India – invest in a UPS (approx. $30–$50).
• ✅ Keep System Restore ON: Go to Settings > System > About > System Protection > Enable.
• ✅ Create a Recovery USB: Always keep a bootable USB drive ready using the Windows Media Creation Tool.
• ✅ Backup: Perform regular backups to Google Drive (15 GB free), OneDrive (5 GB free), or an external HDD.
• ✅ Antivirus: Windows Defender is sufficient; a paid antivirus is not necessary – however, a monthly scan using Malwarebytes Free is recommended.
• ✅ Storage Space: Always maintain 15–20% free space on your C: drive.
• ✅ Avoid Pirated Software: Cracked software is very common in India – it is the leading cause of malware infections, DLL errors, and system corruption.

FAQs – Windows Errors and Their Solutions

Final Thoughts

So, those were the top 20 Windows errors and their solutions – ranging from Blue Screen crashes to boot failures, and from DLL errors to update issues; every common problem has been covered. The most important thing to remember is this: most errors can be diagnosed and fixed using a single set of tools (SFC, DISM, CHKDSK, BlueScreenView). Once you master these tools, no Windows error will seem daunting.

In the Indian context specifically, invest in a UPS to safeguard against power fluctuations, strictly avoid pirated software, and make it a habit to perform a monthly SFC scan. It is far better to diagnose the issue yourself – at no cost – than to opt for the ₹500 “just install Windows” solution; and if a hardware fault is detected, perform a targeted replacement. Create a Windows Recovery USB and keep it safe – in an emergency, it will be your most powerful tool. You now have the top 20 errors and their solutions at your disposal – bookmark this page and use it whenever the need arises. If you are facing any other tech-related issues, visit fixtech.in to read more guides – new solutions are added there daily. 💻🔧