How to use built-in Windows troubleshooters
Run Windows diagnostics and verify their automatic changes.
- Updated
- September 3, 2026
- Reading time
- 8 min read
Run Windows diagnostics and verify their automatic changes. Use the procedure as a controlled diagnostic process and preserve a safe way back.
Choose the tool
On Windows 11, open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Windows 10 places the list under Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Tool names and whether a diagnostic opens Get Help vary by installed release.
Run with context
Reproduce the problem first and choose the closest diagnostic. Read prompts before allowing adapter resets, service changes, or new defaults, and note any issue the tool says it detected.
Review and verify
Save the report or exact result, then retry the original action. A Completed label means the diagnostic finished; it does not establish that the symptom was repaired.
Escalate evidence
Preserve recurring error codes, actions the diagnostic attempted, managed-policy restrictions, and hardware findings. Those details determine whether the next step belongs with an administrator, device maker, or Microsoft support.