Windows Stability Troubleshooting

Step 1: Gather Information

Before making changes, collect as much information as possible:

• When did the problem start? Correlate with recent software installations or updates.
• What were you doing when it occurred? Specific applications or actions.
• Are there any error messages? Note down the exact text and error codes.
• Check the Event Viewer: Navigate to Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) and examine the System and Application logs for critical or error events around the time of the issue.

Step 2: Basic Checks

Perform these fundamental checks first:

• Restart the Computer: Sometimes a simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches.
• Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your system is up-to-date with the latest patches and security updates.
• Check Disk Space: Ensure there is ample free space on your system drive (usually C:).
• Run a Virus Scan: Use reputable antivirus software to scan for malware.

Step 3: Software and Driver Diagnosis

Focus on potential software and driver conflicts:

• Update Drivers: Especially for graphics cards, network adapters, and chipsets. Obtain drivers directly from the hardware manufacturer's website.
• Uninstall Recent Software: If the issue began after installing new software, try uninstalling it.
• Clean Boot: Perform a clean boot to start Windows with a minimal set of startup programs and services. This helps identify if a background service is causing the conflict.
• Check Application Compatibility: If a specific application is crashing, check its compatibility with your Windows version and consult the developer's support resources.

To perform a clean boot:

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
3. Check Hide all Microsoft services.
4. Click Disable all.
5. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
6. Disable all startup items in Task Manager.
7. Close Task Manager, click OK in System Configuration, and restart your computer.

Step 4: System File Integrity

Ensure your Windows system files are intact:

• System File Checker (SFC): Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. This tool scans for and replaces corrupted Windows system files.
• DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management): If SFC cannot fix the issue, use DISM. In an administrator Command Prompt, run:

  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 5: Hardware Diagnostics

If software and system files are not the cause, consider hardware:

• Windows Memory Diagnostic: Search for "Windows Memory Diagnostic" and run the tool to check for RAM errors.
• Check Temperatures: Use monitoring software to check CPU and GPU temperatures. Overheating can cause instability.
• Check Hard Drive Health: Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo to check the S.M.A.R.T. status of your hard drives or SSDs.
• Test Components: If possible, test individual hardware components (e.g., RAM sticks, hard drives) in another system.

Step 6: Advanced Troubleshooting and Recovery

For persistent issues:

• System Restore: If the problem started recently, try using System Restore to revert your system to a previous state.
• Reset This PC: As a last resort, consider using the "Reset this PC" option in Windows settings to reinstall Windows while keeping or removing your personal files.
• Clean Install: A complete clean installation of Windows will resolve most software-related issues but requires backing up all data.