How to Run Troubleshooter in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever faced Wi-Fi not connecting, audio not working, or your printer refusing to cooperate on Windows 11? Don’t worry — you’re not alone! Windows 11 comes with a built-in set of powerful troubleshooters designed to automatically find and fix common system issues.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to run troubleshooters in Windows 11, what each one does, and how to fix stubborn issues step by step. Whether it’s sound, internet, Bluetooth, or update problems — we’ll help you get your PC back on track in minutes.

What Is a Troubleshooter in Windows 11?

A troubleshooter in Windows 11 is an automated tool that detects and fixes system issues — without requiring you to manually search for solutions.

It’s like having a built-in “repair assistant” that checks your PC’s settings, identifies what’s wrong, and applies recommended fixes.

Windows 11 offers troubleshooters for:

• Network and Internet connections

• Sound and audio devices

• Bluetooth connectivity

• Windows Update errors

• Printers and scanners

• Power and battery settings

• Hardware and USB devices

Each one focuses on a specific component, making it simple to diagnose and fix problems automatically.

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Why Run a Troubleshooter in Windows 11?

You might wonder, why use a troubleshooter when I can Google the fix?
Here’s why:

✅ Saves time – Fixes most common issues in one click.
✅ Safe and built-in – No third-party tools or downloads required.
✅ Automatic repair – Detects and applies fixes automatically.
✅ Step-by-step suggestions – Even if it can’t fix it, it shows what to do next.

If your Wi-Fi, sound, or display stops working suddenly, running the right troubleshooter is usually your quickest fix.

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Where to Find Troubleshooters in Windows 11

All troubleshooters are located under the Settings app.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Navigate to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.

3. You’ll see a list of troubleshooters categorized by function (e.g., Audio, Internet, Printer, etc.).

4. Click Run next to the one you want to launch.

That’s the main place to access all Windows 11 troubleshooters.
Now, let’s look at how to use them effectively.

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How to Run Troubleshooter in Windows 11 (Main Method)

Follow these simple steps to run a troubleshooter in Windows 11:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Settings: Press Windows + I.

2. Go to Troubleshoot: Click System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.

3. Find the Issue Category: Scroll through the list — for example:

   • Internet Connections

   • Playing Audio

   • Printer

   • Windows Update

4. Click Run: Next to the issue you’re facing, click Run.

5. Follow On-Screen Instructions: The troubleshooter will analyze your PC and suggest or apply fixes.

6. Restart Your PC: If prompted, restart your computer for changes to take effect.

That’s it! Windows will now automatically diagnose and attempt to repair the problem.

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How to Use Recommended Troubleshooting (Automatic Fixes)

Windows 11 also includes Recommended Troubleshooting, which runs automatically in the background for critical issues.

How to Enable or Configure It:

1. Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Recommended troubleshooter preferences.

2. Choose one of these options:

   • Run automatically, don’t notify me

   • Run automatically, then notify me (Recommended)

   • Ask me before running

   • Don’t run automatically

If you select the second option, Windows will automatically fix known issues and inform you after the fix.

This is great for users who prefer Windows to handle basic issues quietly.

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Run Troubleshooter for Common Issues

Let’s look at the most useful troubleshooters and when to use them.

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Internet Connections

If your Wi-Fi or Ethernet isn’t working, this tool can help.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.

2. Click Run next to Internet Connections.

3. Choose Troubleshoot my connection to the Internet.

4. Follow the on-screen prompts.

It fixes:

• No network access

• DNS issues

• Limited connectivity

• Network adapter resets

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Playing Audio

If your speakers or headphones have no sound:

Steps:

1. Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.

2. Click Run next to Playing Audio.

3. Select your audio device (if multiple).

4. Let Windows detect and repair the issue.

It fixes:

• No sound output

• Incorrect playback device

• Audio driver issues

• Volume or format problems

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Printer Problems

Printers often act up — this tool helps fix print queue or driver issues.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.

2. Click Run next to Printer.

3. Follow prompts to detect and resolve printer errors.

It fixes:

• Printer not detected

• Spooler errors

• Print jobs stuck in queue

• Driver configuration issues

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Windows Update

If updates fail or show error codes, use this one.

Steps:

1. Navigate to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.

2. Click Run beside Windows Update.

3. Let the troubleshooter scan and repair update components.

It fixes:

• Failed Windows updates

• Update stuck or frozen

• Corrupted update files

• Windows Update service issues

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Bluetooth

Perfect if your Bluetooth devices aren’t pairing or connecting.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.

2. Click Run next to Bluetooth.

3. Wait for it to detect and fix connection or driver issues.

It fixes:

• Missing Bluetooth toggle

• Devices not connecting

• Pairing errors

• Driver or service failures

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Keyboard and Power

If your keyboard shortcuts aren’t working or your battery drains too quickly:

• Keyboard troubleshooter: Fixes stuck keys, unresponsive input, and layout issues.

• Power troubleshooter: Optimizes power plan settings to save battery or fix sleep problems.

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How to Run Troubleshooter from Control Panel

Though Windows 11 prefers the Settings app, the Control Panel still has legacy troubleshooters.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.

2. Go to System and Security → Security and Maintenance.

3. Under Troubleshooting, click Troubleshoot common computer problems.

4. Choose a category (Network, Hardware, Sound, etc.).

5. Follow on-screen instructions to fix issues.

This method can help access older troubleshooters not listed in Settings.

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How to Run Troubleshooter via Command Prompt or PowerShell

For power users, you can launch troubleshooters using commands — great if Settings won’t open.

Common Troubleshooter Commands:

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R or open Command Prompt (Admin).

2. Type the command (e.g., msdt.exe /id AudioPlaybackDiagnostic).

3. Press Enter and follow the on-screen wizard.

This is a quick and reliable way to launch specific troubleshooters directly.

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What to Do If Troubleshooter Fails

Sometimes, the troubleshooter may not fix the problem completely.
Here’s what you can do:

If nothing works, consider System Restore or Reset this PC as a last resort.

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Advanced Troubleshooting Tips

• Update Drivers: Outdated drivers can cause recurring issues.

• Check Windows Update: Ensure your system is fully updated.

• Run SFC and DISM commands:

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


  These fix corrupted system files that prevent troubleshooters from working properly.

• Safe Mode: Boot into Safe Mode and run troubleshooters to detect hidden conflicts.

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FAQs

1. How do I open troubleshooters quickly in Windows 11?

Press Windows + I → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters, or use msdt.exe commands via Run or CMD.

2. Can troubleshooters fix hardware problems?

They can fix software and driver-related issues but not physical hardware faults.

3. Why do my troubleshooters keep saying “Couldn’t identify the problem”?

It means the issue is outside what Windows can fix automatically — try manual fixes or update your drivers.

4. Are troubleshooters safe to use?

Yes, they’re built into Windows and won’t harm your files or settings.

5. Can I run multiple troubleshooters back-to-back?

Absolutely! You can run several in a row if you’re unsure what’s causing the problem.

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Conclusion

Running troubleshooters in Windows 11 is one of the easiest and safest ways to fix system problems — from slow Wi-Fi to sound glitches and update errors.

Whether you use the Settings app, Control Panel, or command line, these tools can save you hours of frustration.

Remember:

• Always keep your system updated.

• Run the right troubleshooter for the issue.

• If automatic fixes don’t work, try advanced options or reinstall drivers.

With these simple steps, you can keep your Windows 11 PC running smoothly without needing technical support.

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Summary: Key Takeaways

✅ In short:
Learning how to run troubleshooter in Windows 11 helps you fix common problems instantly — without technical skills. It’s your built-in repair toolkit for keeping Windows 11 stable, smooth, and worry-free.