It’s been about 4 years since Windows 10 was released to a public user base that was ready for a change from Windows 8. But despite the improvements, there were still some issues that needed to be addressed.
Take a look at these 10 Windows 10 problems and solutions that any user can use to improve their time with this operating system.
Windows 10 Problems and Solutions
There are problems at every level of an operating system, from installation to specific apps and processes. Some solutions can affect the way the operating system runs to visual changes. Windows 10 can be changed to meet some very specific needs if you take the time to change it.
1. Installation
If you remember some time ago, Microsoft was giving Windows 10 away for free. Partly because many users were still hanging on to Windows 7 due to the changes that were made in Windows 8. Another reason was that some issues got in the way.
Before installing any operating system, there are a couple of things to check. The first is whether or not your current hard drive has enough space for it. Though the last two Windows operating systems had the same requirement and almost nobody uses a hard drive that small anymore.
The second issue is the power of your system. Since Windows 7, a lot of visual upgrades and background processes have been implemented. Don’t be surprised if your old Windows XP laptop can’t handle the upgrade.
2. Forced Updates
Forcing updates was an idea with potentially good intentions. Some users, like the elderly, don’t know that updating regularly helps keep their system secure. So Microsoft implemented forced updates.
Unfortunately, this also meant that some users were getting updates at inopportune times. Sometimes the updates actually made the computer unusable. It became so bad that people sued.
Now the user can turn off these updates like they used to:
- Open the start menu
- Type gpedit.msc in the search bar and select the top option
- Follow this the folder path: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Update
- Find and open the Configure Automatic Updates policy
- Select Disabled
- Click Apply
- Click OK
Make sure to periodically update when you have the time through the settings menu Settings\Update & Security\Windows Update\Check for updates. Staying up to date helps keep your information safe.
3. Block Pop-Ups in Edge
Nobody likes pop-ups while browsing. They can range from annoying pests to potentially system wrecking. Blocking them can also increase the speed at which a website loads.
The default web browser for Windows 10 is Edge, which has a built-in pop-up blocker. It may be turned off by default but getting it working is very simple:
- Open Edge
- Click the three dots at the top-right
- Scroll down until you find Advanced Settings
- Click Block Pop-ups
Remember that some websites need Pop-ups to function properly in your browser. To enable Pop-ups again just repeat the steps and turn the blocker off.
4. Create a System Restore Point
Another feature not turned on by default, this allows you to restore your system to a state it was in when you set the restore point. You might want to set a restore point before a major update in case something goes wrong.
Activating it is pretty easy:
- Open the start menu and search for System restore
- Click Create a restore point and to open the System Properties panel
- Select the System Protection tab
- Select the C: drive and click Configure
- Make sure Turn on System Protection is checked
- Use the slider to choose between 5% and 10% of your hard drive to use for restore points.
5. I Can’t Play DVDs
By the time Windows 10 came out, most people had moved on from DVDs and other physical media to digital distribution. Since most computers don’t come with a dedicated DVD player, software to enable your computer to read them is needed. However, a better option is to download a free media player that can read DVDs instead of buying an external reader or pricy player.
6. Change Default Applications
Sometimes Windows 10 will try to open a new type of file with the wrong application. Or, you’ve installed a different application to open files and need to change the default application. If Windows 10 is unfamiliar with a new file type it will ask what you want to run it with when you try to open it.
But if you want to change a default application before trying to open a file type or need to change many defaults at once, you’ll need to go into settings:
- Open Windows Settings
- Click Apps and then Default Apps
- Choose which application you want to change
- Select from the dropdown list
If you need to reset the default apps you can always reset from the menu. If you run a business making applications and need to know how to get people to choose yours as a default, consider software QA.
7. Hide Notifications
You’ll probably get tired of seeing these pop up eventually so you may as well pick which ones you want to see now. Open the settings menu again:
- In the settings window click System
- Click Notifications & Actions
- Select which notifications you want to be displayed.
8. Add or Remove Icons from Taskbar
You want your most used applications accessible at any time and the best place for that is right on the taskbar. You can one-click them to open even if you have another window open. But if there are too many icons, your taskbar will get cluttered quickly.
To remove an icon, simply right-click on it and select Unpin from taskbar. To add an icon, open the application and right-click its tab and select Pin to taskbar.
9. Sync With Other Devices
If you have a Windows 10 computer, phone, and tablet you can sync your information across all of them in one go. Using your Microsoft account you can set all of your devices to share bookmarks, apps, and settings so you don’t have to do it one by one. Just go to https://login.live.com/ and set up your sync settings, then log in on each device.
10. Stop Sharing
One of the biggest issues people had with Windows 8, and now 10, is the amount of information they collect. If you want to keep what you do to yourself then take a look around the privacy tab of your settings. Many people just turn everything off unless a specific app needs access to it.
Become a Power User
These are just a few Windows 10 problems and solutions. Windows 10 has a lot of options and settings that’ll enable you to really make it your own if you invest the time.
Check out our other articles to see how else you can customize your operating system.