How-To Guide for Troubleshooting Common Issues with the Windows 11 21H2 Update

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Troubleshooting Common Issues with the Windows 11 21H2 Update

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The Windows 11 21H2 update brings new features and enhancements to your operating system. However, like any software update, it may introduce common issues that can affect your computer's performance or functionality. This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve these common problems.

Slow System Performance

Check for Background Processes: Identify and close resource-intensive background processes to free up system resources.

Update Drivers: Ensure your device drivers, especially graphics and chipset drivers, are up to date.

Disable Startup Programs: Manage startup programs to speed up your computer's boot time.

Free Up Disk Space: Remove unnecessary files and applications to create more disk space.

Wi-Fi and Network Connectivity Problems

Restart Your Router: Power cycle your router by unplugging it, waiting for a minute, and plugging it back in.

Check Wi-Fi Connections: Ensure your Wi-Fi network is accessible and that you've entered the correct password.

Update Network Drivers: Make sure your network adapter drivers are up to date.

Application Compatibility Issues

Check for Updates: Confirm your applications are updated to their latest versions.

Run in Compatibility Mode: Use Windows compatibility mode to run applications as if they're on an older version of Windows.

Reinstall Applications: If problems persist, uninstall and reinstall the problematic applications.

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Errors

Note the Error Message: Pay attention to the error message and error code on the BSOD screen.

Search for the Error Code: Use the error code to search for solutions online.

Check Hardware: BSOD errors can be caused by hardware issues. Check your RAM, hard drive, and other components for problems.

Update Drivers: Ensure that your device drivers, especially graphics and chipset drivers, are up to date. 

Windows Update Issues

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: Use the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter to diagnose and fix update-related problems.

Clear Update Cache: Sometimes, the Windows Update cache becomes corrupted, so clearing it can help.

Reset Windows Update Components: Manually reset Windows Update components if the issue persists.

Check Disk Space: Verify you have enough free disk space for the updates to be installed.

Incompatibility with Certain Hardware or Drivers

Check for Manufacturer Updates: Visit the hardware or component manufacturer's website to find updated drivers and compatibility information.

Rollback Drivers: If the latest drivers cause issues, consider rolling back to the previous driver version.

Seek Alternative Hardware: In cases of persistent compatibility issues, consider alternative hardware options compatible with Windows 11.

Application Crashes

Update the Application: Ensure your applications are updated to their latest versions.

Check for Compatibility: Verify that your applications are compatible with Windows 11.

Run as Administrator: Attempt running the application with administrator privileges.

Check Event Viewer: Utilize the Windows Event Viewer to identify and diagnose application crashes. 

Cortana and Search Problems

Restart Windows Explorer: Open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, and restart it.

Reset Windows Search: Reset the Windows Search feature in Windows Settings.

Disable Bing Search: You can disable Bing web search results from displaying in your search results.

Video and Audio Playback Issues

Update Graphics and Audio Drivers: Keep your graphics and audio drivers up to date.

Adjust Hardware Acceleration: Some playback issues can be resolved by adjusting hardware acceleration settings in applications.

Use Media Player Alternatives: Consider using alternative media players or codecs if the issue is specific to a particular application. 

Monitor Display Problems

Update Graphics Drivers: Ensure your graphics card drivers are up to date.

Adjust Resolution: Right-click on the desktop, go to Display Settings, and adjust the screen resolution.

Check Hardware: Verify your monitor and graphics card support the desired resolution.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can address and resolve common issues that may arise with the Windows 11 21H2 update.

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