Now that Windows 10 has been out for almost three years, it is time to check out some issues that have been reported, issues I have noted myself as a pro user, and issues in general in knowing how the Microsoft Windows platform works.
While Windows 10 is the best yet of the Microsoft Windows operating systems, it still has some problems such as automatic updates, start menu issues, slow menu start, and troubleshooting. Below are some issues that you may be able to fix yourself. If not, be sure to contact us for an appointment so that we run the fixes for you.
Automatic updates
A new wrinkle with Windows 10 is that updates are set to automatic. When releasing Windows 10, Microsoft made the decision to make automatic updates the default setting. This means that unless you change the settings changed manually, then your system will receive the updates as soon as they come out.
One reason I call this a “wrinkle” is that there are times when the updates Microsoft Windows installs either can fail, are released too soon, or, in rare circumstances, can even corrupt your system. But, there is a way to change the settings so that you have more control over which updates get installed, and when.
How to prevent Microsoft Windows 10 Automatic Updates
The easiest way to prevent, or block, Microsoft Windows 10 from automatically downloading updates is to use a setting called “Metered Internet connection.” A feature of limiting your data through this setting is Windows 10 won’t force download your operating system updates.
Windows 10 is a “universal” operating system, meaning it is an operating system for both mobile devices and PCs, and as such, Microsoft has made limiting your data connection pretty simple and straightforward.
Some networks, such as mobile or cell networks, are metered by default. But, you can also use this feature with your Wi-Fi network, however, this does not work for Ethernet connections.
Go to “Settings” and find “metered connection,” For Wi-Fi, the full location is Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Advanced options and the Set metered connection: On)
This will block automatic updates, but it will block them completely. Beware as you might miss an important update that will protect the security of your operating system and ultimately your entire computer or device.
If you are connected to the Internet using an Ethernet connection this will not work since with an Ethernet connection Microsoft assumes you have unlimited data available so there would be no need to meter that connection. There is a way around this through an advanced registry fix that can be applied in order to make this change, however, it is beyond the scope for regular users, and tweaking the registry editor is complicated and can completely break your system.
Microsoft released an update in March, 2017 that protected against the dreaded Wanna Cry virus. Those who did not have the update had their files locked and had to pay a ransom to get them unlocked. This particular ransomware was so brutal in fact that Microsoft, in a very unusual step, actually released patches for three versions of Windows they no longer support: Windows XP, 8, and Server 2003. If you had your updates turned off, you would have missed this automatic update and you may have been infected with this ransomware. Be sure you have the latest update for this one by clicking this resource. Be sure to download the proper file based on your version of Windows and whether or not your system is 32 or 64 bit.
Windows 10 Start Menu Issues
Common Windows 10 start menu issues include freezing of the start menu, start menu not running or displaying, or random entries appearing.
There are four possible fixes to these issues:
- Checking for updates (recommended)
- Downloading a troubleshooter
- Using powershell
- Resetting your computer
Checking for updates is the easiest and suggested fix while the other three are best left to a tech person like Perry.
Speeding up startup on Windows 10
To Speed up the loading of Windows, turn on Fast Startup by going to start menu and right clicking on it. Then select Power Options and “choose what power buttons do.” Save changes and now your computer will startup faster.
How do I enable or disable fast startup?
- Type Control Panel in the search box.
- Click Control Panel.
- Click Power Options.
- Click Choose what the power buttons do.
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Scroll down to Shutdown settings and check or uncheck Turn on fast startup (depending on what your current setting is).
- Click Save changes.
Dealing with Windows 10 corrupt files
Windows 10 includes a host of built-in troubleshooters that can assist you in trying to assess and repair issues that your computer may be experiencing. You can solve these by typing the word “trouble” in Cortana or go to Control Panel and find troubleshooting. Run the troubleshooter program.
Another tool one can use is the DOS tool, “sfc /scannow” at the command prompt. You must use it as the administrator. This tool will scan your computer for corrupt files and replace them.
Finally, if these don’t work, you can download the Windows Repair Tool. But make sure you are downloading from the Microsoft website to avoid downloading any malware such as viruses, Trojans, and rootkits.
If you are not comfortable making these computer and Windows 10 repairs or changes, or you would simply rather have Perry do them for you, call Perry’s Computer Repair at 443-783-2269 and I will get your computer up and running again.
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