Windows 11/10 Problems, Issues with solutions and fixes

If you have installed the latest version of Windows 11/10, you may be facing some Windows 11/10 problems and issues. Fortunately, the list of known issues is not long and is limited to some countries for some reason. The best thing about bugs in Windows or known issues is that Microsoft works on them as soon as they are notified. Despite that, here are some bugs and issues.

Windows 11/10 Problems and Issues

1] Windows installation may terminate with SOMETHING HAPPENED message

In some languages, you may see the message “Something happened” with the only option being the CLOSE button. When you click the button, the installation terminates. This has been noticed if you choose to create an ISO and are using a burned DVD or USB to install Windows 11/10.

Though not official, the problem is attributed to Language settings in Windows OS. Check the Language and Region settings in the Control panel of Windows that you are upgrading using the ISO file. The fix that is widely used is to re-download the US English Language pack and install it on the computer you are trying to upgrade. You have to go to Control Panel, open the Language and Settings and make sure US English is installed. You may have to install the language pack again for Windows ISO to work. Go here to see how to install language packs in Windows.

A better fix is to use “Upgrade This PC” option using the Windows Media Creation Tool. The latter option would remove the need to create ISO-based installation media (DVD or USB) and will do an in-place upgrade of Windows. The in-place upgrade does not likely go wrong with the weird “something happened” message, according to reports on social media. You will need an active Internet connection for every PC you upgrade this way.

In short, performing an in-place upgrade is a better option than going for ISO files of Windows as of now.

The “Something Happened” message is too vague and does not tell you what went wrong. The second line, as in the image, says “something happened”. Right now, it has become the center of jokes and memes on social media. Microsoft may soon publish a proper fix or explanation for the error message. I am expecting that, at least.

2] Start menu cannot hold more than 512 items

Though 512 is a big number, and I do not think anyone would pin that many programs or apps to the Start menu, it is still a known issue in Windows that if you go for more than 512 apps, they will disappear from the Start menu. If the number of apps pinned to the Start menu is less than 512, the app tiles will be visible properly. If you cross the number, the Start menu is messed up.

Microsoft has information on this and is working to remove the cap.

3] Clipboard issues in Windows

Windows sometimes doesn’t copy using Ctrl+C. There is no fix except to press the key combination repeatedly until it is copied to the clipboard. Another better option is to right-click and, from the context menu that appears, select COPY or CUT, as the case may be.

4] Microsoft Store Crashes

This is more of a Windows Store app issue than a Windows operating system issue. The Windows Store app keeps crashing when you try to download anything. Many, including TWC authors, reported the issue.

The issue has not been fixed, but it has been notified to the Windows team. I hope the issue will be fixed soon. In the meantime, you can see point 3 of Windows Guru Fixes.

5] Wireless networks are not available

After you upgrade to Windows Enterprise, no wireless networks are available. Wired Ethernet connections may also not function properly if you use a built-in Ethernet adapter or a USB Ethernet adapter. This could occur due to the presence of unsupported VPN software. If you are facing this issue, read Wi-Fi does not work after upgrading to Windows.

6] Start Menu or Taskbar is not working

Some users who upgraded are finding out that their Start Menu does not open in Windows. This post will help you fix the problem. See this post if your Taskbar is not working in Windows.

7] Windows Store apps are not opening

If Windows Store apps are not opening, after you upgraded, then this post will show you how to fix the problem quickly.

8] Microsoft Store is not opening

If Windows Store is not working, then run this troubleshooter & fixer from Microsoft.

9] Windows Settings app does not open

For some, the Windows Settings app does not open or launch, or it opens the Store app instead. Use the Fix-It mentioned in the tool. Update KB3081424 will prevent the issue from reoccurring.

10] NVIDIA Graphic Cards not compatible

The graphics drivers are not compatible with Windows at the moment. NVIDIA is working on the issue, and soon, it will provide compatible drivers so that users can upgrade to Windows 11/10 without problems. You can search for your NVIDIA GeForce drivers here. Nvidia has released new WHQL drivers for Windows.

11] INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error

See this post if you receive INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error after you have upgraded to Windows.

12] Office documents do not open

Go here if after upgrading to Windows, you find that some of your Office Word, Excel or PowerPoint documents do not open.

13] Installation, Upgrade & Activation problems

14] Windows can’t connect to Internet

See this post if Windows cannot connect to the Internet.

15] Quick Access is not working

See this post if Quick Access in Windows is not working or broken.

16] Windows Sound not working

See this post if you need to fix Windows Sound and Audio problems

17] Other

Microsoft has also released a set of automated solutions and troubleshooters to solve Windows problems. If you are facing other issues, please search on this website. I am sure that you will find some solution. Check this post if you have Full-screen problems while playing games, etc and this one if Files are missing after Windows upgrade. This post will help you if your Windows can’t find DVD or CD drive – and this one if your PC crashes with a Blue Screen when you launch Edge browser.

Also read: Windows Issues and Freezing AFTER upgrading to new version

NOTES:

Click here if you can’t find your problem and search for it. Chances are high that you will find some help.
Windows users may want to download FixWin. It automates many fixes and lets you resolve issues in a click!
Windows Software Repair Tool from Microsoft will repair system components and detect corrupt files, resync System date and Time, reset System Settings, reinstall System Applications and run the DISM Tool to repair system image, with a click.

Please comment if you know anything more that can be included in the list.

Incidentally, Microsoft has made it easier for you to contact Support if you face any problems while using Windows. See how to use the Contact Support app.