The Most Common Windows 10 Error Messages & How To Fix Them

A lot codes are the product of a single error

On-screen errors are always a source of frustration. It never fails to drain the life from one’s face anytime your Windows OS succumbs to an internal hiccup. Even more so when you have no idea how it happened in the first place.

In a time when our lives are being made easier through the use of fast internet and digital technology, most would expect everything to work flawlessly. This couldn’t be further from the truth. When dealing with Windows 10, the only thing you should expect is to encounter a few errors along the way.

Sadly, there are some errors that are unavoidable. So why do these errors occur? What does each error mean? How can you fix them?

The Most Common Windows 10 Error Messages & How To Fix Them

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to cover all of the issues one may encounter when using Windows 10. It would take far longer than you likely have to sit down and read an article.

Thankfully, a lot of error codes are actually the product of a single error. Which is why I feel it best we start there.

Most of the errors that you’ll encounter with Windows 10 will occur while running Windows Updates. This error can be referred to as the mother of all annoyances. It will appear like the image above and will contain one of the following codes, if not something similar.

0x80070057, WindowsUpdate_8007002C, WindowsUpdate_dt000, 0x80072ee7, 80070005, 80240020, 80246007, 80070004… and many more.

According to Microsoft, these errors occur when Windows 10 initiates an automatic update and a program requires user interaction.

However, if you initiate the Windows Update, these types of errors can occur for various reasons. Often times it will require a few computer restarts in order to fix it. Removing your security software can help at times though it’s not recommended.

If you’ve restarted multiple times and you’re still getting the error, then there is a possibility that something is wrong with your software distribution folder.

Still doesn’t fix the problem? You can run it a few more times or you might give manually modifying the software distribution folder a try.

This process could prove difficult if you’re unfamiliar with the use of the Command Prompt. Only attempt it if you feel comfortable.

You’re going to be disabling a few services. Start with the first command on the list and work your way down. Press the Enter key after each entered command.

Next, you’ll be renaming both theSoftwareDistributionandCatroot2folders. Similar to the previous step, type in each command followed by the Enter key.

Now, we’ll restart the earlier services you disabled. You should know the drill by now.

Close out of the command prompt, restart your computer, and attempt your updates again.

Runtime Errors

There are many reasons for this error to occur: You may be running two incompatible software programs, your PC has memory issues, potential complications brought on by a malicious virus, and bugged programming to only name a few.

They are often accompanied by a numerical code that helps identify which problem is being experienced. Far too many to go into detail here.

Thankfully, the fix is usually an easy one.

The program you’re attempting to run could also be bugged or corrupted so be sure that all programs are up to date before running them.

BSOD/Frowny Face/Stop Errors

Infamously known as theBlue Screen of Death, this error will generally occur when the Windows OS comes across a problem it can’t handle and shuts down to avoid further complications.

No longer just a blue screen with numerical error codes, you can identify this screen by the frowny face accompanied by the basic messageYour PC ran into a problem…typically followed by an error code. No matter what, after receiving this screen you’ll be forced to reboot your PC. This can make troubleshooting the error a bit complicated.

The chances are, whichever change you made right before the error occurred is probably the culprit. Depending on what it was that was changed, you can choose to reboot using the last known good configuration, viaSystem Restore, or by rolling back the device driver.

Ensure that you have all Windows service packs and updates applied, update all hardware drivers and software updates, and do a virus scan.

If it’s a software problem, reinstall it or contact the developer for assistance. For a hardware issue, update the firmware or replace the component.

Conclusion

The errors mentioned barely scratch the surface of the many that you can encounter while using Windows 10. They are, in my experience, the most common errors you’ll face.

If you encounter a specific error not covered in this post and it has an error code present, a quick Google search could prove useful in understanding why it happened and how best to fix it.

Former US Army IT communications specialist who began his online blogging career in 2016. Joseph has over 10 years experience in the IT industry as both an analyst and communications expert. He’s a night owl and an avid Red Bull consumer who spends most of his downtime enthralled by online gaming and website building.Read Joseph’s Full Bio

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Website

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

The Most Common Windows 10 Error Messages & How To Fix Them#

The Most Common Windows 10 Error Messages & How To Fix Them#

Runtime Errors#

BSOD/Frowny Face/Stop Errors#

Conclusion#