7 Effective Ways to Fix Windows 11 Troubleshooter Not Working

ByJim Miller

If you've encountered issues with the Windows 11 Troubleshooter app not working properly, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting tips you can try to resolve this problem and get your system back on track. In this article, we'll explore seven effective methods to fix the Windows 11 Troubleshooter not working error. Let's dive in!

1. Check Path for Temp Folder

When you run a troubleshooter, Windows needs to create temporary files in the Temp folder. If Windows can't locate this folder on your PC, the troubleshooter won't function correctly. To address this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + S and search for “Edit the system environment variables.”
  2. Under Advanced, click on the Environment Variables option.
  3. Check the folder path for TEMP and TMP under System variables. It should be set to C:WINDOWSTEMP.
  4. If the path is set to something else, double-click on TEMP and change the Variable value to %SystemRoot%TEMP. Do the same for the TMP folder.
  5. Restart your PC and try running the troubleshooter again.

2. Restart Cryptographic Service

The Cryptographic Service is essential for the troubleshooter to function properly. If this service encounters a problem, you'll need to restart it. Here's how:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “services.msc” and press Enter.
  2. Scroll down to locate Cryptographic Services.
  3. If the service is running, right-click on it and select Restart. If it's not running, select Start.
  4. Check if the troubleshooter works fine now.

3. Run SFC and DISM Scan

System file issues can also impact the Windows troubleshooter. If critical system files are missing or damaged, the troubleshooter may not work correctly. You can fix this by running an SFC scan followed by a DISM scan:

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select Terminal (Admin).
  2. Click Yes when the User Account Control prompt appears.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter: SFC /scannow
  4. After running the SFC scan, run the following commands one by one:
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  5. Check if the troubleshooter is working properly after running these commands.

4. Run Disk Cleanup

Old temporary files stored on your PC can interfere with the Windows troubleshooter. Running the Disk Cleanup utility can help you remove these files without affecting your apps or data. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Search menu, type “disk cleanup,” and press Enter.
  2. Select the C: drive from the drop-down menu.
  3. Under Files to delete, mark all the checkboxes and click OK.
  4. Choose Delete Files when prompted.
  5. Try running the troubleshooter again after clearing the temporary files.

5. Check Group Policy

If troubleshooters are disabled from Group Policy, they may not work on Windows. To enable troubleshooters for all users on your PC, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter.
  2. In the Group Policy window, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Troubleshooting and Diagnostics > Scripted Diagnostics.
  3. Make sure all three entries on the right are set to Enabled or Not configured.
  4. If any entry is set to Disabled, double-click on it and change it to Enabled or Not configured. Click Apply to save changes.
  5. Restart your PC and try running the troubleshooter again.

6. Run Troubleshooter in Clean Boot State

Third-party apps and services can interfere with Windows processes, including the troubleshooter. Booting your PC in a clean boot state can help identify if this is the case. Here's how:

  1. Open the Search menu, type “system configuration,” and press Enter.
  2. Switch to the Services tab and tick the Hide all Microsoft services box. Then, click Disable all.
  3. Head over to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  4. Disable all third-party apps and programs.
  5. Restart your PC and try running the troubleshooter again in the clean boot state.
  6. If the troubleshooter works, consider removing recently installed apps or programs to resolve the issue.

7. Perform System Restore

If all else fails, performing a system restore can help undo recent changes and restore your PC to a previous state. Here's how:

  1. Click on the search icon on the Taskbar, type “create a restore point,” and press Enter.
  2. Under System Protection, click on the System Restore button.
  3. Choose a recommended restore point or select one manually. Click Next.
  4. Click Finish to initiate the system restore process.
  5. Your PC will restart and revert to a previous state, resolving the issue with the troubleshooter.

By following these effective methods, you can fix the Windows 11 Troubleshooter not working error and ensure your system runs smoothly. Don't let troubleshooting tools become a source of frustration. Take control and tackle any issues that come your way.