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Tools - Diagnostics•Updated: November 23, 2024

start ms-settings:troubleshoot

Jump straight to Windows troubleshooting tools to fix common problems.

start ms-settings:troubleshoot

Command: start ms-settings:troubleshoot

Category: Diagnostics

Type: GUI

Purpose

Opens the Windows Settings troubleshooting page, which provides access to built-in automated troubleshooters for common Windows problems. These troubleshooters can automatically detect and fix issues with network, audio, printer, Windows Update, and many other components.

Quick Summary

Skip navigating through Settings menus—this command takes you directly to Windows' troubleshooting tools. Run automated diagnostics that detect and fix common problems with one click. Perfect for quickly resolving issues without manual configuration or deep technical knowledge.

How to Use

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type start ms-settings:troubleshoot and press Enter.
  3. The Windows Settings app opens to the Troubleshoot page.
  4. Browse or search for the appropriate troubleshooter.
  5. Click "Run" on the desired troubleshooter and follow prompts.

Alternative methods:

  • Type the command in Command Prompt or PowerShell
  • Search for "Troubleshoot" in the Start menu
  • Navigate manually: Settings > System > Troubleshoot (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot (Windows 10)

Available Troubleshooters

Common troubleshooters include:

  • Internet Connections: Fix network and internet connectivity issues
  • Audio: Resolve sound playback and recording problems
  • Printer: Diagnose and fix printer connection issues
  • Windows Update: Fix problems preventing updates from installing
  • Network Adapter: Troubleshoot network adapter problems
  • Bluetooth: Fix Bluetooth connection issues
  • Power: Optimize power settings and resolve battery issues
  • Search and Indexing: Fix Windows Search problems
  • Video Playback: Resolve video playback issues
  • Windows Store Apps: Fix problems with store apps

Additional troubleshooters (Windows 11):

  • Recording Audio: Fix microphone and audio recording issues
  • Playing Audio: Resolve speaker and headphone problems
  • Shared Folders: Fix file and printer sharing issues
  • Keyboard: Diagnose keyboard problems
  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS): Fix download issues

Tips and Best Practices

  • Try the relevant troubleshooter before manually configuring settings.
  • Read the detected issues and recommended fixes carefully before applying.
  • Some troubleshooters may require a restart to apply fixes.
  • If a troubleshooter doesn't fix the issue, check "View detailed information" for more insights.
  • Run troubleshooters as Administrator for best results (may be done automatically).
  • Keep Windows updated for the latest troubleshooters and fixes.

Common Use Cases

  • Network problems: Quickly diagnose and fix internet connection issues.
  • Audio not working: Resolve sound problems with audio troubleshooter.
  • Printer won't connect: Fix printer detection and connection issues.
  • Windows Update failures: Resolve update problems automatically.
  • Bluetooth devices: Fix pairing and connection issues.
  • App problems: Troubleshoot Microsoft Store app issues.

Prerequisites

  • Windows 10 or Windows 11
  • No administrator rights required to open, but some troubleshooters may prompt for elevation
  • Active internet connection helpful for some troubleshooters to download fixes

How Troubleshooters Work

  1. Detect: Scan for known issues and configuration problems
  2. Report: Show what problems were found
  3. Fix: Apply automated fixes (if available) or suggest manual solutions
  4. Verify: Check if the problem was resolved

Troubleshooting

  • Troubleshooter doesn't find issues but problem persists - Try related troubleshooters or manual diagnostics; automated tools can't catch everything.
  • "Unable to complete troubleshooting" - Check Windows Update service is running, or try running as Administrator.
  • Fixes don't persist - Underlying hardware or driver issues may need manual attention.
  • Command doesn't work - Ensure you include start before the URI: start ms-settings:troubleshoot
  • Settings app won't open - Try restarting Windows Explorer or running wsreset to reset Store apps.
  • start ms-settings:network - Network settings
  • start ms-settings:sound - Sound settings
  • start ms-settings:printers - Printers & scanners
  • start ms-settings:windowsupdate - Windows Update
  • start ms-settings:bluetooth - Bluetooth settings
  • start ms-settings:network-status - Network status
  • start ms-settings:troubleshoot-other - Other troubleshooters (Windows 11)

When to Use Manual Methods

Troubleshooters are great for common issues, but you may need manual intervention for:

  • Complex network configurations
  • Driver conflicts or outdated drivers
  • Hardware failures
  • Software-specific issues
  • Advanced configurations
  • Issues not covered by available troubleshooters
  • msdt.exe - Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool (runs individual troubleshooters)
  • Event Viewer - View detailed error logs for deeper diagnostics
  • netsh commands - Advanced network troubleshooting
  • sfc /scannow - System File Checker for file corruption
  • dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth - Repair system image