Windows Issues

Step-by-step fixes for everyday Windows problems: missing DLL errors, no sound, fake virus warnings and documents you thought you had lost for good.

Most Windows problems look far worse than they are. An error code, a missing file, a warning that fills the whole screen - underneath, the cause is usually something ordinary and the fix takes a few minutes.

Error 0xc0000005: Why a Program Crashes and How to Fix ItGetting error 0xc0000005 when you open a program? Learn what the code really means and 7 fixes, starting with the one that works m... Fake Virus Warning on Your Screen? How to Stop It SafelyA pop-up says your PC is infected? It is almost always fake. Learn how to close it safely and stop the warnings from coming back f... How to Recover an Unsaved Word DocumentWord crashed or you closed without saving? Your document is probably not gone. 4 simple ways to recover an unsaved Word document t... api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll Error: How to Fix ItGetting the api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll error on Windows? Learn why it appears and how to fix it with Visual C++, Windows Up... How to Fix VCRUNTIME140.dll and MSVCP140.dll Missing Errors in WindowsFix VCRUNTIME140.dll missing and MSVCP140.dll missing errors in Windows. Easy step-by-step guide to reinstall Visual C++ and repai... How to Fix No Sound on WindowsNo sound on Windows? Learn the most common causes and 6 easy fixes to restore audio on your Windows PC in just a few minutes.

How We Approach a Windows Error

Every guide here starts with the safest step and works towards the more involved ones. You can stop as soon as the problem goes away - there is no need to do all of them.

We also explain why each step works. An error code stops being frightening once you know what it is actually telling you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a DLL error a sign of a virus?

Almost never. A missing DLL usually means a program was installed incompletely, or a shared Microsoft component is not on the computer. Installing the right Microsoft package fixes most of them.

Should I download a missing DLL file from the internet?

No. Sites offering single DLL files are one of the most common ways people end up with unwanted software. Install the proper Microsoft Visual C++ package instead.

Do I need to reinstall Windows to fix an error?

Very rarely. Reinstalling is the last resort, not the first. Nearly every error in this section is fixed without touching your files or programs.