Reporting and solving computer problems

How do I report problems and check for solutions?

You have three options:

Set Windows to do it for you. For more information, see Report problems and check for solutions automatically.
Check for solutions whenever a problem occurs.
Report problems and check for solutions at any time. For more information, see Check for solutions to software problems.

How does Windows find solutions to my computer problems?

Windows uses the problem reports that you send to Microsoft to try to match descriptions of each problem to a solution. Windows will notify you when there are steps you can take to solve the problem or to find more information. If a solution is not available yet, the information that you send in a problem report can help Microsoft find or create a new solution.

How does Windows notify me about solutions?

It depends on how you report problems and check for solutions:

If you have Windows set to check for solutions automatically, Windows will notify you about steps you can take immediately after a problem occurs.
If Windows is not set to check for solutions automatically, you can manually check for a solution just after a problem occurs, and Windows will notify you if there's a solution.

What if I miss a solution notification?

You can view solutions at any time. Here's how:

Open Problem Reports and Solutions by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Problem Reports and Solutions.
If no solutions are displayed, in the left pane, click Check for new solutions.

Note

Some problems and solutions can only be viewed and fixed by an administrator. Log on using an administrator account to view these problems.

Why does Microsoft ask for more information about some problems after I check for a solution?

It's usually because the problem you reported is new, unusually complex, or important to many people. Creating solutions to these types of problems might require more information than basic reports provide.

Can I stop sending information about problems automatically?

Yes. Follow these steps:

Open Problem Reports and Solutions by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Problem Reports and Solutions.
Click Change settings, and then make sure that the Ask me to check if a problem occurs option is selected. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Can all problem reports be sent automatically?

No. If a report might contain personally identifiable information, Windows will always ask whether you want to send it.

Should I send information about a problem (report a problem) more than once?

Yes. New solutions can become available at any time.

To see if new solutions are available

Open Problem Reports and Solutions by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Problem Reports and Solutions.
Click Check for new solutions.

Note

Some problems and solutions can only be viewed and fixed by an administrator. Log on using an administrator account to view these problems.

Can I track which reports I've sent or which solutions have been found?

Yes. Solutions and problem reports are saved until you choose to delete them, so you can choose which reports to send or check for new solutions at any time. For more information, see See solutions to problems found on your computer and See problem reports for this computer.