Windows Troubleshooter Failed or Not Working — Complete Fix Guide (With Extra Tips)

Introduction

Windows comes with a built-in Troubleshooter designed to automatically detect and fix common issues, whether it’s network problems, audio errors, or Windows Update failures. In many cases, simply running the Troubleshooter can resolve minor problems without any technical knowledge.

However, it’s not uncommon for the Troubleshooter itself to fail. You may encounter messages like:

• “Troubleshooter couldn’t identify the problem”
• “Problems found but not fixed”
• Error codes such as 0x80070005 or 0x80070057
• The Troubleshooter freezes or exits unexpectedly

If you’re experiencing any of these, don’t worry — this guide will walk you through why the Windows Troubleshooter fails, and how to fix issues even when the automatic repair doesn’t work. Both beginners and advanced users will find practical solutions here.

Main Causes When Windows Troubleshooter Fails

Solution 1: Repair System Files Using SFC and DISM

The Troubleshooter depends heavily on Windows system files. If these files are corrupted, the Troubleshooter may fail to operate correctly.

Run SFC (System File Checker)

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Enter:

3. Wait for the scan and repair to complete.

If SFC Doesn’t Fully Repair

Run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management):

This will fix deeper system image corruption that may affect Troubleshooter functionality.

Solution 2: Reset Windows Update Components

Sometimes failed or incomplete Windows Updates leave the Troubleshooter unable to update its own diagnostic database.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Run these commands:

3. Try running Windows Update and the Troubleshooter again.

Solution 3: Disable Security Software Temporarily

Third-party antivirus or endpoint security tools may block certain repair functions.

• Temporarily disable antivirus software.
• Disconnect VPN or proxy services.
• Retry the Troubleshooter.

Solution 4: Check Group Policy Settings (For Pro and Enterprise Users)

In corporate environments, administrators may disable troubleshooting features via Group Policy.

How to check:

1. Press Windows+R → type gpedit.msc
2. Navigate to:

Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

3. Ensure troubleshooting features are not disabled.

Solution 5: Use System Restore (If Available)

If issues started recently, restoring to an earlier system state may resolve underlying problems.

• Go to Settings → System → Recovery → System Restore

Solution 6: Perform Manual Advanced Repairs

If the standard solutions fail, try these advanced options:

Run in Safe Mode

• Boot into Safe Mode and rerun SFC/DISM.
• Safe Mode often improves repair success rates by limiting background processes.

Perform a Clean Boot

• Use msconfig to disable all non-Microsoft services and startup programs.
• This isolates potential software conflicts.

Use Advanced PowerShell Commands

For example, to recover failed Windows capabilities:

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques (For Deeper Troubleshooting)

Check Event Viewer for Detailed Errors

If Troubleshooter fails, you can often find detailed clues using Event Viewer:

1. Open Event Viewer (Windows+X → Event Viewer).
2. Review “Application” and “System” logs under Windows Logs.
3. Look for recent errors or warnings related to:
   • Diagnostic Policy Service (DPS)
   • Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)

Verify WMI Repository Integrity

Windows Troubleshooter relies on WMI for system information. If the WMI repository is corrupted, troubleshooting functions may fail.

Run the following commands:

If major corruption is detected, reset the repository (use with caution):

Check Diagnostic Policy Service (DPS)

The Troubleshooter depends on DPS running properly.

1. Open Services (services.msc).
2. Locate Diagnostic Policy Service.
3. If it’s stopped, start the service manually.

Many users assume that once the Troubleshooter fails, there’s nothing more they can do. But in fact, deeper investigation using these manual diagnostic steps often uncovers underlying problems that can be resolved manually. This is especially true for enterprise PCs or systems with customized configurations. If these steps feel too advanced, consider consulting with an IT professional.

Preventive Tips

• Apply Windows Updates regularly.
• Create system restore points before major updates.
• Keep third-party security software up-to-date.
• Avoid unnecessary background apps that may interfere with system processes.

Summary Table of Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is the Windows Troubleshooter always reliable?

Not always. It’s primarily designed for light to moderate issues. Hardware failures and major system corruption may require manual intervention.

Q. Can manual repair work even if the Troubleshooter fails?

Yes — in many cases, manual tools like SFC, DISM, WMI repair, and service adjustments can resolve issues beyond the scope of the Troubleshooter.

Even if the Windows Troubleshooter fails, don’t give up. With the step-by-step manual methods explained here, most system issues can still be fully repaired. Take your time, follow each solution carefully, and you may be surprised how many problems you can resolve yourself.

✔️For more detailed error code fixes, visit:

👉 Windows Error Codes — Complete Guide

タグ: Windows Troubleshooter, SFC repair, Troubleshooter failed, DISM repair, WMI repair, Windows Update problems, Diagnostic Policy Service, System restore, Advanced troubleshooting