4 quick fixes for Windows 10 common problems

Windows 10 was launched in July 2015 after considerable user testing through Microsoft’s Insider Preview program. but inevitably, Windows 10 has some glitches. Below we have outlined some of the more common problems with Windows 10 and how to address these issues.

Waiting for Windows 10 upgrade

Microsoft has announced a free Windows 10 upgrade to Windows 7 and Windows 8 users. If you have registered for a free upgrade and are still waiting for it, here are few things you can do.

You might have missed the Upgrade ready notification and you need to check the update status by following the steps set out below

1. Click Start button
2. Type “Windows update” in the search box and click Windows update from list of search results
3. Look for the message “Upgrade to Windows 10”. If you see this message, click on Get started to start the upgrade
4. If you do not see the upgrade message, you can go ahead and download the Windows 10 installation media and install Windows 10 manually

Windows 10 cannot be activated

Windows 10 should activate automatically after the completion of the upgrade process. However, the activation process can fail from time to time for various reasons. The activation error will not prevent you from using the system, but you will not be able to do a few things like personalizing your desktop, changing the color scheme and a few other things.

You should wait for 2-3 days and see if the activation issue is resolved. Otherwise, you need to follow the steps set out below

1. Select Start button
2. Select Settings > Update & security > Activation
3. If your Activation status says “Connect to the Internet to activate Windows”, select Activate to manually activate Windows
4. If you are not able to activate Windows 10 after trying a few times, contact Microsoft support for a solution

Files are opening in the wrong apps

You need to change the default file association to resolve this issue. Follow the steps set out below:

1. Right-click on the file that is opening in the wrong app
2. Select Open with > Choose another app from the menu
3. Select the app you want to use
4. Tick the box “Always use this app”
5. Click OK

Can’t play DVDs

Windows 10 does not have any app installed that can play DVDs. Microsoft is offering a Windows DVD player that needs to be downloaded and installed to view DVDs. The DVD player offered by Microsoft is not free. Alternatively you can download and install VLC media player and use it watch DVDs on your Windows 10 system.