How can Windows troubleshooting move beyond SFC scans and reinstalls?

[Robert13]

Windows troubleshooting guides always seem to jump straight to 'run the SFC scan' or 'reinstall Windows' for every single problem. There's rarely any discussion of understanding the actual error messages or logs first. How do you develop a more diagnostic mindset instead of just following a list of generic steps?

[JerryGJ]

You're right. A lot of guides skip the why and go straight to a reset. A better mindset is to treat every problem as a detective task about messages and logs. When you see an error note the exact code and a few words from the message. That makes it easier to search for real causes instead of guessing.

[Gary32]

Make a simple diagnostic routine. Start with Event Viewer and Reliability Monitor to find when the issue happened and what else changed around that time. Jot down the error IDs the program names and how bad the warnings looked. This gives you a map instead of a shot in the dark.

[Tyler_T]

Triaging the usual suspects but skip reinstall as a reflex. Do basic checks like disk health and file integrity. Run sfc scan and DISM repair. Check drivers in Device Manager and update or roll back one at a time. If the issue persists move to more targeted tests rather than big resets.

[PaulLC]

Keep a small diagnostic log. Record the time of the problem the error text the tests you run and the results plus what you plan next. This helps you see patterns and makes it easier to explain the issue to a support person who can actually fix it.

[AbigailXM]

If you want a structured path you can look up a windows troubleshooting guide 2025 or windows troubleshooting tips 2025 to stay focused on diagnosis before big fixes.