@smilelikemiles A given Windows update may alter a resource that an app needs in order to run properly, and the update process may revoke or temporarily block access to that resource. If the same Windows update is failing over and over, the resource(s) in question can be affected over and over too. I don't know whether this is what's happening to your computer; I'm just saying it's possible. But there are plenty of other possibilities too.
A repair install is not a clean Windows install and doesn't take nearly the same amount of effort. Windows can also retain your data if you want, so you wouldn't be stuck reinstalling games or moving around personal files. It's worth considering if you run into any other trouble.
Ah I see.
Sorry if I seem to difficult. In the past I tried to follow stuff to fix my computer and I in fact caused it to crash so I’m unfortunately traumatized by that so I feel like my ability to do this safely is up in the air without guidance from a tech professional at my side. I’d fear I’d lose my files in the process :/
@smilelikemiles I totally understand, and it's a good idea to back up anything essential regardless of how comfortable you are with the process. In fact, it's a good idea to make regular backups even in the absence of any issues.
Doing a repair install is really not complicated at all, and I say that as someone who tried it just to see how it worked when I didn't know much about Windows. But it might be less stressful for you if you got help from someone you know who's more comfortable working with Windows. This doesn't have to be a tech professional; a friend who builds their own gaming PCs would probably be more than capable.
Thank you! Yeah! I do regular backups anyways. I use an external drive. Is there other places I can keep a backup as well?
and I see. If needed I will look into it thank you! It’s so hard these days since I don’t have as much time to do things and my computer seems to really take it’s time sometimes!
@smilelikemiles I personally think the best backup is an external drive that's not (usually) plugged into your computer. So even if your computer were damaged, it wouldn't also damage the external. But as a secondary backup, you could upload some data to a free cloud storage service, for example Google Drive or Dropbox. Most services don't offer a lot of storage for free, but that should be enough for your most essential files.
And yeah, it can be hard to find the time to tinker with the computer, especially when you just want to spend your little free time playing. If and when you're ready to do a deeper dive, and you have more questions, you know where to find me.
