that's assuming the 'new' troubleshooters even work. ever since the new troubleshooters were introduced, they always fail after clicking 'yes' when asking permission to run automated diagnostics. it has always done that. the only trouble shooter i have found that works is the one for audio. it is this way on two different systems of the same exact configuration.
I Request a "Passkey" for msdt.exe
I launched the diagnostic command to fix some problems in my pc but the app requires a passkey provided by my Microfst tech. So, I request one.
I am Arone
Windows for home | Windows 11 | PC Health Checker
3 answers
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Ramesh Srinivasan 88,890 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-03-14T06:21:25.9233333+00:00 Hi Arone,
The msdt.exe command, when run without arguments, asks for a passkey. If you need to run a troubleshooter, please use Settings so that the appropriate argument is used.
Go to Start → Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other Troubleshooters. Select the correct troubleshooter for your issue.
Note: The legacy troubleshooters are deprecated and they've been moved to the Get Help platform. You can read more about it in this article → Deprecation of Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool (MSDT) and MSDT Troubleshooters - Microsoft Support
To run a troubleshooter in the Get Help platform, you can use this method.
Press Win + R, type
ms-contact-support://and click OK.Type "Troubleshoot" and pick one of the troubleshooters appearing in the dropdown.
To run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, type
Troubleshoot windows updateand pick the appropriate entry in the dropdown. -
AI answer
2026-03-14T05:08:54.49+00:00 A passkey for
msdt.execannot be generated or provided here.The
/dci <passkey>parameter inmsdtis only used when a support provider (for example, Microsoft Support in an active support case or an OEM/IT admin) explicitly supplies a passkey tied to a specific diagnostic package. Without an active support case that includes such a passkey,msdtcannot be used in that mode.To proceed:
- Run built‑in troubleshooters without a passkey
- Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters in Windows 11.
- Run the relevant troubleshooter (e.g., Internet, Audio, Windows Update) directly from there. These do not require
msdtpasskeys.
- If a support engineer specifically asked to run
msdtwith/dci- You must obtain the passkey directly from that support engineer or organization.
- The passkey is not generic and cannot be reused or requested publicly.
- Prefer newer tools
- The Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool (MSDT) is deprecated. For new troubleshooting scenarios, use the Windows 11 Settings troubleshooters or guidance from current support articles instead of starting
msdtmanually.
- The Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool (MSDT) is deprecated. For new troubleshooting scenarios, use the Windows 11 Settings troubleshooters or guidance from current support articles instead of starting
References:
AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information. - Run built‑in troubleshooters without a passkey