AI-Powered Computer Control for Windows

Troubleshooting

Install Quickstart Releases

Troubleshooting Guide

Common issues and their solutions for Recursive Control.

Installation Issues

Application Won’t Start

Problem: Double-clicking the executable does nothing or shows an error.

Solutions:

  1. Verify .NET Framework 4.8 is installed
  2. Run as Administrator (right-click → Run as Administrator)
  3. Check Windows Event Viewer for error details
  4. Ensure antivirus isn’t blocking the application

Missing Dependencies

Problem: Error about missing DLL files.

Solutions:

  1. Install .NET Framework 4.8
  2. Install Visual C++ Redistributables
  3. Reinstall the application

Configuration Issues

API Key Not Working

Problem: “Invalid API key” or authentication errors.

Solutions:

  1. Verify the API key is copied correctly (no extra spaces)
  2. Check that your API provider account is active
  3. Ensure you have sufficient credits/quota
  4. Verify you’re using the correct endpoint URL (for Azure)

Can’t Save Settings

Problem: Settings don’t persist after restart.

Solutions:

  1. Run the application as Administrator
  2. Check that %APPDATA%\FlowVision folder has write permissions
  3. Verify no antivirus is blocking file writes

Runtime Issues

Commands Not Executing

Problem: AI responds but doesn’t perform actions.

Solutions:

  1. Check that required plugins are enabled in settings
  2. Verify Windows UAC isn’t blocking automated actions
  3. Ensure the target application/window is accessible
  4. Try running Recursive Control as Administrator

Slow Performance

Problem: Application is laggy or unresponsive.

Solutions:

  1. Close unnecessary applications to free RAM
  2. Switch to a faster AI model (e.g., GPT-3.5 instead of GPT-4)
  3. Disable unused plugins
  4. Check internet connection speed
  5. Consider using a local model with LM Studio

High Token Usage

Problem: Burning through API credits quickly.

Solutions:

  1. Use more specific commands to reduce back-and-forth
  2. Disable verbose logging in system prompts
  3. Use smaller/cheaper models for simple tasks
  4. Implement caching where possible

Plugin-Specific Issues

Screen Capture Not Working

Problem: Screenshots are blank or fail to capture.

Solutions:

  1. Grant screen capture permissions in Windows settings
  2. Check that display scaling is at 100% (or adjust DPI settings)
  3. Verify graphics drivers are up to date
  4. Try running as Administrator

Playwright/Browser Automation Failing

Problem: Browser automation commands fail.

Solutions:

  1. Ensure Playwright is properly installed
  2. Download required browser binaries
  3. Check firewall isn’t blocking browser processes
  4. Verify Playwright plugin is enabled in settings

Keyboard/Mouse Input Not Working

Problem: Automated keyboard/mouse actions don’t execute.

Solutions:

  1. Run application as Administrator
  2. Check that UAC isn’t blocking input simulation
  3. Verify target window has focus
  4. Disable “Filter keyboard input” if enabled in accessibility settings

Remote Control Plugin Not Responding

Problem: HTTP API not accepting commands.

Solutions:

  1. Verify plugin is enabled in settings
  2. Check configured port isn’t already in use
  3. Ensure firewall allows incoming connections on that port
  4. Test with curl: curl -X POST http://localhost:PORT -d '{"command":"test"}'

Error Messages

“Model not found” or “Deployment not found”

Cause: Model name or deployment name is incorrect.

Solution: Verify the exact model/deployment name in your AI provider dashboard and update settings.

“Rate limit exceeded”

Cause: Too many API requests in a short time.

Solution: Wait a few moments and try again. Consider upgrading your API plan for higher rate limits.

“Context length exceeded”

Cause: Conversation history too long for the model.

Solution: Start a new conversation or use a model with larger context window.

“Insufficient permissions”

Cause: Application doesn’t have required Windows permissions.

Solution: Run as Administrator and check UAC settings.

Performance Optimization

Best Practices for Speed

  1. Use specific, clear commands
  2. Enable only needed plugins
  3. Use faster AI models for simple tasks
  4. Keep conversation history manageable
  5. Close resource-heavy applications

Memory Management

  • Restart application periodically for long sessions
  • Clear conversation history when not needed
  • Monitor Task Manager for memory leaks
  • Close unnecessary browser tabs if using Playwright

Logging and Diagnostics

Enable Debug Logging

  1. Open settings
  2. Enable “Debug Mode” or “Verbose Logging”
  3. Reproduce the issue
  4. Check logs in %APPDATA%\FlowVision\logs

Log Locations

  • Plugin Usage: %APPDATA%\FlowVision\plugin_usage.log
  • Application Logs: %APPDATA%\FlowVision\logs\
  • Error Logs: Windows Event Viewer → Application

Getting Help

If you can’t resolve your issue:

  1. Check Documentation
  2. Community Support
  3. Report Bugs
    • GitHub Issues - Bug reports
    • Include: OS version, .NET version, error messages, steps to reproduce

Known Issues

Windows 11 24H2

  • Some screen capture APIs may require additional permissions
  • Workaround: Grant screen recording permission in Settings → Privacy

High DPI Displays

  • UI elements may appear small on 4K displays
  • Workaround: Adjust display scaling or DPI awareness settings

Antivirus False Positives

  • Some antivirus software flags automation tools
  • Workaround: Add Recursive Control to antivirus exclusions

Still stuck? Reach out on Discord - we’re here to help!