Computer Running Slow? Find the Cause First
Troubleshoot a slow PC by checking startup apps, resource use, storage, updates and unwanted software.
Read the guide →Issue library
Computer troubleshooting guides
Browse by symptom. Start with the message on screen and the last thing that changed, then follow the checks for your case.
Computer Won't Turn On: Check Power and Display Separately
Safe first checks for a computer that has no lights, no sound, or a blank display.
Read the guide →Windows Won't Boot or Gets Stuck on Startup
Troubleshoot Windows startup loops, Automatic Repair, spinning dots and no-boot messages safely.
Read the guide →Blue Screen or Windows Stop Code: What to Check First
Understand Windows stop-code errors, preserve the exact code and choose safer troubleshooting steps for repeated crashes.
Read the guide →Windows Black Screen: PC Is On but Nothing Appears
Troubleshoot a Windows black screen with or without a cursor by checking display input, brightness, graphics state and startup.
Read the guide →Computer Keeps Freezing or Becoming Unresponsive
Diagnose random computer freezes by checking whether one app hangs, resource use spikes or the whole system locks.
Read the guide →PC Keeps Restarting or Entering a Restart Loop
Diagnose repeated restarts during boot, after sign-in or under load by checking stop codes, accessories, heat and recent changes.
Read the guide →Windows Update Failed or Is Stuck: Start With the Code
Troubleshoot update failures by recording the exact code, checking storage and using the built-in Windows troubleshooter.
Read the guide →An App Won't Open or Keeps Crashing
Troubleshoot Windows applications that refuse to launch, close immediately or fail after an update.
Read the guide →No Sound on Windows? Check the Output Device First
Troubleshoot Windows audio by checking the selected output, volume mixer, headset connection and driver state.
Read the guide →Microphone Not Working in Windows or Video Calls
Check the selected microphone, app permissions, input level and headset connection when a PC microphone is not detected.
Read the guide →Webcam Not Detected or Showing a Black Image
Troubleshoot a built-in or USB webcam missing from Windows or unavailable in a meeting app.
Read the guide →USB Device Not Recognized in Windows
Diagnose USB devices that do not appear, disconnect repeatedly or show a device-descriptor error.
Read the guide →Bluetooth Missing, Won't Pair or Keeps Disconnecting
Fix common Windows Bluetooth problems by checking radio state, pairing mode, existing connections and drivers.
Read the guide →Computer Overheating, Loud Fans or Sudden Shutdowns
Check workload, ventilation and fan behavior when a PC becomes hot, noisy, throttles or shuts down.
Read the guide →Low Disk Space: Free Storage Without Deleting Important Files
Safely free Windows storage by reviewing Storage settings, temporary files, large files and backups.
Read the guide →Windows Start Menu, Search or Taskbar Not Responding
Troubleshoot a frozen Start menu, broken Windows search, taskbar icons or an unresponsive desktop shell.
Read the guide →Can't Sign In to Windows: PIN, Password or Temporary Profile
Troubleshoot rejected PINs, account problems and temporary profiles without risking encrypted files.
Read the guide →Suspicious Pop-Ups, Fake Virus Warnings or Browser Redirects
Respond safely to fake virus alerts, scam support warnings, browser redirects and suspicious extensions.
Read the guide →Laptop Battery Not Charging or Stuck at a Percentage
Check laptop charging, adapters, battery limits and status messages before replacing parts.
Read the guide →Device Manager Error or Driver Not Working
Understand Windows Device Manager warnings and troubleshoot missing or incompatible drivers without random downloads.
Read the guide →Computer Keeps Disconnecting From Wi-Fi
Troubleshoot Wi-Fi drops on one Windows computer by comparing devices, adapter settings, driver changes and coverage.
Read the guide →A File Won't Open or Windows Says the Format Is Unsupported
Find whether a file problem comes from the app, extension, download corruption or permissions without risking the only copy.
Read the guide →Computer Slow After a Windows Update
Diagnose a PC that became slow after an update by checking background work, resource usage, storage and official driver compatibility.
Read the guide →Hard Drive or SSD Errors: Protect Files Before Repair
Respond to disk warnings, disappearing drives and unusual noises while reducing risk of data loss.
Read the guide →Windows Asks for a BitLocker Recovery Key
Understand a BitLocker prompt, locate the correct recovery key and avoid data loss when Windows requests drive unlock credentials.
Read the guide →Back Up Important Files Before Troubleshooting or Repair
Create a practical backup plan before Windows resets, hardware service, malware cleanup or deeper troubleshooting.
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