Computer Troubleshooter

1. Check that the power cable is firmly connected and the outlet works. If you use a desktop, check the monitor’s power too.
2. Disconnect USB accessories, docks, and external drives, then try turning the computer on once.
3. If it’s a laptop, connect its usual charger and give it a little time before one more attempt. Don’t open the case or remove a built-in battery.

Stop and get help: If there was a spill, the battery looks swollen, or you notice sparks, a burning smell, or unusual heat, unplug it only if safe and don’t try powering it on again.

1. Save your work and restart the computer normally. A restart can clear a temporary slowdown.
2. Close apps you recognize but aren’t using. On Windows, Task Manager can show which apps are using resources; don’t end processes you don’t recognize.
3. On Windows, review Settings → System → Storage to see whether the drive is nearly full. Back up important files and review items before deleting anything.
4. If the slowdown started suddenly or you see suspicious messages, run a scan with the built-in Windows Security app. Avoid unfamiliar “PC cleaner” downloads.

Protect your files: If you hear clicking, the computer repeatedly locks up, or files are important, back them up if you safely can and ask for help before trying resets or reinstallations.

1. Check that Wi-Fi is on, Airplane mode is off, and the computer is connected to the right network.
2. Try another device on the same Wi-Fi. If nothing can connect, the issue may be with the router or internet provider rather than this computer.
3. If you’re allowed to manage the router, restart it using its normal power switch or unplug/reconnect it. Don’t press the factory-reset button.
4. If other devices work, restart the computer and try the connection again. If all devices remain offline, check with your internet provider.

Keep it simple: Avoid changing router security settings or resetting network equipment unless you know how to restore the setup.

1. Don’t click the pop-up, call a number shown in it, or give anyone remote access. Close the browser tab or window instead.
2. On Windows, open the built-in Windows Security app and run a scan. Don’t install a cleaner or antivirus program advertised by the pop-up.
3. If the messages appear only in your browser, review that browser’s site-notification permissions and remove only sites you don’t recognize.
4. If you shared a password or allowed remote access, disconnect the computer from the internet and change important passwords from a different, trusted device.

Financial or account details shared? Contact the affected bank or service provider using its official website or phone number, not a number from the pop-up.

1. Save your work and shut the computer down if it is unusually hot, making a grinding sound, or shutting itself off.
2. When it is cool, place it on a hard, flat surface and make sure the outside air vents aren’t covered.
3. Let it cool before using it again. If it heats up quickly or the noise returns, stop using it and arrange a checkup.

Don’t open the power supply or a swollen battery. If you smell burning, see damage, or suspect liquid got inside, unplug it only if safe and get professional help.

1. Write down or photograph the exact error message or code. Note when it started and whether anything changed just before it began.
2. If the computer is not hot or making unusual noises, try one normal restart. Disconnect a recently added accessory if you can do so safely.
3. If it starts again, back up important files before attempting repairs or updates.
4. Don’t factory-reset or reinstall the operating system until important files are backed up and you understand what will be erased.

Get help if it repeats: Repeated error screens, unexpected shutdowns, or any clicking / burning smell can signal a problem that shouldn’t be troubleshot by repeated restarts.

1. If you use a separate monitor, make sure it is powered on and set to the right input (such as HDMI). Check that the external cable is firmly connected at both ends.
2. On a laptop, check screen brightness and disconnect any dock or external display. Press a key or tap the trackpad once to wake the screen.
3. If the computer seems to be on, save yourself from repeated forced restarts: wait briefly, then try one normal restart only if it responds.

Get help: If the screen was dropped, has lines or cracks, or the computer smells hot or burned, power it down and don’t open the display or computer.

1. Check the computer volume, mute key, and the volume inside the app or website. Try a different video or audio source.
2. Check where sound is being sent. On Windows, open Settings → System → Sound and select the speakers or headphones you intend to use.
3. If you use Bluetooth headphones or a headset, confirm they are charged and connected. Disconnect and reconnect them once, or test another pair if available.
4. Restart the app and computer. If sound stopped after an update, note that before changing drivers.

Avoid driver-download ads. Don’t install a “driver fixer” from a pop-up or an unfamiliar download site.

1. For a wireless device, check its power switch and battery charge. For a wired device, unplug and reconnect it gently; try another USB port if one is available.
2. If the device uses a small wireless receiver, check that it is connected directly to the computer rather than through an unpowered hub.
3. Restart the computer if it is responding to other controls. For a laptop with a built-in keyboard or trackpad problem, try a basic external USB keyboard or mouse if you have one.
4. If only one key or button fails, note which one and whether anything spilled on the device. Don’t pry off keys or pour cleaner into it.

After a spill: Turn the computer off if safe and arrange a checkup. Don’t keep pressing keys to test it.

1. Check that the printer is on, has paper and ink/toner, and shows no warning on its display. Follow the printer’s own instructions for a paper jam; don’t force a stuck part.
2. Check the connection: a USB cable should be firmly connected, or a wireless printer and computer should be on the intended network.
3. On Windows, open Settings and search for Printers & scanners. Select the printer and check its status. Cancel only print jobs you recognize.
4. Restart the printer and computer. If a driver or app is needed, get it from the printer maker’s official support page—not an advertisement.

Don’t factory-reset the printer yet. A reset can remove its Wi-Fi setup and make reconnecting harder.

1. Check the wall outlet and the charger connection. Use the charger made for your laptop or one the manufacturer says is compatible.
2. Look at the charging cable and port without inserting anything into the port. Stop if a cable is frayed, the port is damaged, or the adapter gets unusually hot.
3. Restart the laptop while it is connected to power. If it turns on, check the battery indicator or the manufacturer’s built-in battery status app.
4. If the laptop only works while plugged in or the battery drains unusually fast, back up important files and arrange a battery check.

Swollen battery or burning smell? Stop using and charging the laptop. Don’t press, puncture, or remove a swollen battery.

1. Check Caps Lock, Num Lock, and the keyboard language/layout. If you have an external keyboard, disconnect and reconnect it once.
2. Make sure the computer has the internet connection it needs if you use an online account. Restart once if the sign-in screen is responsive.
3. If you forgot the password, use the official password-reset option for that account from its sign-in screen or official website. A work or school computer may require its IT administrator.
4. Write down the exact error message. Don’t share a password, PIN, recovery code, or one-time verification code with anyone offering to “unlock” the computer.

Don’t try random reset tools. Some reset options can erase files or affect account access.

1. Save your work and restart the app. If it still won’t open, restart the computer normally.
2. Check whether the app needs an internet connection and whether the service has a known outage.
3. Install app updates only from the app’s built-in updater, the official app store, or the maker’s official website.
4. Note any exact error text and when the issue started. If only one app is affected, avoid resetting Windows or deleting its data as a first step.

Keep security on. Don’t disable antivirus or bypass a security warning to force an app to run.

1. On Windows, open Settings → System → Storage to see what is taking up space. Review the categories before removing anything.
2. Back up photos and documents you want to keep. Only remove files you recognize, and check the Recycle Bin before emptying it.
3. Uninstall apps you recognize and no longer use through the normal system settings. Don’t delete folders from Windows or Program Files to make room.
4. Restart the computer after cleanup and check storage again.

Avoid “cleaner” apps. Unknown cleanup tools can remove needed files or create more problems.

1. Check for a physical camera privacy shutter, microphone mute switch, or headset mute button.
2. In the app you’re using, select the correct camera and microphone. Close other calling apps that may already be using them.
3. On Windows, search Settings for Camera privacy settings and Microphone privacy settings, then confirm the app is allowed to use each device. Menu names vary by Windows version.
4. For a browser meeting, check the site’s camera/microphone permission and refresh the page. Restart the app or browser if the device still isn’t detected.

Protect your privacy: Only grant camera or microphone permission to apps and sites you trust.

1. If an update is actively installing, keep the computer plugged in and give it time. Don’t force it off during a normal update unless it is dangerously hot or there is another immediate safety concern.
2. When the computer is back at the desktop, check that it has a stable internet connection and enough free storage, then restart once.
3. Write down the update name and any error code. Use the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter or the software maker’s official help page.
4. For an app update, use the app’s built-in updater or official store. Avoid third-party driver/update utilities.

Repeated failures? Don’t edit the registry or run commands from random forums. Back up important files before attempting major repair steps.

1. Note the computer make and model, what you were doing when the problem started, and the exact message or error code.
2. Write down any recent changes, such as a new app, update, accessory, move, drop, or power outage.
3. If the computer is stable and not hot or damaged, save your work and try one normal restart. Don’t repeat forced shutdowns.
4. Back up important files if you can do so safely. Use the repair-note template below to organize the details.

Never include passwords, PINs, recovery codes, or private account details in a repair message.