Type

Device or system

Speed and performance3 guides

  • Fix

    Why your PC is running slow and how to speed it up

    Your Windows PC has become slow to open programs or respond. Work through safe fixes in order, from a restart to startup apps, free space and a malware scan.

    Windows 11, Windows 10

    20 minBeginner

  • Fix

    Slow startup: manage startup programs and speed up boot

    Windows takes a long time to start or to become usable after you sign in. Turn off startup apps you do not need and check the other common causes.

    Windows 11, Windows 10

    10 minBeginner

  • How-to

    How to free up disk space on Windows

    Your drive is nearly full. Check what is using space, then clear temporary files, unused apps and old downloads safely with Windows' own tools.

    Windows 11, Windows 10

    15 minBeginner

Startup and boot problems3 guides

  • Fix

    PC won't turn on: what to check first

    Your desktop or laptop shows no sign of life when you press the power button. Check the outlet, cables, lights and a power reset in a safe order.

    Any device

    15 minBeginner

  • Fix

    Black screen at startup: how to get your display back

    Your PC seems to be on but the screen stays black or blank. Check cables, reset the graphics driver, and use Safe Mode to fix a display driver in order.

    Windows 11, Windows 10

    25 minIntermediate

  • Fix

    Stuck in the Windows Automatic Repair loop

    Windows keeps restarting into Automatic Repair and never reaches the desktop. Use the recovery tools in a safe order, from Startup Repair to a restore point.

    Windows 11, Windows 10

    30 minAdvanced

Crashes and errors2 guides

  • Fix

    Blue screen errors: what they mean and what to do

    Your Windows PC stopped on an error screen and restarted. Read the stop code, then work through the safe fixes in order, from unplugging new hardware to a restore point.

    Windows 11, Windows 10

    20 minIntermediate

  • Fix

    An app is not responding or keeps crashing

    A Windows program freezes, says Not Responding or closes by itself. Close it safely, then try the fixes in order, from a restart to repairing the app and system files.

    Windows 11, Windows 10

    15 minBeginner

Updates and drivers2 guides

  • Fix

    Windows Update stuck or failing: how to fix it

    Windows Update is stuck at a percentage, will not install or shows an error code. Work through Microsoft's fixes in order, from the troubleshooter to a reset.

    Windows 11, Windows 10

    25 minIntermediate

  • Fix

    Fix driver problems with Device Manager

    Learn to spot a faulty driver in Device Manager, then update, roll back or reinstall it safely using Windows Update or the maker's own website, never a driver updater.

    Windows 11, Windows 10

    15 minIntermediate

Care, battery and backups3 guides

  • Fix

    PC overheating or loud fans: causes and fixes

    Your laptop or desktop runs hot, shuts off or has a roaring fan. Fix airflow, workload and dust in a safe order, and learn the signs that mean stop and get it serviced.

    Any device

    15 minBeginner

  • Fix

    Laptop battery won't charge: what to check

    Your laptop is plugged in but the battery stays low or shows not charging. Check the charger, port and settings first, and learn when it needs service.

    Any device

    15 minBeginner

  • How-to

    How to back up your files and create a restore point

    Protect your photos and documents with a backup, and give Windows a restore point to return to if an update or driver goes wrong. Steps for Windows 11 and Windows 10.

    Windows 11, Windows 10

    20 minBeginner