Type

Device or system

Sound and microphones4 guides

  • Fix

    No sound on Windows: how to fix it

    Your Windows PC plays no sound through speakers or headphones. Work through these checks in order, from volume and cables to the output device and drivers.

    Windows 11, Windows 10

    12 minBeginner

  • How-to

    How to connect speakers or a soundbar

    Connect speakers to a computer, or a soundbar to a TV or computer, with a cable or Bluetooth. Covers HDMI ARC, optical, 3.5 mm and USB, plus what to check afterward.

    Any device

    10 minBeginner

  • Fix

    Headphones not detected or silent on one side

    Your computer ignores wired headphones, or only one earpiece plays. Check the plug, the output device, balance and mono settings, and the headphones themselves.

    Any device

    10 minBeginner

  • Fix

    Microphone not working: how to fix it

    People cannot hear you in calls or recordings. Check mute switches, app permission, the chosen microphone and input level on Windows and Mac, then reinstall the driver.

    Windows 11, Windows 10, Mac

    12 minBeginner

Displays, video and webcams3 guides

  • Fix

    Webcam not working: how to fix it

    Your webcam shows a black screen, an error or is not found in video calls. Check the shutter, app permission, updates and the driver on Windows and Mac.

    Windows 11, Windows 10, Mac

    12 minBeginner

  • Fix

    External monitor not detected

    Your computer does not see a second monitor or TV, or the screen stays dark. Check the input, cable, display mode and driver on Windows, and Detect Displays on a Mac.

    Windows 11, Windows 10, Mac

    12 minBeginner

  • Explainer

    HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA and USB-C video explained

    Learn how to tell HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, DVI and USB-C video ports apart, what each one carries, and which cable or adapter you need to link a screen.

    Any device

    7 minBeginner

USB devices and storage3 guides

  • Fix

    USB device not recognized: how to fix it

    A USB device does nothing or Windows says it is not recognized. Try these fixes in order, from a new port and cable to Device Manager and power settings.

    Windows 11, Windows 10, Mac

    12 minIntermediate

  • Fix

    External hard drive not showing up

    Your external hard drive or flash drive does not appear in File Explorer or Finder. Check power, cables, drive letters and format, and avoid erasing it by mistake.

    Windows 11, Windows 10, Mac

    12 minIntermediate

  • Explainer

    USB-C, docks, hubs and cables explained

    USB-C is a plug shape, not a promise. Learn what cables, hubs and docks do, how speed and power labels work, and how to avoid buying the wrong one.

    Any device

    8 minBeginner

Keyboards, mice and controllers2 guides

  • Fix

    Keyboard or mouse not working

    Your keyboard or mouse has stopped responding. Check batteries, cables, dongles, Bluetooth and settings in order, with ways to keep working if you cannot click.

    Any device

    8 minBeginner

  • How-to

    How to connect a game controller

    Connect an Xbox, PlayStation or other game controller to a Windows PC or Mac by USB cable or Bluetooth, and fix it if the computer or game does not see it.

    Windows 11, Windows 10, Mac

    8 minBeginner