Start with what the computer is doing.
Choose the closest symptom. Each guide explains safe first checks, what to avoid, and the most relevant service.
Power & startup
Computer Will Not Turn On
There are no lights, sounds, or visible response when you press the power control.
See safe next steps →Power & startupComputer Has Power but No Display
Lights or fans are active, but the screen remains blank.
See safe next steps →Power & startupComputer Keeps Restarting
The computer repeatedly begins loading and then restarts.
See safe next steps →Power & startupComputer Stuck on Startup Screen
The startup logo or loading indicator never reaches the sign-in screen.
See safe next steps →Power & startupBlack Screen After Sign-In
The sign-in succeeds but the normal desktop does not appear.
See safe next steps →Power & startupComputer Shuts Down Unexpectedly
The computer loses power during ordinary use.
See safe next steps →Performance
Computer Running Slowly
Startup, browsing, or everyday tasks take much longer than they used to.
See safe next steps →PerformanceComputer Keeps Freezing
The pointer, keyboard, or applications stop responding.
See safe next steps →PerformanceApplications Not Responding
One or more programs repeatedly become unresponsive.
See safe next steps →PerformanceComputer Takes Too Long to Start
The computer eventually works but startup has become unusually long.
See safe next steps →PerformanceLow Storage Warning
The computer reports that available storage is nearly exhausted.
See safe next steps →PerformanceComputer Overheating
The case becomes very hot, fans run constantly, or performance drops with heat.
See safe next steps →PerformanceLoud Computer Fan
The cooling fan is louder or runs more often than normal.
See safe next steps →PerformanceBrowser Running Slowly
Pages, tabs, or downloads feel slow while other tasks may seem normal.
See safe next steps →Software
System Update Will Not Install
An update repeatedly fails, pauses, or returns an error.
See safe next steps →SoftwareComputer Problem After an Update
A new error, missing feature, or startup problem began immediately after an update.
See safe next steps →SoftwareProgram Will Not Open
A needed program closes immediately, shows an error, or does nothing.
See safe next steps →SoftwareFile Will Not Open
A document or photo opens with an error or in the wrong program.
See safe next steps →SoftwareComputer Sound Not Working
Speakers or headphones produce no sound or use the wrong output.
See safe next steps →SoftwareCamera Not Working
The camera is missing, blocked, or unavailable during a call.
See safe next steps →SoftwareMicrophone Not Working
Other people cannot hear you or hear the wrong audio source.
See safe next steps →Accounts
Email Not Sending
New messages remain unsent or return an error.
See safe next steps →EmailEmail Not Receiving Messages
Expected messages do not appear or arrive only on one device.
See safe next steps →EmailEmail Keeps Asking for a Password
The computer repeatedly requests account credentials even after they are entered.
See safe next steps →Security
Suspicious Popups
Unexpected warnings, advertisements, or urgent messages interrupt normal use.
See safe next steps →SecurityFake Security Warning
A full-screen warning claims the computer is locked or infected and demands immediate contact.
See safe next steps →SecurityBrowser Redirects
Searches or links open unexpected pages or advertisements.
See safe next steps →SecurityUnwanted Remote Access
A stranger or untrusted person was allowed to view or control the computer.
See safe next steps →SecurityPossible Account Compromise
You notice unfamiliar sign-ins, messages, purchases, or password changes.
See safe next steps →Data
Accidentally Deleted Files
Important documents or photos were deleted and are not where expected.
See safe next steps →DataMissing Photos
A photo folder, collection, or storage device no longer shows expected pictures.
See safe next steps →DataStorage Device Not Detected
An internal or external storage device does not appear or asks to be initialized.
See safe next steps →DataCorrupted Files
Files show errors, blank content, or unusual names and cannot be used normally.
See safe next steps →DataComputer Will Not Start but Files Are Needed
The computer is unusable, but documents or photos must be recovered.
See safe next steps →Backup
Printer & scanner
Printer Shows Offline
The computer reports that the printer is unavailable even though it is powered on.
See safe next steps →Printer & scannerPrinter Will Not Print
A print command produces no page or stays in the queue.
See safe next steps →Printer & scannerPrinter Not Detected
The computer cannot find a connected or wireless printer.
See safe next steps →Printer & scannerPrint Jobs Stuck in Queue
Old or duplicate documents remain waiting and prevent new printing.
See safe next steps →Printer & scannerWireless Printer Keeps Disconnecting
Printing works temporarily and then the printer disappears again.
See safe next steps →Printer & scannerScanner Not Working
The computer cannot find the scanner or save the scanned document.
See safe next steps →Network
Computer Will Not Connect to Wi-Fi
The network appears, but the computer cannot connect or has no internet access.
See safe next steps →NetworkWi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting
The connection drops repeatedly and later returns.
See safe next steps →NetworkWeak Wi-Fi Signal
The connection is slow or unreliable in part of the home.
See safe next steps →NetworkWi-Fi Dead Zones
Certain rooms have little or no usable connection.
See safe next steps →NetworkSlow Internet on One Computer
Other devices work normally, but one computer has a slow connection.
See safe next steps →NetworkVideo Calls Freezing
Calls pause, drop, or have delayed sound and picture.
See safe next steps →Portable hardware
Battery Not Charging
The battery percentage does not rise or the computer works only while connected to power.
See safe next steps →Portable hardwareBattery Drains Quickly
Normal use lasts much less time than it used to.
See safe next steps →Portable hardwareKeyboard Keys Not Working
Some or all keys fail, repeat, or enter the wrong character.
See safe next steps →Portable hardwareTouchpad Not Working
The built-in pointer does not move or click normally.
See safe next steps →Portable hardwareDamaged Computer Screen
The display is cracked, discolored, flickering, or partly blank.
See safe next steps →Portable hardwareDamaged Computer Hinge
The screen hinge is loose, separated, or strains the case when opened.
See safe next steps →Portable hardwareLiquid Exposure
Liquid reached the keyboard, case, or connected equipment.
See safe next steps →Home office
New computer
Accessibility
Everyday help
Small business
New Employee Computer Setup
A new team member needs a ready-to-work computer with the right programs and accounts.
See safe next steps →Small businessFormer Employee Access Removal
Business access must be removed without losing company information.
See safe next steps →Small businessShared Office Printer Not Working
Several computers cannot reliably use the same printer.
See safe next steps →Small businessSmall-Business Backup Problem
Business files are not backing up or cannot be restored confidently.
See safe next steps →