Troubleshooting Guide
Step-by-step solutions for common tech issues. If you need further help, you can always contact us or book a service.
🐢 Computer Running Slow Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Restart Your PC
A simple restart can clear memory and resolve temporary glitches.
Step 2: Check for Background Programs
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager Go to the Processes tab Sort by CPU or Memory to find resource-heavy apps Right-click any unnecessary apps and select End Task
Step 3: Clear Temporary Files
Press Windows + R, type temp and press Enter Delete all files in the folder Repeat with %temp% and prefetch folders
Step 4: Disable Visual Effects
Open Start Menu, search for Performance Options Click Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows Choose Adjust for best performance, then click Apply
Step 5: Free Up Disk Space
Open Settings → System → Storage Use Storage Sense to clean up unused files Click Temporary files to remove unnecessary data
🔥 High CPU or Memory Usage Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc Look at the CPU and Memory columns Identify which processes are using the most resources
Step 2: End Unnecessary Tasks
Right-click the high-usage process Click End Task (Do not end system-critical processes)
Step 3: Scan for Malware
Open Windows Security Go to Virus & Threat Protection Click Quick Scan or Full Scan
Step 4: Update Drivers
Right-click Start → Device Manager Expand Processors, Display adapters, etc. Right-click each and choose Update driver
Step 5: Adjust Virtual Memory
Search Advanced System Settings Under Performance, click Settings → Advanced → Virtual memory Set a custom size: Initial size = RAM size (MB), Max size = 1.5x RAM
❄️ Programs Not Responding / Freezing Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Wait a Few Seconds
Sometimes apps resume if you give them a moment
Step 2: Force Close the App
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc Right-click the frozen app in Task Manager Select End Task
Step 3: Run in Compatibility Mode
Right-click the app shortcut Go to Properties → Compatibility tab Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: Choose a previous Windows version
Step 4: Check for App Updates
Open the app and check for an update option Or reinstall the app from a trusted source
Step 5: Scan System Files
Open Command Prompt as Administrator Type: sfc /scannow Press Enter and wait for scan to finish
🚀 Too Many Startup Apps Slowing Boot Time Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc Click on the Startup tab
Step 2: Disable Unnecessary Startup Apps
Right-click any app that says Enabled under the Status column Select Disable (Leave antivirus and system apps enabled)
Step 3: Review with Windows Settings
Open Settings → Apps → Startup Toggle off apps you don't need to start with Windows
Step 4: Use a Clean Boot
Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter Go to Services, check Hide all Microsoft services Click Disable all, then Apply and OK Restart your PC to test performance
Step 5: Check for BIOS Fast Boot Options (Advanced)
If you are comfortable with BIOS settings, some PCs support a Fast Boot option in BIOS to speed up startup.
💻 Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Note the Error Code
Write down the error name or code shown on the BSOD (e.g. CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED or 0x000000EF)
Step 2: Remove External Devices
Unplug USB drives, printers, and external hard drives Restart your PC to see if the issue repeats
Step 3: Boot Into Safe Mode
Hold Shift while clicking Restart from the login screen Navigate to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart Press 4 to enter Safe Mode
Step 4: Check for Windows and Driver Updates
Go to Settings → Windows Update Click Check for updates Also open Device Manager, right-click critical drivers (graphics, chipset), and select Update driver
Step 5: Scan for Malware
Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection Run a full scan
Step 6: Use System File Checker
Open Command Prompt as Administrator Type: sfc /scannow Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete
❄️ Frequent Freezing or Crashing Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Check for Overheating
Download tools like HWMonitor to check CPU/GPU temperatures Ensure fans and vents are not blocked
Step 2: Update Graphics and Chipset Drivers
Open Device Manager Expand Display adapters and System devices Right-click and update key drivers
Step 3: Run Memory Diagnostics
Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe Select Restart now and check for problems
Step 4: Scan System Files
Open Command Prompt as Administrator, then type: sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 5: Uninstall Recently Installed Apps
If crashes began after installing something new, uninstall it from Settings → Apps
🧯 Windows Not Booting Properly Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Use Startup Repair
Turn off your PC, then turn it back on and hold the power button as soon as Windows starts loading Repeat this 3 times to force Windows into Recovery Mode Click Advanced options → Startup Repair
Step 2: Boot Into Safe Mode
From Recovery Mode: Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart Press 4 or 5 to boot into Safe Mode
Step 3: Perform System Restore
From Recovery Mode: Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → System Restore Choose a restore point before the issue started
Step 4: Rebuild the Boot Configuration
In Recovery Command Prompt, type: bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /scanos bootrec /rebuildbcd
Step 5: Reset Windows (last resort)
Troubleshoot → Reset this PC You can keep your files or remove everything
🕳️ Black Screen After Login Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Try Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc If it opens, click File → Run new task Type explorer.exe and hit Enter
Step 2: Boot Into Safe Mode
Follow the steps above to reach Safe Mode
Step 3: Disable Fast Startup
Boot into Safe Mode Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do Click Change settings that are currently unavailable Uncheck Turn on fast startup
Step 4: Update Graphics Driver
From Safe Mode: Open Device Manager → Display adapters Right-click and Uninstall your GPU driver Restart to allow Windows to reinstall a basic version
Step 5: Perform System Restore
Use System Restore from Safe Mode or Recovery Mode to roll back to a stable point
⚡ Screen Flickering Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Identify the Cause
Check if the flickering happens in Safe Mode If not, it is likely a driver or software conflict
Step 2: Update Display Driver
Right-click Start → Device Manager Expand Display adapters Right-click your display device → Select Update driver Choose Search automatically for drivers
Step 3: Uninstall Problematic Software
Known culprits include Norton, iCloud, IDT Audio Open Settings → Apps, and uninstall suspicious programs Restart your computer
Step 4: Reinstall Graphics Driver
In Device Manager, right-click your display adapter Select Uninstall device Restart your PC to allow automatic reinstallation
🖼️ Display Resolution Issues Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Open Display Settings
Right-click your desktop → Click Display settings Scroll down to Display resolution
Step 2: Set Recommended Resolution
Choose the one marked as (Recommended) Most modern displays use 1920x1080 or higher
Step 3: Update Graphics Driver
Use Device Manager to check for updated drivers (same steps as above)
Step 4: Check Monitor Cable
Ensure the monitor cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA) is plugged in securely Try a different port or cable if available
🖥️ Multiple Monitor Problems Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Detect All Displays
Go to Settings → System → Display Click Detect to find missing monitors Scroll to Multiple displays, choose Extend, Duplicate, or Second screen only
Step 2: Match Resolutions and Scaling
Make sure both monitors use supported resolutions and scaling values Mismatched settings can cause black screens or flickering
Step 3: Update or Reconnect Hardware
Use DisplayPort or HDMI, not VGA if possible Reconnect cables and power cycle your monitors Update display drivers in Device Manager
Step 4: Use Display Configuration Shortcuts
Press Windows + P to toggle between projection modes: PC screen only Duplicate Extend Second screen only
🔎 Scaling or Font Blurry on High-DPI Screens Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Use Recommended Scaling
Open Settings → System → Display Under Scale and layout, set to 100% or the recommended value
Step 2: Turn Off Display Scaling for Specific Apps
Right-click the app shortcut → Properties Go to Compatibility → Change high DPI settings Tick Override high DPI scaling Select Application from the dropdown
Step 3: Adjust ClearType Settings
Search Adjust ClearType text in the Start Menu Follow the on-screen wizard to fine-tune font clarity
Step 4: Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft often pushes display fixes in updates Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
🔇 No Sound from Speakers or Headphones Troubleshooting Steps
Check volume slider and mute icon in the taskbar
Try a different audio device from the sound output list
Run Audio Troubleshooter from Settings → System → Sound → Troubleshoot
Reinstall or update audio drivers in Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers
Test with a different speaker or headphone
🎤 Microphone Not Working Troubleshooting Steps
Check physical mute switch or function key shortcut (e.g. Fn + F4)
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and make sure microphone access is on
Set the correct input device under System → Sound → Input
Update or reinstall microphone drivers
📢 Audio Crackling or Distorted Troubleshooting Steps
Switch to a different audio port or use USB audio
Update sound drivers
Change audio format: Sound settings → Device properties → Advanced tab
Disable audio enhancements under Sound settings → Enhancements
🔀 Apps Playing Sound in Wrong Output Troubleshooting Steps
Open Settings → Sound → Advanced → App volume and device preferences
Assign specific output devices for each app
Restart affected app after changing output
🔑 Can't Log In (Forgot Password / PIN) Troubleshooting Steps
Click I forgot my password/PIN on the login screen
Follow on-screen instructions to reset via email or phone
For local accounts, reset password via Recovery Options if enabled
👤 User Profile Corrupted Troubleshooting Steps
Boot into Safe Mode
Open Registry Editor and rename .bak profile if available
Create a new user and transfer files manually
Or use System Restore to revert to a stable state
👁️ Windows Hello Not Working Troubleshooting Steps
Remove and re-set up facial recognition or fingerprint
Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options
Update biometric drivers in Device Manager
Check camera or fingerprint sensor is not obstructed
🔒 Locked Out of PC Troubleshooting Steps
Use a recovery USB or installation media to boot into recovery
Use System Restore or reset the PC while keeping files
Contact Microsoft Support if unable to access admin account
⏳ Windows Update Stuck or Failing Troubleshooting Steps
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Clear update cache: stop Windows Update service, delete C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution, then restart the service
Restart and retry updates manually
🧩 Driver Issues After Update Troubleshooting Steps
Roll back driver in Device Manager → Driver → Roll Back
Use System Restore to undo recent changes
Reinstall official drivers from manufacturer's website
🗑️ Can't Install or Uninstall Programs Troubleshooting Steps
Use Settings → Apps → Installed Apps or Control Panel
Run the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter from Microsoft
Delete leftovers from C:\Program Files and registry manually if needed
🚫 Apps Won't Open Troubleshooting Steps
Reboot your PC
Reinstall or update the app
Run as Administrator
Check for missing dependencies (like .NET Framework)
💾 Running Out of Disk Space Troubleshooting Steps
Use Storage Sense: Settings → System → Storage
Empty Recycle Bin and clear Downloads
Move files to external drive or cloud storage
Uninstall unused programs
🗂️ File Explorer Freezing Troubleshooting Steps
Clear Quick Access history from Folder Options
Disable preview pane
Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
🔌 External Drive Not Detected Troubleshooting Steps
Try a different port or cable
Check Disk Management to see if drive is listed
Assign a drive letter if it has none
Update USB and chipset drivers
📊 Disk Usage 100% in Task Manager Troubleshooting Steps
Disable Windows Search and Superfetch services
Update storage controller drivers
Check for malware
Replace failing hard drive (common on HDDs)
🖨️ Printer Not Working Troubleshooting Steps
Reconnect cable or re-add wireless printer
Run Printer Troubleshooter
Set correct printer as default
Clear print queue in Settings → Printers & scanners
🖱️ Mouse/Keyboard Not Detected Troubleshooting Steps
Try a different USB port
Replace batteries if wireless
Check if working in BIOS or another PC
Reinstall input drivers in Device Manager
🔋 Battery Draining Fast (on laptops) Troubleshooting Steps
Lower screen brightness
Disable background apps in Settings → Battery
Run Power Troubleshooter
Use Battery Saver mode
⏰ Time and Date Wrong Troubleshooting Steps
Sync time with internet server: Settings → Time & Language → Date & Time → Sync now
Set correct time zone manually