Troubleshooting & How-To Guides
Computer Troubleshooting and How-To Guides: Solving Everyday Technology Problems
Computer acting up? Find straightforward troubleshooting guides, step-by-step tutorials, maintenance tips and practical solutions to common computer problems that help keep your technology running smoothly.
What Do You Do When Your Computer Stops Cooperating?
Has your computer ever refused to start, crawled along like it’s stuck in mud or thrown an error message that might as well be written in another language? If so, you’re in good company… it happens to all of us.
The truth is, most computer problems have a pretty ordinary cause. A loose cable, a nearly full drive, a bad update or a router that just needs a restart is behind more headaches than you’d think.
These computer troubleshooting guides walk you through how to find the cause and fix common computer problems yourself, in plain English and one step at a time. Whenever a tech term shows up, we explain it right there, so you’re never left guessing.
Most fixes start with simple, reversible steps, and you don’t have to be an expert to take them.
Browse Computer Troubleshooting Topics
Not sure where to start? Pick the topic that sounds most like your problem and we’ll take it from there.
Computer Startup & Boot Problems
Computer won’t start? Learn how to diagnose boot errors, make sense of startup messages and track down the hardware or software issues that keep your system from getting to the desktop.
Example Topics
- No Power vs. No Display
- Understanding Beep Codes and Boot Errors
- Starting Your Computer in Safe Mode
Computer Performance & Maintenance
Is your computer slower than it used to be? Discover practical ways to improve responsiveness, manage startup apps, handle routine maintenance and keep your machine running efficiently for the long haul.
Example Topics
- Finding What’s Slowing Down Your PC
- Managing Startup Programs
- A Simple Monthly Maintenance Routine
Internet & Network Troubleshooting
Find solutions for Wi-Fi drop-outs, Ethernet connection failures, slow internet speeds, router trouble, DNS errors (DNS is basically the Internet’s phone book) and other everyday home networking problems.
Example Topics
- Restarting Your Modem and Router the Right Way
- Fixing DNS Errors
- Troubleshooting Slow Wi-Fi
Hardware Troubleshooting & Repairs
Learn how to spot problems with memory, storage drives, power supplies, cooling fans, peripherals and other essential components, plus how to tell when a part needs repair or replacement.
Example Topics
- How to Test Your RAM
- Checking Your Drive’s Health
- Overheating and Fan Problems
Operating System & Software Problems
Explore troubleshooting techniques for Windows, Linux and macOS, including app crashes, software compatibility issues, operating system errors and those updates that fail halfway through.
Example Topics
- Fixing Programs That Keep Crashing
- Recovering From a Failed Update
- Running Older Software on a New System
Step-by-Step Computer Tutorials
Follow practical tutorials covering software installation, device setup, system settings, file management, backups and the everyday computer tasks nobody ever really sat down and showed us how to do.
Example Topics
- Installing and Uninstalling Software
- Setting Up a New Printer
- Organizing Your Files and Folders
Our Troubleshooting Method
A Practical Approach to Computer Troubleshooting
Here’s a little secret: the folks who fix computers for a living don’t have magic powers. They follow a process. Use these five steps on just about any tech problem and you’ll be surprised how many you can solve yourself.
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Identify the Problem
Figure out what’s happening, when it started and whether you’re seeing any error messages. Jot them down word for word.
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Check the Basics
Look at power connections, cables, network connectivity and system settings. You’d be surprised how often it’s something simple.
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Isolate the Cause
Narrow it down. Is it hardware, software, an operating system setting or your network connection?
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Apply a Solution and…
Follow the right troubleshooting steps, starting with simple, reversible changes before you try anything advanced.
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Verify the Results
Make sure the problem is really gone, then write down what you changed. Future you will thank you.
Back Up First!
Before you try anything that could change or erase data, like reinstalling software, updating drivers or resetting your operating system, back up your important files. It only takes a few minutes and it can save you a world of hurt. Learn how to back up your computer →
Start simple, change one thing at a time and always have a backup.
Popular Troubleshooting & How-To Guides
These are the problems people run into the most, so that’s where we’re starting. Here’s what’s coming up first.
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Computer Won’t Turn On? How to Diagnose Common Startup Problems
Nothing happens when you press the power button? Walk through the most common causes in a simple order, from the power cable to failing parts.
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How to Fix a Slow Computer: Practical Troubleshooting Steps
Find out what’s really bogging down your computer and how to speed it back up before you spend a dime on new hardware.
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Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet? Common Causes and Solutions
Your device says it’s connected, but nothing loads. Here’s how to tell whether the problem is your computer, your router or your Internet provider.
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How to Check Your Computer’s Hardware Health
Learn how to check your drives, memory and temperatures with built-in tools, so you can catch hardware trouble before it catches you.
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Windows Update Problems: Common Errors and How to Fix Them
Stuck downloads, failed installs and restart loops. Practical fixes for the Windows Update problems people run into most often.
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How to Back Up Your Computer Before Troubleshooting
A simple, step-by-step way to protect your important files before you start making changes to your system.
Find Troubleshooting Guides for Your Operating System
Every operating system has its own quirks. Pick yours for fixes written specifically for it. Want to learn how your OS works rather than fix it? Head over to our Operating Systems & Software guides.
Windows Troubleshooting
Solutions for Windows startup issues, updates, performance, drivers (the small programs that let Windows talk to your hardware) and common system errors.
Linux Troubleshooting
Practical guidance for Linux distributions, system configuration, package management (how Linux installs and updates software), hardware compatibility and everyday desktop problems.
macOS Troubleshooting
Tutorials for Mac performance, application problems, system settings, connectivity and the routine maintenance that keeps your Mac running like it should.
Latest Troubleshooting Tips & Tutorials
Fresh fixes, hot off the press. This section updates on its own whenever a new post goes live in the Troubleshooting & How-To Guides category.
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Frequently Asked Computer Troubleshooting Questions
Quick, straight answers to the questions we hear most often.
Should I restart my computer before troubleshooting?
Yes. A restart clears out temporary glitches and lets pending updates finish, and it fixes more problems than you’d expect. If the problem comes right back, then it’s time to dig deeper.
How can I tell if a problem is hardware or software?
Here’s a good rule of thumb: trouble that shows up before your operating system loads (no power, beeps, a blank screen) often points to hardware. Trouble that only happens in one program or right after an update usually points to software.
Will troubleshooting erase my files?
Most basic steps won’t touch your files. Bigger fixes like resetting your operating system or formatting a drive can, which is why we always recommend backing up first.
When should I stop and call a professional?
If you smell burning or see smoke, hear clicking or grinding from a drive, notice physical damage or have important data at risk with no backup, stop and get help. Some problems just aren’t worth the gamble.
Continue Exploring Technology
Fixing a problem is easier when you understand how things work. Here’s where to go next.
Don’t Let a Computer Problem Ruin Your Day!
Most computer problems are fixable, and plenty of them you can handle yourself with a little patience and the right instructions. Start with the basics, take it one step at a time and back up before you dig in.
Got a problem you’d like us to cover? Let us know… chances are you’re not the only one dealing with it.