Home / Topics / Windows laptops & PCs
Windows laptops & PCs
Slow, frozen, will not start, blue screens, updates, Wi-Fi and everything else on a Windows computer. 80 guides in 7 sections.
Download the Windows laptops & PCs handbook (PDF)
Won't start, charge or turn on
My computer will not turn onDo not worry yet.My laptop will not chargeA laptop that will not charge is usually down to the charger, the socket or a small fault in the charging port.Black screen when Windows startsA black screen can mean the laptop is on but the display is not showing anything, or that Windows has stopped part-way through starting.Blue screen error: what to doA blue screen means Windows hit a problem it could not safely carry on with, so it stopped and restarted.Laptop gets hot and shuts itself offLaptops get warm when they work hard, but if yours is too hot to touch or switches off suddenly, it is protecting itself from overheating.Windows keeps showing Automatic Repair or 'Your PC did not start correctly'Sometimes Windows tries to fix itself at start-up, fails, restarts and tries again, round and round.'No bootable device' or the PC beeps when it startsIf your PC shows a message like No bootable device, Operating system not found or Reboot and select proper boot device, or it makes a series of beeps and nothing appears, it cannot find or start Windows.Windows stuck on 'Restarting' or 'Getting Windows ready'After an update, your PC may sit for a long time on Restarting, Working on updates or Getting Windows ready.Black screen with only a mouse pointer after sign-inIf you sign in and see a plain black screen with a mouse pointer you can move, Windows has started but the desktop (the taskbar, icons and Start button) has not loaded.My computer restarts by itselfA PC that restarts without being asked is annoying, and sometimes a sign of a deeper fault.Blue screen stop codes in plain EnglishA blue screen shows a stop code, which is the name of the problem in capital letters.
Slow, freezing & crashing
How to fix a slow computerA computer usually slows down because it is short of memory or storage, is doing too much at start-up, or is waiting for updates.My computer is frozenWhen a computer stops responding, it is often just busy, but sometimes a program has got stuck.How to free up storage spaceWhen storage fills up, a computer slows down and cannot save new files or install updates.Windows takes ages to start upIf your laptop takes several minutes to reach the desktop, the usual cause is too many programs loading at once, or a drive that is nearly full.Disk 100%, high memory or CPU use in Task ManagerTask Manager shows how hard your laptop is working.An app keeps crashing or will not openWhen a program closes by itself, freezes, or does nothing when you click it, the fix is usually simple.Search, Start menu or taskbar not respondingIf clicking Start does nothing, the search box will not type, or the taskbar seems frozen, a part of Windows called Windows Explorer has usually stalled.How to free up space with Storage SenseStorage Sense is a built-in Windows tool that clears out temporary files and the contents of your Recycle Bin for you.How to uninstall programs you do not needRemoving programs you no longer use frees up space and can make your laptop run better.Mouse pointer frozen or jumping, and the keyboard typing the wrong symbolsTwo common irritations have simple fixes: a mouse pointer that freezes or jumps about, and a keyboard where the @ and quote marks swap or the pound sign turns into a hash.'This app can't run on your PC' and programs that will not installThese messages are usually about compatibility: the program was not made for your version of Windows, or something is stopping it from installing.Microsoft Store will not open, download or update appsThe Microsoft Store is where Windows gets apps such as Photos, Calculator and many programs.Task Manager explained simply, and how to manage start-up appsTask Manager shows what your PC is busy doing.A program says 'Not responding': what to do and how not to lose your workWhen a window goes white or grey and the title bar says Not responding, the program is busy or stuck.'Your computer is low on memory' and virtual memory basicsWindows can show a message saying Your computer is low on memory.Disk Cleanup and Cleanup recommendations: clearing space safelyWindows can list files that are safe to remove, such as temporary files and old installers.OneDrive is using all my storage: Files On-Demand explainedOneDrive can keep your files in the cloud and show them on the PC without taking up space.Speeding up an old laptop honestly: when a tidy-up helps and when to upgradeNobody can make a ten-year-old laptop feel brand new, but there are cheap changes that really help, and some warning signs that it is time to move on.
Screen, sound & hardware
No sound from my computerNo sound is usually caused by muted volume, the wrong speakers being selected, or a loose cable.My computer is hot or the fan is very loudComputers get warm when they work hard, and fans spin faster to cool them.Laptop battery drains fastIf your laptop battery used to last all day and now struggles for a couple of hours, something is either using too much power or the battery is getting old.Touchpad not working on my laptopWhen a touchpad stops responding, it is often switched off by accident, or Windows has a minor glitch.Keyboard keys not working or typing the wrong charactersIf pressing a key gives you the wrong symbol, or some keys do nothing, the cause is often a setting rather than a broken keyboard.Microphone not working on WindowsIf people cannot hear you on calls, the microphone is usually muted, switched off in privacy settings, or not chosen as the input device.External monitor or second screen not detectedWhen you plug in a monitor, TV or projector and nothing appears, the fault is usually the cable, the input setting on the screen, or a Windows display mode.Screen flickering or brightness controls missingA flickering screen, or brightness keys that do nothing, are both often down to the display driver or a setting.How to check battery health and use Battery saverAll laptop batteries wear out gradually.Sleep, hibernate, Fast Startup and what happens when you close the laptop lidWindows has several ways of switching a PC off or pausing it.Making Windows easier on the eyes: dark mode, Night light, text size and MagnifierWindows has built-in settings to make the screen more comfortable, whether you want bigger text, a warmer colour in the evening or the screen read aloud.Blurry text, wrong-sized screen and projecting with Windows key + PIf everything looks fuzzy, too big, too small or stretched, the screen settings are usually the cause.What to look for when buying a Windows laptop or PC for everyday useFor email, browsing, video calls, documents and photos you do not need a top-of-the-range machine, but a few specifications decide whether it will still feel good in five years.Typing with your voice in WindowsYou can speak and have Windows type for you, which is useful if typing is tiring, difficult or slow.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & connections
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth option missing on my laptopIf the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth buttons have vanished from the taskbar, Windows may have switched them off, or the hardware has stopped being detected.How to transfer files between two PCsMoving your photos and documents to a new or different PC is easy if you use the right method.Wi-Fi says 'Can't connect to this network': forgetting a network and resettingWhen your laptop refuses to join Wi-Fi, a few steps in order solve most cases.Adding and removing a printer in WindowsWindows can usually find a printer by itself.Quick Assist: letting someone you trust help you remotelyQuick Assist is a free tool in Windows 10 and 11 that lets a helper see your screen, and with your permission take control, to fix a problem.
Updates, backup & recovery
How to install updates safelyUpdates fix security problems and bugs, so installing them is one of the best things you can do.How to back up your filesA backup is a second copy of your files kept somewhere else.Windows stuck on updating or update failsWindows updates can take a long time, and sometimes they stall or fail with an error.How to start Windows in Safe ModeSafe Mode starts Windows with only the basics.How to use System Restore to undo a problemSystem Restore takes Windows back to an earlier point, before a problem began.How to reset this PC (and keep your files safe)Reset this PC reinstalls Windows.How to back up your folders with OneDriveOneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage.Windows 10 end of support: what it means for youMicrosoft stopped providing regular support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025.'Windows is not activated' message: what to doA message such as Windows is not activated, or a small watermark in the corner of the screen, means Windows cannot confirm that your copy is genuine.Where did my file go? Finding and recovering deleted filesLosing a file is stressful, but there are several places to look, and often it can be brought back.Backing up with File History and the Windows Backup appA backup is a second copy of your files somewhere else.Wiping a PC safely before you sell or give it awayDeleting files or emptying the Recycle Bin does not really erase them.Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, step by stepWindows 11 is a free upgrade for PCs that meet its requirements.Windows 11 compared with Windows 10: what is different?If you move from Windows 10 to Windows 11, most things work the same way, but several are moved around.Windows Update error codes: what to try safelyWhen an update fails, Windows shows a code beginning with 0x, such as 0x80070002 or 0x800f0922.
Security & accounts
Forgot my Windows password or cannot sign in to Microsoft accountBeing locked out is stressful, but there are safe official ways back in.How to run a virus scan with Windows SecurityWindows comes with free protection called Windows Security.PIN, fingerprint or face sign-in not working on WindowsWindows lets you sign in with a PIN, a fingerprint or your face.Microsoft account or local account? Adding another user to your PCWhen you set up Windows, you choose how you sign in.Family Safety: parental controls on a Windows PCMicrosoft Family Safety lets a parent set screen time limits, filter websites and see what a child does on their Windows PC.Windows Security: scans, exclusions and ransomware protectionWindows Security is the free protection built into Windows 10 and 11.Removing adware and unwanted toolbars, and resetting your browserIf your browser has a home page you did not choose, extra toolbars, endless adverts or searches that go to strange sites, you probably have adware or an unwanted extension.Browser profiles in Edge and Chrome: keeping work and personal separateA browser profile is a separate set of bookmarks, passwords, history and settings.
Everyday how-tos
How to check your Windows version, PC specs and Windows 11 readinessKnowing what Windows you have and what your PC is made of helps when buying software, getting support, or deciding whether you can upgrade to Windows 11.How to set up a new Windows laptop safelyA few careful steps in the first hour make your new laptop safer, faster and easier to look after.Windows shortcuts, screenshots and screen recordingA few keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of clicking.How to change your default browser or default appsDefault apps are the programs Windows uses automatically, for example to open a web link, a PDF or a photo.Customising the taskbar and Start menuYou can make Windows easier to use by putting your favourite programs where you can reach them.Snap layouts and virtual desktops: working with several windowsIf you have a lot of windows open, Windows can arrange them neatly side by side or in separate workspaces.Clipboard history and everyday copy-and-paste shortcutsYou probably know Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste.Snipping Tool: capture, mark up and share part of your screenThe Snipping Tool lets you capture just the part of the screen you want, such as an error message, then draw on it and send it.Focus assist and Do not disturb: stop notifications getting in the wayPop-up banners and sounds can interrupt a video call, a presentation or just some quiet work.
No guides match that. Try fewer words, or email us and we will help.