10 DIY Troubleshooting Tips

Not just clicking "Restart" - do a full shutdown:

• Click Start → Power → Shut down (not Restart)
• Wait 30 full seconds - this lets capacitors discharge
• Turn it back on

This clears temporary memory, resets stuck processes, and releases locked files. It's the single most effective fix for:

• Slow performance
• Programs not responding
• Strange behaviour after updates
• Memory leaks

Cables work loose over time. Check:

• Power cables - both at the wall and back of computer
• Monitor cables - HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA
• Network cable - the ethernet cable to your router
• USB devices - keyboard, mouse, external drives

Pro tip: Unplug each cable completely, then plug it back in firmly. You should feel it click into place.

For internet problems, restart your networking equipment:

• Unplug your router from power
• If you have a separate modem, unplug that too
• Wait 60 seconds (longer than you think!)
• Plug the modem back in first, wait for lights to stabilize
• Then plug in the router

This refreshes your connection to your ISP and clears the router's memory.

Too many programs running = slow computer. Here's how to check:

• Click "More details" if you see a simple list
• Click the CPU column to sort by usage
• Right-click programs using high CPU and select "End task"
• Repeat for Memory column

Warning: Don't end "System", "Windows Explorer", or anything you don't recognize. Stick to programs you opened yourself.

Windows needs free space to work properly. Check yours:

• Open File Explorer (Windows key + E)
• Click "This PC" in the left sidebar
• Look at your C: drive - is it nearly full (red bar)?

If you have less than 10GB free, your computer will slow down. Quick fixes:

• Empty the Recycle Bin (right-click → Empty)
• Run Disk Cleanup (search for it in Start menu)
• Uninstall programs you don't use (Settings → Apps)
• Move large files to an external drive

Many problems are fixed by updates you haven't installed yet:

• Press Windows key + I to open Settings
• Click Update & Security (or Windows Update)
• Click Check for updates
• Install any available updates
• Restart when prompted

This can take 15-60 minutes depending on the updates. Don't turn off your computer during this process!

Windows has built-in antivirus. Run a full scan:

• Search for "Windows Security" in the Start menu
• Click Virus & threat protection
• Click Scan options
• Select Full scan
• Click Scan now

A full scan can take 1-2 hours. You can use your computer while it runs, but it might be slower.

Signs of malware: popups, slow performance, programs you didn't install, browser homepage changed.

Computers slow down or shut off when they get too hot. Warning signs:

• Fans running loudly all the time
• Computer feels very hot to touch
• Sudden shutdowns, especially under load
• Slow performance that gets worse over time

Quick fixes:

• Make sure air vents aren't blocked (check bottom of laptops!)
• Use compressed air to blow out dust from vents
• Don't use laptop on bed/carpet - use a hard surface
• Make sure the room isn't too hot

If websites aren't working, the problem might be your browser, not your internet:

• Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
• Clear your browser cache and cookies
• Disable browser extensions temporarily
• Try "Incognito" or "Private" mode

If one browser works but another doesn't, the problem is the browser, not your computer or internet.

Printer not working? Check the obvious first:

• Is it turned on? Check the power light
• Is it connected? USB cable or WiFi
• Does it have paper? Check the tray
• Does it have ink/toner? Check the display or software
• Is there a paper jam? Open it up and check

Then try the IT classic:

• Turn the printer off
• Unplug it for 30 seconds
• Plug it back in and turn it on
• Try printing again