Free fixes · Updated October 2026
Common computer problems and how to fix them.
These are the problems people search for most. Each one has the first things to try, written plainly, and when it’s time to call. Want steps for your exact situation? Ask the free AI tech helper. Rather not deal with it? I’ll fix it for you.
I’m Bryan Leasure, 30 years in IT. Remote fixes are $99, the diagnosis is free, and if I can’t fix it, you don’t pay.
Screen and crashes
Laptop screen flickering
“My laptop screen keeps flickering.”
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc). If Task Manager flickers too, it’s likely the display driver or the screen. If only other windows flicker, an app is the likely cause.
- Update the display driver: Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates, or use your computer maker’s support app.
- Set the refresh rate back to normal: Settings > System > Display > Advanced display, then choose the recommended rate.
- If it flickers when you move the lid, the screen cable may be loose or worn. That’s a hardware repair.
When to call: Call if it flickers when the lid moves, shows lines or colors, or keeps flickering after a driver update.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
Blue screen of death (computer crashes and restarts)
“My computer shows a blue screen and restarts.”
- Write down or photograph the stop code on the blue screen, such as CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED.
- Unplug anything new you added recently (a USB device, printer or dock) and restart.
- Install pending updates: Start > Settings > Windows Update.
- If it started after a new program or driver, remove it in Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
When to call: Call if it crashes more than once a day, won’t start at all, or the stop code mentions memory or the disk.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
Second monitor not detected
“My second monitor isn’t detected anymore.”
- Check that the monitor is on and set to the right input (HDMI or DisplayPort) using its own buttons.
- Unplug the video cable at both ends and plug it back in firmly. Try another cable or port if you have one.
- Go to Settings > System > Display, choose Multiple displays, then Detect.
- Press Windows + P and choose Extend.
When to call: Call if a known-good cable and port still show nothing, or a docking station is involved.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
Won’t start, slow or out of space
Laptop won’t turn on
“My laptop won’t turn on.”
- Plug in the charger, wait 15 minutes, then try the power button. Check that the charging light comes on.
- Hold the power button for 30 seconds, then press it once normally.
- Unplug every USB device and dock, then try again.
- Listen for a fan and look for keyboard lights. If those come on but the screen stays black, the problem may be the screen.
When to call: Call if there are no lights at all, it smells hot, it got wet or it was dropped. That needs hands-on repair.
Free diagnosis. $149 flat home repair labor; parts at cost with receipts.
Computer running slow
“My computer has gotten really slow.”
- Restart (not Shut down). Restart clears more on Windows.
- Turn off startup apps you don’t need: Settings > Apps > Startup.
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and sort by CPU, Memory and Disk to see what’s using the computer.
- Make sure the drive isn’t nearly full: Settings > System > Storage.
When to call: Call if it’s still slow after these steps or Disk sits at 100%. An older hard drive may need replacing, and that can make it feel new again.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
Disk full or low disk space
“My computer keeps telling me the drive is full.”
- See what’s using space: Settings > System > Storage.
- Choose Temporary files, review the list and remove the ones you don’t need. Leave Downloads unchecked until you’ve looked through it.
- Uninstall programs you don’t use: Settings > Apps > Installed apps, sorted by size.
- Empty the Recycle Bin after checking what’s in it. On a Mac: Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage.
When to call: Call if you’re not sure what’s safe to delete. I can free space without touching your files.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
Windows 10 end of support: do you need a new computer?
“My computer says Windows 10 support has ended. Do I need a new computer?”
- See whether your computer can upgrade for free: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If Windows 11 is offered, the computer qualifies.
- If it can’t upgrade, Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program can keep a Windows 10 computer getting security fixes for a while longer. Look for the enrollment prompt in Windows Update.
- Back up your files before any upgrade.
When to call: Call for a free second opinion before buying a new computer. Many can upgrade, and some just need a newer drive.
Free second opinion. Any repair or new-computer work is agreed separately.
Internet, email and video
Wi-Fi connected but no internet
“My Wi-Fi says connected, but nothing loads.”
- Restart the computer. If other devices also have no internet, restart the modem and router: unplug them for 30 seconds.
- Forget the network and rejoin: Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
- Turn off any VPN and try again.
- Run Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network and Internet.
When to call: Call if only this computer fails after these steps, or the connection keeps dropping.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
YouTube not working or videos won’t load
“YouTube won’t play videos on my computer.”
- Try another browser, like Edge or Chrome. If it works there, the problem is in the first browser.
- Turn off ad blockers and other extensions in the browser, then reload.
- Clear the browser cache: in Chrome, Settings > Privacy and security > Delete browsing data.
- Update the browser and restart the computer.
When to call: Call if no browser will play video, or other video sites fail too.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
Not receiving emails
“I’m not getting any new emails.”
- Check Spam or Junk, and any other folders or tabs your email uses.
- Sign in through the website (like gmail.com or outlook.com). If mail is there, the problem is the email app, not the account.
- Check whether your mailbox is full. A full mailbox stops new mail.
- Look for rules or filters that move or delete mail automatically.
When to call: Call if mail is missing from the website too, or the email app keeps failing to sync.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
Forgot email password
“I forgot my email password and can’t get into my email.”
- Use the provider’s official recovery page only: Google at g.co/recover, Microsoft at account.live.com/password/reset.
- Use the recovery phone or email you set up. Have a device you’ve signed in with before nearby.
- Never pay or call anyone offering to “recover” your account. Providers don’t charge for this.
When to call: Call if recovery keeps failing or your old phone number is gone. I can walk through the official process with you.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
Sound, microphone and devices
No sound on computer
“My computer has no sound.”
- Click the speaker icon on the taskbar and choose the right output (speakers or headphones), then turn the volume up.
- Unplug headphones and check Bluetooth. Sound may be going to a device you aren’t using.
- Run Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Audio.
- Restart the computer.
When to call: Call if no output device is listed, or sound fails in every app.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
Microphone not working on Zoom
“People can’t hear me on Zoom.”
- In Zoom, click the arrow next to Mute and choose the right microphone.
- Allow microphone access: Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone, and turn it on for Zoom. On a Mac: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone.
- Check for a mute switch or key on a headset or laptop.
- Use Zoom’s Test Speaker & Microphone in its audio settings.
When to call: Call if no microphone appears in the list or it fails in every app.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
Keyboard keys not working
“Some keys on my keyboard stopped working.”
- Restart the computer.
- Turn off Filter Keys and Sticky Keys: Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
- Check that Num Lock is on if only the number keys fail.
- Try an external USB keyboard. If that works, the laptop keyboard itself may need repair.
When to call: Call if keys fail after a spill or the external keyboard works but the built-in one doesn’t.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
Laptop touchpad not working
“My laptop touchpad stopped working.”
- Look for a touchpad key (often F6 or F7, sometimes with Fn) that turns it on and off.
- Make sure it’s on: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad.
- Unplug any external mouse. Some laptops turn the touchpad off when a mouse is connected.
- Restart the computer.
When to call: Call if the touchpad isn’t listed in Settings at all, or the case near it is bulging. A swollen battery can push on it.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
External hard drive not showing up
“My external hard drive doesn’t show up when I plug it in.”
- Try another USB port and cable. Plug straight into the computer, not a hub.
- Open Disk Management (right-click Start > Disk Management) to see whether the drive appears there.
- If it appears without a drive letter, right-click it and choose Change Drive Letter and Paths. Don’t format it.
- On a Mac, open Disk Utility and check whether the drive is listed.
When to call: Call before formatting, or right away if the drive clicks or isn’t detected anywhere. Your files may still be recoverable.
Free assessment. Straightforward in-house recovery is $149 flat labor; no charge if the recovery attempt fails. A new drive or lab work is separate.
Printers
Printer says offline
“My printer says it’s offline.”
- Restart the printer and the computer.
- Open the print queue: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > your printer > Open print queue. Cancel stuck jobs and make sure Use Printer Offline is unchecked.
- Make sure the printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as the computer.
- If it still says offline, remove the printer and add it again from the same Settings page.
When to call: Call if other computers can’t print either, or it keeps going offline.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
Power, battery and heat
Laptop plugged in but not charging
“My laptop is plugged in but won’t charge.”
- Check the charger’s light, try a different wall outlet, and look for a bent or dirty charging port.
- Restart the laptop with the charger connected.
- Check for a battery-saving charge limit in your laptop maker’s app (some stop at 80% on purpose).
- Try a known-good charger with the right wattage.
When to call: Call if the battery is swollen, the charger gets very hot, or it won’t charge with a known-good charger.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
Laptop overheating and loud fan
“My laptop gets really hot and the fan is loud.”
- Use it on a hard, flat surface, not a bed or lap, so the vents can breathe.
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and close anything using high CPU.
- Check that the vents aren’t blocked with dust.
- Install pending updates and restart.
When to call: Call if it shuts itself off from heat or the fan grinds. It may need an internal cleaning.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
Phone won’t charge
“My phone won’t charge when I plug it in.”
- Try a different cable and wall adapter.
- Gently clear lint from the charging port with a wooden toothpick. Never use metal.
- Restart the phone while it’s plugged in.
- Leave it charging for 30 minutes if the battery was fully drained.
When to call: Call if it still won’t charge, gets hot, or the battery is swelling.
The first conversation is free. Scope and price are agreed before paid work.
iPhone storage full
“My iPhone keeps saying storage is full.”
- Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see what’s using space and follow its recommendations.
- Offload apps you rarely use. Their data stays.
- If you use iCloud Photos, turn on Optimize iPhone Storage in Settings > Photos.
- Delete large videos you don’t need, then empty Recently Deleted in Photos.
When to call: Call if you’re worried about losing photos. I can help back them up first.
The first conversation is free. Scope and price are agreed before paid work.
Scams, hacking and passwords
Think your computer or email got hacked
“I think my computer got hacked. My friends are getting weird emails from me.”
- From a device you trust, change your email password and turn on two-step verification.
- Check your email settings for forwarding rules or a reply-to address you didn’t add.
- Sign out of other sessions in your account’s security settings.
- Tell friends not to click links in the strange emails.
When to call: Call for a free scam check if anyone had remote access to your computer or asked for money.
Free, with no obligation.
Forgot Windows password
“I forgot the password to log into my Windows computer.”
- If you sign in with a Microsoft account (an email address), reset it at account.live.com/password/reset from another device.
- On the sign-in screen, choose I forgot my password or PIN.
- For a local account, answer your security questions if you set them.
When to call: Call if none of those work. There are safe ways back in, but some risk your files if done wrong.
$99 flat for a home remote fix. Free diagnosis; if the problem is not fixed, no charge.
Don’t see yours?
Describe it in your own words and the AI tech helper answers in seconds. It gives you instructions and can’t see or touch your computer. Or call and talk to me.