Technology is awesome—until something stops working. Whether your computer suddenly slows down, won’t turn on, or your Wi-Fi keeps dropping, it can be frustrating (and sometimes panic-inducing).

Good news: Many tech issues have simple fixes you can try yourself. Here’s a quick guide to help you troubleshoot the most common problems before calling in the pros.

My computer won’t turn on, but the screen does

• Make sure the monitor cable is securely connected (unplug it and plug it back in).
• Check that the monitor has power and is switched on.
• Try holding down your computer’s power button for 30 seconds to force a proper shutdown and restart.

My computer is so slow

Slow performance is often caused by too many apps or browser tabs running at once, or low storage space.

• Close any apps and tabs you’re not using.
• Make sure you have at least 15–20% free space on your hard drive.
• Only use one antivirus program—multiple programs can cause conflict.
• Restart your computer at least once a day to clear background processes.

My computer keeps freezing, shutting down, or restarting

This is often a software or update issue.

• Run a full virus scan using your antivirus software.
• Check for Windows Updates and ensure all your drivers are up to date.
• If things suddenly changed after a recent update, try rolling it back or doing a system restore.

My downloads are taking forever

Slow downloads can be caused by internet issues, storage problems, or a failing hard drive.

• Check your internet connection or restart your router (turn it off for 10 seconds).
• Ensure your Ethernet cable is secure if you’re using a wired connection.
• Check for low storage or signs your hard drive might be failing.

I keep getting popups

This usually means you’ve picked up adware—a sneaky type of unwanted software.

• Run a full virus scan using your antivirus software.
• Open your browser settings and check your extensions/add-ons. Disable anything that looks suspicious or that you didn’t install yourself.

My Wi-Fi is slow or keeps disconnecting

A weak signal or interference is the likely culprit.

• Make sure you’re close to your Wi-Fi router (more bars = better connection).
• If you have a dual-band router, use 5GHz when you’re close, 2.4GHz when you’re further away.
• Consider adding a Wi-Fi range extender or a second router if you have dead spots.

Still not working? 

Some tech issues just need a fresh pair of eyes—or a bit of professional help. If none of the tips above have solved your problem, it might be time to contact a local IT support provider or your device’s manufacturer.

Tech can be frustrating, but knowing a few troubleshooting basics can save you time (and stress) before calling for help.