Solve common PC problems, one step at a time.
Free, independent guides for computer viruses, antivirus software such as Norton and McAfee, Windows, printers and Wi-Fi. No downloads, no sign-up and no phone numbers.
- Uses the tools already built into Windows
- Plain-English steps you can tick off as you go
- Not affiliated with any software company
What is happening on your PC?
- My PC is acting strangely and I think it has a virus8 min
- I want to scan my PC for viruses15 min
- Windows Security found a threat15 min
- Something stops my virus scan from running7 min
- My homepage or search engine changed by itself10 min
- I keep seeing pop-up ads in my browser10 min
- My files are locked and there is a ransom note12 min
- A pop-up says my PC is infected6 min
- Norton will not open or update12 min
- Norton says my PC is at risk12 min
- McAfee says I am not protected12 min
- McAfee will not update12 min
- I cannot uninstall Norton or McAfee10 min
- Windows Security says virus protection is off8 min
- I got an antivirus renewal invoice I did not order7 min
- Which Norton plan do I need?9 min
- Which McAfee plan do I need?9 min
- Is there an alternative to Norton or McAfee?13 min
Think your PC has a virus?
Work through these four guides in order. Most infections are gone by the end of step 2.
- Check the signs Rule out the everyday causes that look like malware but are not.
- Run a full and an offline scan Use Microsoft Defender, already built into Windows, to find and remove threats.
- Use Safe Mode if the scan is blocked Start Windows with only the essentials so malware cannot interfere.
- Clean up your browser Remove unwanted extensions, notification spam and forced settings.
Files suddenly locked, with a message demanding payment? Skip ahead to what to do about ransomware.
Norton and McAfee troubleshooting
Independent self-help steps for the most common problems. These are not official support; each guide links to the vendor's own support site for account and billing questions.
- Norton not opening or updating? Steps to try Restart, run LiveUpdate, check the subscription and repair or reinstall Norton safely.
- McAfee not updating or showing "not protected"? Steps to try Check for updates, turn real-time scanning back on, confirm the subscription and reinstall cleanly.
- How to uninstall Norton or McAfee completely Remove them through Windows Settings, then use each vendor’s official removal tool if anything is left behind.
- Windows Security turned off? Turn Microsoft Defender back on Get real-time protection running again after removing or switching antivirus software.
- Fake Norton or McAfee renewal emails: how to spot them Invoices for renewals you never ordered are a common scam. Check your real account without using the email.
Everyday PC problems
Quick, safe checks for a slow PC, an offline printer and Wi-Fi that will not load anything.
- Windows & performance Windows 11 feels slow? Practical checks Check startup apps, storage, updates and background activity before installing anything.
- Printers Printer says offline? A practical checklist Work through the connection, the print queue and the device settings, in that order.
- Internet & Wi-Fi Connected to Wi-Fi but no internet A short sequence that tells a local Wi-Fi fault apart from a problem with your provider.
Never phone a number from a pop-up or an unexpected email
Real Windows, Norton and McAfee messages do not ask you to call a stranger or let them connect to your computer. Scammers copy these brands to sell fake "fixes" and renewals.
What you will and will not find here
You will find
- Steps in a sensible order, from quickest to most involved
- Plain-language explanations of what each step does
- A warning before any step that changes important settings
- Links to official vendor support when you need it
You will not find
- Phone numbers to call, or support, repair or remote-access services
- Downloads or software you have to install to read a guide
- Claims to be official Norton, McAfee, Microsoft or manufacturer support
- Affiliate links or paid placements