Month: September 2026

An IT Troubleshooting Checklist Before You Call Support

by

A short record of the problem helps support identify the cause more quickly and avoids repeating the same checks.

Describe what happened

Write down the exact error message, when it began and what you were doing. Note whether it affects one app, one device or other people too. Record the app name and device type.

Try low-risk checks

Save work and restart the affected app or device once. Check power, cables and network status. If you recently installed something or changed a setting, mention it; do not repeatedly reset accounts or reinstall software without a backup.

Send a useful support ticket

Include the error, time, impact and steps you tried. Attach a screenshot after removing passwords and personal data. On a work computer, use your official help desk rather than an unexpected remote-support caller.

Further reading: Microsoft Support: Windows help.

Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Router in Five Checks

by

Your router connects your devices to the internet. A few checks can improve its security without changing advanced network settings.

Check both passwords

The Wi-Fi password joins devices to the network; the router admin password changes its settings. Replace a default admin password and use a long, unique Wi-Fi password. Save both in a secure manager.

Review protection and updates

Use a modern wireless security mode supported by your router and devices. Check the provider or manufacturer’s instructions for firmware updates, and turn on automatic updates where available.

Separate guest access

If available, give visitors a guest network rather than your main Wi-Fi details. Check connected devices occasionally. Before changing settings on a provider-supplied or shared router, confirm you have permission and a way to restore service.

Further reading: NCSC: small organisations guide.

Make a Simple 3-2-1 Backup Plan

by

A 3-2-1 backup plan keeps three copies of important data, uses two types of storage and keeps one copy off-site.

Map your copies

The working files on your PC are the first copy. An external drive can hold another; an off-site backup service or securely stored drive can provide the third. Make sure the plan covers files outside the usual Documents folder.

Consider deletion and ransomware

Sync alone may copy accidental deletions to other devices. Review version history and retention. Keep at least one backup protected from the same device and account risks as your everyday files.

Test a restore

Once a month, restore a harmless file from your backups and open it. Record when each backup last succeeded, where it is kept and who can access it. Include website and database exports if you run an online business.

Further reading: NCSC: data security.

Spot Phishing Emails Before You Click

by

An unexpected message asking for urgent payment, a password reset or a one-time code deserves a pause even when its logo looks familiar.

Examine the request

Check the sender address, unusual wording and whether the request matches something you expected. A display name is easy to imitate, and polished spelling does not prove a message is genuine.

Verify through another route

Do not use a link or telephone number from the suspicious message. Open the organisation’s official app or enter its known web address yourself. For an invoice, use a supplier contact number you already trust.

If you responded

If you entered a password, change it on the real service and review your account security. If you downloaded a file, stop opening it, run a security scan and inform your workplace IT team where relevant.

Further reading: NCSC: spotting scams.

Use DISM and SFC to Check Windows System Files

by

DISM and System File Checker are built-in repair tools for suspected Windows system-file problems. They are not routine speed boosters.

Prepare first

Save your work and back up important files. On a work device, get permission from IT. Ensure you have an administrator account and allow time for each command to finish.

Run Microsoft’s sequence

Search Start for Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator. Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and wait for completion. Then type sfc /scannow and wait until it reaches 100%.

Keep the result

Record the final message and restart if prompted. If the repair fails or says it could not fix files, save the exact output for a technician rather than repeatedly running commands without a plan.

Further reading: Microsoft Support: System File Checker.

What to Do When Windows Update Fails

by

A failed update is frustrating, but the error code and a few basic checks can help narrow down the problem.

Record what failed

Open Settings > Windows Update. Write down the failed update name and any error code. Restart the PC, confirm that it has a stable connection and check available storage.

Use built-in help

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter in the Get Help app and follow its prompts. Restart if requested and retry the update once. On a managed PC, the employer may control the update schedule.

Escalate with evidence

If the update still fails, note what the troubleshooter reported and check Microsoft’s guidance for your particular error. Avoid repair downloads promoted through unknown search adverts. Back up important data before more advanced repair work.

Further reading: Microsoft Support: updating Windows.

Fix Windows 11 Wi-Fi Problems Step by Step

by

Before changing network settings, find out whether the problem affects one PC or the whole connection.

Check the scope

Try a second device on the same Wi-Fi. If no device connects, check the router and provider status. If only one PC fails, note the message it shows and check whether Airplane mode is on.

Try reversible steps

Reconnect to your usual Wi-Fi and restart the PC. If you control the router, restart it according to the provider’s instructions; do not reset a shared or managed router without permission.

Use the Windows troubleshooter

Run the Network and Internet troubleshooter through Get Help on Windows 11. If a VPN or company network is involved, contact IT before changing DNS or IP settings. Keep a record of what worked and what did not.

Further reading: Microsoft Support: Wi-Fi issues.

Check Windows Security and Run a Safe Scan

by

Windows Security provides a starting point if you suspect malware or want to check protection status.

Check the dashboard

Search Start for Windows Security, then open Virus & threat protection. Review warnings and the active provider. If another antivirus product is installed, its provider may be shown instead.

Run a suitable scan

Begin with Quick scan. For a wider check, open Scan options and select Full scan. Save your work before running Microsoft Defender Offline scan because it restarts the PC.

Handle results carefully

Follow the security app’s instructions and review Protection history. Do not turn off protection or add an exclusion at the request of a pop-up or unknown caller. Contact your employer’s IT team if company data may be involved.

Further reading: Microsoft Support: virus and threat protection.

Find Your BitLocker Recovery Key Before You Need It

by

An encrypted Windows PC may ask for a recovery key after certain changes. Find out where yours is stored before there is an emergency.

Identify who manages the PC

For a personal device, a recovery key may be saved to the Microsoft account used during setup. On a work or school device, the organisation’s IT administrator may hold it.

Match the correct key

From another device, follow Microsoft’s official recovery-key instructions. If the locked PC displays a key ID, use that ID to find the matching recovery key. Your sign-in PIN is not the recovery key.

Store recovery information safely

Keep recovery information somewhere you can access without the locked PC. Do not post a key in a support forum or share it with an unexpected caller. If there is no matching key, recovering data may not be possible.

Further reading: Microsoft Support: find your BitLocker recovery key.