Computer troubleshooting guides

Practical guides for Windows startup, power, display, Wi-Fi, USB and storage issues, plus a used laptop checklist.

• How to schedule Windows startup, shutdown and restart

  Set a daily power-on time in BIOS or UEFI, schedule shutdowns and restarts in Windows Task Scheduler, and check why a task did not run.

• Why does my PC keep shutting down? 5 things to check

  Tell a sudden power cut from a Windows crash, then check cooling, power, RAM, drivers and malware in a practical order.

• Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting on Windows? 5 checks to try

  Find out whether Windows, Wi-Fi interference, your router or your internet connection is causing repeated dropouts.

• No Bootable Device on startup? 5 checks before reinstalling Windows

  Find out whether your computer can see its SSD, select the right boot entry, or recover Windows without immediately reinstalling.

• How to partition a drive in Windows 10 or 11

  Use Disk Management to shrink an existing volume, create a new partition or prepare a brand-new drive without selecting the wrong disk.

• Windows screen flickering? 4 ways to narrow down the cause

  Check the display cable, graphics driver, refresh rate and laptop panel before replacing a flickering screen.

• USB device not working in Windows? 4 checks to try

  Isolate a dead USB port, a faulty cable, a device driver problem or a lack of power, and protect files on an unreadable drive.

• PC turns on but shows no display? 5 checks to try

  Check the monitor, graphics output, memory, startup diagnostics and power connections when a PC turns on with a black screen.

• PC turns on for a second, then shuts off: a power supply case

  A desktop’s fans spun briefly and stopped. Here’s how a compatible test power supply helped isolate the fault.

• PC stuck on the startup logo? 5 checks for Windows PCs

  Work out whether your computer is stuck before Windows loads, then check external devices, the boot drive and Windows recovery.

• PC won’t turn on? 6 checks for a computer with no power

  Check the outlet, power cable, charger and hardware signs before concluding that your computer needs a new power supply or motherboard.

• How to reinstall Windows from USB without erasing the wrong drive

  Choose between an in-place repair and a clean installation, prepare official USB media and check your backup and recovery key first.

• Buying a used laptop? 5 checks to make before paying

  Test the screen, ports, battery and specifications, and check the paperwork and ownership of a second-hand laptop before buying.