Windows 10 includes several ways to find help when something goes wrong with your computer. Whether you’re dealing with a Wi-Fi connection problem, Windows Update error, missing sound, printer issue, or an unfamiliar setting, you can access troubleshooting tools and support resources without installing third-party software.
The easiest way to get help in Windows 10 is through Microsoft’s built-in Get Help app. You can also press the F1 key, search for solutions through Windows Search, run automatic troubleshooters, or visit Microsoft’s official support website.
However, there is an important change to know. Microsoft ended standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Although your computer and many built-in troubleshooting features continue to work, Microsoft no longer provides free Windows 10 technical assistance or regular security updates.
In this guide, we’ll explain 10 ways to get help in Windows 10, including keyboard shortcuts, built-in troubleshooting options, online resources, and what to do when the Get Help app isn’t working.
1. Open the Get Help App in Windows 10
The built-in Get Help app is the primary place to find troubleshooting information and support resources for Windows.
It provides access to diagnostic tools, troubleshooting instructions, support articles, and assistance for supported Microsoft products.
To open Get Help:
- Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
- Type Get Help in the search box.
- Select the Get Help app from the search results.
- Enter your problem in the search field.
- Follow the recommended troubleshooting instructions.
For example, if your laptop has no sound, type “audio troubleshooter” to find relevant diagnostic options.
Depending on the issue, Get Help may offer automated tests, support documentation, or additional troubleshooting steps.
You can also access the app through its official Microsoft Store listing.
Note: A Microsoft account may be required for certain features, particularly when submitting support requests.
2. Press F1 to Get Help in Windows 10
The F1 key is the traditional Windows help shortcut.
On many Windows 10 computers, pressing F1 opens help information in the current application or launches a web browser with relevant support results.
To use it:
- Open the desktop or application where you need assistance.
- Press F1 on your keyboard.
- Review the help window or browser results that appear.
On some laptops, you may need to press Fn + F1 because the function keys are assigned to hardware controls.
The result depends on the application currently in focus. For example, pressing F1 inside Microsoft Word may open Word’s help interface instead of general Windows support.
If F1 opens Bing search results for “How to get help in Windows 10,” this is normal behavior on certain Windows configurations.
For more specific troubleshooting, open the Get Help app directly.
3. Use Windows Search to Find Help
Windows Search is another convenient way to find settings, applications, and troubleshooting options.
Instead of navigating through multiple menus, you can search directly for the feature you need.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + S to open Search.
- Type the name of the problem or setting.
- Select a relevant result.
For example, try searching for:
- Bluetooth settings
- Windows Update
- Troubleshoot settings
- Device Manager
- Network status
- Sound settings
- Recovery options
Windows Search can help you locate the appropriate settings page without remembering its exact location.
However, it does not automatically repair every problem. For hardware errors or system failures, you may need to run a dedicated troubleshooter.
4. Run Windows 10 Built-in Troubleshooters
Windows 10 includes several automatic troubleshooters designed to detect common system problems.
These tools can check settings, identify configuration errors, and suggest possible fixes.
To access them:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Update & Security.
- Click Troubleshoot from the left sidebar.
- Select Additional troubleshooters.
- Choose the troubleshooter related to your problem.
- Click Run the troubleshooter, if available.
Common troubleshooting categories include:
| Troubleshooter | What it helps fix |
|---|---|
| Internet Connections | Internet connectivity problems |
| Windows Update | Update installation errors |
| Playing Audio | Missing sound and audio issues |
| Printer | Printer connection and printing errors |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth device problems |
| Program Compatibility | Problems running older applications |
Some troubleshooting options may open the Get Help app instead of running directly inside Settings.
Microsoft has also integrated diagnostic tools into Get Help, including troubleshooters for audio, printers, Windows Update, and other common issues.
For a complete list, visit Microsoft’s Windows troubleshooters page.
5. Visit the Official Microsoft Support Website
If the built-in troubleshooting tools cannot resolve your problem, Microsoft’s support website is another useful resource.
It contains documentation for Windows, Microsoft 365, Outlook, OneDrive, Microsoft accounts, and other products.
Visit:
Enter your problem or error code in the search box.
For example, you can search for:
- Windows 10 update stuck at 100%
- Windows 10 Wi-Fi connected but no internet
- Bluetooth not working in Windows 10
- Windows activation error
- Windows 10 blue screen error
Microsoft’s support articles often include detailed troubleshooting instructions and explanations of common error messages.
Although Windows 10 has reached the end of standard support, its existing online documentation remains useful for resolving many problems.
6. Contact Microsoft Support
If you are experiencing an issue with your Microsoft account, Microsoft 365 subscription, activation, or another supported product, you may need assistance from Microsoft’s support team.
To find available support options:
- Open the Microsoft Contact Support page.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account if prompted.
- Select the relevant product or service.
- Describe your problem.
- Follow the instructions to view available assistance options.
Depending on your product, subscription, location, and support eligibility, you may see options such as live chat or other assisted support.
You can also use the Contact Support option inside the Get Help app when it is available.
Important: Microsoft’s standard technical support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. Support for other eligible Microsoft products and services may still be available.
7. Ask Questions in Microsoft Community
Microsoft Community is a public discussion platform where users can ask questions, share troubleshooting experiences, and find solutions to common problems.
It is particularly useful when you encounter an unusual error that is not explained clearly in Microsoft’s documentation.
To use it:
- Visit Microsoft Community.
- Search for your problem or error code.
- Read existing discussions related to your issue.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account if you want to post a question.
When posting, include relevant information such as your Windows version, error message, and the troubleshooting steps you have already tried.
Avoid sharing passwords, product keys, recovery keys, or other sensitive information.
Community answers are not guaranteed fixes, so prioritize official Microsoft documentation when making significant system changes.
8. Use Quick Assist for Remote Help
Sometimes, explaining a computer problem over messages is difficult. Windows 10 includes Quick Assist, which allows another person to help you remotely.
This can be useful when a trusted friend, family member, or technician needs to see the problem directly.
To open Quick Assist:
- Press Windows + S.
- Type Quick Assist.
- Open the application.
- Follow the instructions to give or receive assistance.
You can also try the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Windows + Q.
The person providing assistance generates a security code, which the person receiving help enters to establish the connection.
You must approve the connection and any request for remote control.
Only allow someone you personally know and trust to access your computer. Never accept an unsolicited remote-support request from someone claiming to be Microsoft.
If Quick Assist is missing, you can obtain the current version through the Microsoft Store.
9. Use Feedback Hub to Report Windows Problems
If you discover a bug or want to report a problem with Windows, you can use the Feedback Hub app.
Unlike Get Help, Feedback Hub is primarily designed for submitting feedback rather than receiving immediate technical assistance.
To open it:
- Press the Windows key.
- Search for Feedback Hub.
- Open the application.
- Sign in if required.
- Search for similar feedback or submit a new report.
You can describe the problem, provide reproduction steps, and attach relevant diagnostic information.
Feedback Hub is useful for reporting recurring bugs, interface problems, or unexpected Windows behavior.
However, submitting feedback does not guarantee a response or a fix.
10. Get Help from Your PC Manufacturer
If your problem involves hardware, your computer manufacturer’s support website may be more useful than general Windows documentation.
Manufacturers often provide device-specific drivers, BIOS updates, hardware diagnostics, and troubleshooting instructions.
Here are the official support pages for popular PC brands:
| Manufacturer | Support website |
|---|---|
| Dell | Dell Support |
| HP | HP Support |
| Lenovo | Lenovo Support |
| ASUS | ASUS Support |
| Acer | Acer Support |
| Microsoft Surface | Surface Support |
Visit the manufacturer’s website and enter your laptop model or serial number to locate relevant resources.
This method is particularly helpful for battery issues, overheating, keyboard problems, display errors, and missing device drivers.
How to Fix Get Help App Not Working in Windows 10
If the Get Help app does not open, crashes, or becomes stuck on the loading screen, try the following solutions.
Restart the Get Help App
First, close the application completely.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Find Get Help under running applications or processes.
- Select it and click End task.
- Reopen Get Help from the Start menu.
This may resolve temporary application problems.
Repair or Reset the Get Help App
Windows 10 allows you to repair or reset certain installed applications.
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Apps > Apps & features.
- Find Get Help.
- Select Advanced options.
- Click Repair, if available.
If repairing does not resolve the problem, try Reset.
Resetting an application may remove its locally stored preferences and application data.
Reinstall Get Help from Microsoft Store
If the application is missing or corrupted, try reinstalling it.
Open the Get Help app in Microsoft Store and follow the installation instructions.
Restart your computer after installation and check whether the application works correctly.
If Microsoft Store is also malfunctioning, press Windows + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter to reset the Store cache.
Does Microsoft Still Support Windows 10?
Microsoft officially ended standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.
This means Windows 10 computers continue to function, but Microsoft no longer provides regular free security updates, feature updates, or standard technical support for the operating system.
Users who need to continue using Windows 10 may consider Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, subject to eligibility and applicable terms.
ESU provides eligible security updates but does not restore full operating system support or introduce new features.
You can read more on Microsoft’s official Windows 10 end-of-support page.
If your computer meets the requirements for Windows 11, upgrading is another option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shortcut key to get help in Windows 10?
Press F1 to access help in Windows 10 or the currently active application. On some laptops, you may need to press Fn + F1. You can also press Windows + S, type Get Help, and press Enter.
How do I open Get Help in Windows 10?
Click Start, type Get Help, and select the application from the search results. You can then enter your issue and follow the recommended troubleshooting instructions.
How do I disable F1 Get Help in Windows 10?
Windows 10 does not provide a simple built-in toggle for disabling the F1 help shortcut. You can remap the key using a keyboard customization tool such as Microsoft PowerToys Keyboard Manager, although some applications may handle F1 independently.
Is Microsoft Get Help free?
The Get Help application is free to use. However, assisted support depends on the product and its support eligibility. Standard Windows 10 technical support ended in October 2025.
Conclusion
The easiest way to get help in Windows 10 is to open the built-in Get Help app or press F1 for quick assistance. Windows Search, automatic troubleshooters, Microsoft’s support website, and community discussions also provide useful ways to resolve common problems.
For hardware-related issues, your PC manufacturer’s support resources may offer more specific solutions. If you need someone to guide you through troubleshooting, Quick Assist can provide secure remote assistance from a trusted person.
Although Windows 10 has reached the end of standard support, many of these built-in tools and online resources remain available to help you diagnose and resolve everyday computer problems.