Hunter Storm | How to Troubleshoot Basic Tech Issues

Things Schools Should Actually Teach | How to Troubleshoot Basic Tech Issues Before Asking for Help

Nothing is more frustrating than a tech issue when you need your device to just work. But before you call tech support or panic, many common problems can be fixed in a few minutes if you know what to do. Good troubleshooting means faster fixes. That’s why it’s important to try simple tips to troubleshoot basic tech issues first.

The Golden Rule of Troubleshooting | Turn It Off and On Again

It sounds simple but restarting your device fixes at least 70% of common tech issues. Why? Because it:

Clears temporary glitches.
Refreshes connections.
Forces your system to reload properly.

Before trying anything complicated, always restart your:

Computer (Power off, wait 10 seconds, turn back on)
Phone or tablet (Fully power down and restart)
Router/modem (Unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in)

Internet Not Working? Try These Steps First

Check if the issue is with Wi-Fi or your whole internet connection. If your home internet is slow or not working:

Try using the Internet on your mobile phone or tablet. If the internet works on your phone but not Wi-Fi, it’s a router issue.

Restart your router & modem:

Unplug them for 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
Wait 2-3 minutes before testing.

Check if the issue is with one device or all devices:

If your phone can connect, but your laptop can’t? Restart your laptop.
If nothing connects, it’s an Internet Service Provider (ISP) issue.

If your internet is slow or not working:

Go to your Networks Settings and “Forget” the Wi-Fi network. Then reconnect.
Move closer to the router.
Use an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi for more stable connections.

Internet Running Slow?

Learn how to handle slow Internet in our article, How to Get the Internet Speed You Pay For.

Computer Running Slow? Here’s What to Do

Close Unused Programs

On Windows: Ctrl + Shift + Esc ? End unnecessary tasks.
On Mac: Cmd + Option + Esc ? Force quit slow programs.

Check Storage Space

If your hard drive is 90% full, your computer will slow down.
Free up space by deleting unnecessary files or moving them to cloud storage.

Restart, or Shut Down and Restart, Your Computer

A reboot clears most computer memory (RAM) and fixes temporary slowdowns.
If the computer still isn’t performing as expected:
Power off / shut down the computer.
Wait at 30-60 seconds. This will give the RAM time to completely clear the memory.
Power on the computer.

Scan for Malware

Use Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, or Avast to check for hidden viruses.

Common Tech Issues & Quick Fixes

The following section contains a quick list of steps to troubleshoot basic tech issues.

Printer Won’t Print

Check if it’s turned on and connected to Wi-Fi.
Make sure it’s set as the default printer in settings.
Restart the printer and your computer.

Phone Won’t Charge

Try a different charger and cable.
Clean the charging port with compressed air.
Restart the phone.

Screen is Frozen

Windows: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete ? Choose “Restart.”
Mac: Press Cmd + Option + Esc ? Force quit apps.
Phone: Hold the power button until it restarts.

When to Call for Help

If none of the above steps work, it’s time to ask for help. Before calling tech support, be ready to answer:

What exactly is happening? Error message? Blank screen?
What have you already tried? This way, you won’t have to repeat steps.
When did the issue start? After a new update? After installing something?
Take screenshots of the issue. If you can’t get screenshots, take pictures or video with your mobile device.

Tech Troubleshooting is Easier Than You Think

Tech doesn’t have to be frustrating when you know what to do.

Most problems can be fixed in minutes.
Restarting devices solves most common tech issues.
Follow these steps before asking for help. It saves time!

Glossary

Cache: Temporary storage that helps websites and apps load faster but can cause issues when full.
Ethernet: A wired internet connection that is faster and more stable than Wi-Fi.
Hard Drive (HDD/SSD): The storage device in your computer. A nearly full drive slows down performance.
Router: A device that connects multiple devices to Wi-Fi.
Task Manager: A Windows tool to close unresponsive programs (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).

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