How to Get Help in Windows 10

Last updated on October 20th, 2026 at 12:13 pm

To get help in Windows 10, type your question in the search box on the taskbar. You can also open the Get Help app from the Start menu, or select the Get help link on any Settings page to learn about the setting you’re on.

Applies to: Windows 10.

Search for help

1. Select the search box on the taskbar, or press Windows key + S.
2. Type a few words about your problem, like change wallpaper or printer offline.
3. Select a matching setting, or select a web result to see help articles.

Open the Get Help app

1. Select the search box and type get help.
2. Select Get Help under Best match.
3. Describe your problem. The app suggests fixes and troubleshooters, and can connect you to support.

Use the Get help link in Settings

Most Settings pages have a Get help link on the right, under Have a question? It opens help for that page.

Other ways to get help

• Troubleshooters: go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot to fix common problems with sound, internet, printers and more.
• Microsoft Support website: browse Windows help or contact support at support.microsoft.com.
• Help from someone you trust: Quick Assist lets a friend or family member see your screen and help, as shown below.

Let someone help with Quick Assist

1. The person helping you opens Quick Assist on their own Windows PC, selects Help someone, signs in with a Microsoft account, and reads you the security code.
2. On your PC, search Start for Quick Assist and open it.
3. Type the code in the Code from assistant box and select Submit. The code only works for a few minutes.
4. Choose to let them view or control your screen, and select Allow. Close Quick Assist when you’re done to end the session.

Only do this with someone you know and contacted yourself. Scammers often ask people to open Quick Assist.

Get ready before you contact support

• Write down or take a screenshot of the exact error message, including any code like 0x80070005.
• Note your Windows version: press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter.
• Think about what changed just before the problem started, such as an update, a new app, or a new device.
• Know which account you use to sign in, such as your Microsoft account email.

Stop the “How to get help in Windows 10” pop-up

If your browser keeps opening a search for “get help with Windows 10” on its own, Windows thinks the F1 key is being pressed. That’s Windows’ built-in help shortcut.

• Check for a stuck key. Press F1 a few times firmly. Crumbs or a worn key can hold it down, and a USB keyboard can be unplugged to test.
• Check Fn lock. On many laptops, F1 is also the mute or help key. Press Fn + Esc (on many models) to change what the top row does.
• Turn F1 off. If you never use it, Microsoft’s free PowerToys includes Keyboard Manager, which can remap F1 to do nothing.

If Get Help doesn’t work

• It won’t open or shows a blank window. It needs an internet connection. Check you’re online, then update it from the Microsoft Store.
• It’s missing. Search the Microsoft Store for Get Help and install it again.
• You can’t reach a person. Windows 10 reached the end of support on October 14, 2025, so free help from Microsoft is limited. Your PC maker, a local repair shop, or the troubleshooting guides on this site are good alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Someone called or a pop-up claims Microsoft found a problem. Is it real?

No. Microsoft doesn’t make unexpected calls or show pop-ups with a phone number to call. Don’t give them access to your PC.

Where do I find Settings or Control Panel?

Both are a search away, and there are several other ways to open Settings on Windows 10 or get to Control Panel.

Windows itself isn’t working right. What can I do?

Before you reinstall anything, try to repair Windows 10 without losing files.

What does F1 do in Windows?

On the desktop or in File Explorer, pressing F1 opens a web search for help with Windows 10 in your browser. In most apps, such as Word or Excel, F1 opens that app’s own help instead.

Is Get Help free?

Yes. The app and Microsoft’s help articles are free. Some paid products, such as Microsoft 365, include extra support options for subscribers.

Can I get help without the internet?

Partly. The troubleshooters in Settings work offline, but the Get Help app and Microsoft’s articles need a connection.

Thinking of Remote Desktop instead? It works differently on Home, as Remote Desktop on Windows 10 Home explains.

The official help pages are How to get help in Windows and Solve PC problems remotely using Quick Assist.