31 "How to" Questions
31 "How to" Questions
How to use this page
Click any question below to see a simple step-by-step answer. For more help, use our AI Support page or ask your mentor.
Getting Started with Your Laptop
How do I turn my laptop on and off properly?
1. Press the power button once to turn it on.
2. To shut down, click Start > Power > Shut down
(don’t just hold the power button unless it’s frozen).
3. Avoid unplugging the laptop while Windows is installing updates.
4. If the screen freezes and nothing works, hold the power button
for 10 seconds to force it off, then turn it on again.
How do I update Windows?
1. Click Start > Settings > Windows Update
(or Update & Security on some versions).
2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
3. Restart when asked so the updates can finish.
4. It’s okay if this takes a while—just let it complete.
How do I connect to Wi-Fi?
1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen
(near the clock).
2. Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list.
3. Click Connect and type the password carefully
(ask your mentor or family if you don’t know it).
4. When it says Connected, you are online.
How do I adjust the volume?
1. Click the speaker icon near the clock (bottom-right).
2. Drag the slider left (quieter) or right (louder).
3. On some laptops you can also use the keyboard volume keys
(look for speaker icons).
4. If there is no sound, make sure it is not muted and that
your headphones are plugged in all the way.
How do I change the screen brightness?
1. Click the battery/quick settings area near the clock (bottom-right).
2. Look for the brightness slider and move it left (darker) or right (brighter).
3. Many laptops also have brightness keys on the keyboard (sun icons).
4. Keep brightness comfortable for your eyes—especially at night.
How do I plug in and safely remove a USB drive?
1. Gently plug the USB drive into a USB port on the side of the laptop.
2. Wait a few seconds for Windows to detect it; it will appear in
File Explorer under “This PC”.
3. When you are done, click the small USB icon near the clock and
choose Eject for your drive.
4. When you see a message that it’s safe, you can unplug the USB drive.
Getting Started with Your Laptop (continued)
How do I find my files?
1. Click the yellow folder icon on the taskbar to open File Explorer.
2. Look in Documents, Downloads,
Desktop, or Pictures for your files.
3. Use the search box in the top-right of File Explorer to search by file name.
4. Try to save school or important files in Documents
so you can find them easily.
How do I install a new program?
1. Make sure you know and trust the source (your mentor, school, or an official website).
2. Download the installer file (often ending in .exe).
3. Double-click the file in Downloads and follow the steps on the screen.
4. If Windows warns you, read the message carefully and only continue
if you are sure it is safe.
How do I join a Zoom meeting?
1. Open the Zoom app (or install it from zoom.us if needed).
2. Click Join.
3. Enter the Meeting ID and your name.
4. Click Join and enter the passcode if required.
5. Choose Join with Computer Audio so you can hear and speak.
How do I use ChatGPT or AI Support from this laptop?
1. Open Chrome (or your preferred browser).
2. Go to your AI Support link (for example, your TechEffect or TechCharities AI page).
3. Type your question in simple language—like you are talking to a tutor.
4. For important decisions (money, health, school), review the answer
with a parent, mentor, or advisor.
How do I keep my laptop safe and healthy?
1. Run Windows Update regularly and install updates.
2. Do not click on strange links or open attachments from people you don’t know.
3. Keep food and drinks away from the keyboard and vents.
4. Use a case or backpack to protect it when you carry it.
5. If something seems wrong, ask a mentor or technician for help early.
Using the Internet & Web Browsers
How do I open a web browser?
1. Click the Chrome or Edge icon on your taskbar.
2. If you don’t see it, click Start and type the browser name.
3. Press Enter to open it.
How do I search the internet?
1. Open your browser.
2. Click the address/search bar at the top.
3. Type your question or topic (example: “how to print a document”).
4. Press Enter to see results.
How do I download a file safely?
1. Only download from trusted sites.
2. Click the download link and wait for it to finish.
3. The file usually appears at the bottom of your browser.
4. Click the file to open it.
5. If Windows warns you, read the message carefully.
How do I clear my browser history?
1. In Chrome, click the 3 dots → History → Clear browsing data.
2. Choose a time range.
3. Check the boxes you want to clear.
4. Click Clear data.
How do I use bookmarks?
1. Open the website you want to save.
2. Click the star icon in the address bar.
3. Choose where to save it.
4. Click Save.
5. To access it later, click the bookmarks icon.
Email, Communication & Accounts
How do I send an email?
1. Open your email program.
2. Click Compose.
3. Enter the email address, subject, and message.
4. Click Send.
How do I attach a file to an email?
1. Start a new email.
2. Click the paperclip icon.
3. Choose the file you want to attach.
4. Click Open and then Send.
How do I create a strong password?
A strong password uses:
• A word
• A number
• A symbol
Example: Garden42!
How do I reset my password?
1. Click Forgot Password on the login page.
2. Enter your email or phone number.
3. Open the reset link sent to your email.
4. Choose a new password and save it somewhere safe.
How do I stay safe online?
Tips:
• Don’t click on suspicious links.
• Don’t open attachments from people you don’t know.
• Keep Windows updated.
• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Ask a mentor when you're unsure about anything online.
Files, Storage & Printing
How do I copy or move files?
1. Open File Explorer (yellow folder icon).
2. Right-click the file you want to move or copy.
3. Choose Copy (to leave the original) or Cut (to move it).
4. Go to the new folder.
5. Right-click in the blank space and click Paste.
How do I delete a file?
1. Open File Explorer.
2. Right-click the file you want to remove.
3. Click Delete (this moves it to the Recycle Bin).
4. To remove it permanently, right-click the Recycle Bin icon and choose Empty Recycle Bin.
How do I print a document?
1. Open the document (Word, PDF, etc.).
2. Click File > Print.
3. Make sure your printer is selected.
4. Choose how many copies you want.
5. Click Print.
If nothing prints, check that the printer is on, has paper, and is connected.
How do I save a file as a PDF?
1. Open your document.
2. Click File > Print.
3. In the printer list, choose Microsoft Print to PDF.
4. Click Print.
5. Choose a folder and file name, then click Save.
6. Your document is now saved as a PDF.
How do I use a flash drive for storage?
1. Plug the flash drive into a USB port on your laptop.
2. Open File Explorer and find the drive under “This PC”.
3. Drag or copy files into the flash drive window to save them there.
4. When finished, click the small USB icon near the clock and choose Eject.
5. When Windows says it is safe, unplug the drive.
Troubleshooting & Maintenance
What do I do if my laptop freezes?
1. Wait 10–20 seconds to see if it recovers.
2. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choose Task Manager.
3. Select the program that says “Not Responding” and click End task.
4. If nothing works, hold the power button for about 10 seconds to restart the laptop.
5. After it restarts, open programs one at a time.
What if the Wi-Fi stops working?
1. Click the Wi-Fi icon and turn Wi-Fi off and back on.
2. Restart your laptop.
3. Try connecting to another network if possible.
4. If you can, restart the router or modem (or ask someone who manages it).
5. If it still doesn’t work, ask a mentor or technician for help.
Why is my laptop slow?
Common reasons include:
• Too many programs open at once
• Windows updates running in the background
• Not enough free storage space
• Old apps that need updating
Try closing extra programs and restarting your laptop once a day.
How do I check for Windows updates?
1. Click Start and choose Settings (gear icon).
2. Click Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Install any available updates and restart if asked.
5. Keeping Windows updated helps your laptop stay secure and run better.
How do I restart my laptop safely?
1. Click Start (Windows icon).
2. Click the Power icon.
3. Choose Restart.
4. Wait for the laptop to completely shut down and start again.
5. Only hold the power button if the laptop is frozen and not responding.