Chapter 22. Getting help

In this section:

• Using the Help + Tips app

• Getting support at the Microsoft Support website

• Using desktop help

• Accessing specific desktop help

Even though Windows 8.1 provides many intuitive ways to get things done, this new approach can present a learning curve even for those who have used previous versions of Windows. When you run into something you can’t figure out, you can use the built-in tools to get help. There are three ways presented here: Using the Help + Tips app on the Start screen, using Microsoft’s Support website, and using the more traditional Help and Support window.

Using the Help + Tips app

There’s a new Help + Tips app available on the Start screen. This app offers a list of the most common questions asked by Windows 8.1 users. The Help + Tips app has 6 sections, each containing related information.

Use the Help + Tips app

1. From the Start screen, click Help + Tips.

   

2. Note the following options:

   1. Start And Apps

   2. Get Around

   3. Basic Actions

   4. Your Account And Files

   5. Settings

   6. What’s New

   

3. Click any link to learn more about an item.

4. Use the Back button to return to the main screen.

   

Try This

Right-click an empty area of the screen from anywhere inside the app to see the Help + Tips app bar. This offers easy access to the app categories.

See Also

Refer to the tasks Using Microsoft Fix It, Using troubleshooting wizards, and Asking for Windows Remote Assistance, in Chapter 20.

Getting support at the Microsoft Support website

The Microsoft Support website offers help for all Microsoft products. After navigating to the site. you can choose the product you need help with—in this case, Windows. You can select a topic (such as Email & Communication, Repair & Recovery, Hardware & Drivers, and so on). After you’ve made that selection, you can select a subtopic. Following that, you’ll be presented with a list of solutions to the most commonly asked questions.

Get support at the Microsoft Support website

1. From the Start screen, click Internet Explorer.

   

2. Right-click the screen if you can’t see the Address bar.

3. Type support.microsoft.com, and press Enter on the keyboard.

   

4. On the Find It Myself tab, click Windows.

5. Click Windows 8.1.

   

6. Click a topic.

7. Click a subtopic.

   

8. Browse the solutions.

   

Try This

In step 4, instead of selecting Find It Myself, scroll up the page to locate the Search window. Type any keyword or question, and press Enter on the keyboard to search for something specific.

Try This

In step 4, instead of selecting Find It Myself, click Ask The Community to peruse community forums where users like yourself ask questions of others and offer solutions. Click Get Live Help to communicate with a person via instant messaging.

Using desktop help

The Help feature (which you can access from the desktop) gives you the option of using offline help or online help (or both). Offline help doesn’t require an Internet connection, but the online help will be more up-to-date. It’s best to use the online help, so if possible, connect to the Internet before continuing here.

Use general desktop help

1. From the desktop, press Windows logo key+I to show the Settings charm, and click Help.

   

2. Note the three main options: Get Started, Internet & Networking, and Security, Privacy, & Accounts; click an option.

   

3. Browse the results and select any entry.

   

4. Use the back and forward arrows to navigate to previously viewed page.

   

Tip

Note the Search window in step 3. You can use it to search for help on a specific topic.

Accessing specific desktop help

Almost every window that opens on the desktop offers a help option in the form of a question mark in the top-right corner, provided that the window is the result of opening a Microsoft product or feature (such as Control Panel, Paint, File Explorer, and so on). Virtually all third-party applications offer one too, if not in the form of a blue question mark at least from a menu option named Help. Help options might also appear in dialog boxes in the form of a link. Whatever the case, when you click a help option that is offered from inside a Microsoft application or window, desktop help opens to that specific topic.

Access specific desktop help

1. From the desktop, open File Explorer.

   

2. In the navigation pane, click This PC.

3. Click the blue Help icon in the top-right corner.

4. Note that the results have to do with what’s selected and the Help And Support window does not open to the generic Desktop Help page.

5. Close the Help And Support window.

6. Close File Explorer.

   

   Tip

   Note the Search window in step 3. You can use it to search for help on a specific topic.

7. Press the Windows key to return to the Start screen, and type Windows Defender.

8. Click Windows Defender in the results.

   

9. Click the Help icon in the top-right corner.

   

10. Note that the results have to do with what’s selected and the Help And Support window does not open to the generic desktop help page.

    

Tip

Remember, you can search Help by using keywords. If you can’t find what you want by browsing or opening the Help And Support window from inside an application, use this method.