Tips and Best Practices

Always, always, always, turn your PC off and then back on before attempting any other type of fix. A restart may not be as helpful as a full power off and back on.

To completely shut off your PC.
Press the Start Button (lower left hand side, windows logo) and Select the 'Power' icon.
In the pop-up menu select 'Shut Down'. 

If you cannot access the start menu:
Hold the power button for 30 seconds or more.
(until white light on the left side turns off [HP G4 & G5].
If it’s blinking, that means the computer is asleep.)

Best practices:

• Turn off properly when you are done using it. 

• Periodically run windows updates (updates are released on Tuesdays).

• Do not yeet. 

• Do not over charge. 

• Do not expose to extreme temperatures.

• Keep clean and dry.

• Do not eat/drink on or near.

• Do not pick up by the screen (best way to break a screen).

• Refrain from wrapping your cables too tightly. 

• Safely eject USB drives.

• Download software from verified sources only.

Startup Programs Slowing your PC 

Common startup programs that can slow down your computer:

• • Microsoft Teams

  • Spotify

  • Discord

  • Edge

  • etc…

You can Disable them via the "Startup" tab in Task Manger. (click more details)
Most applications only need to run when you launch them not when you login.
some that you might like to run at startup:

• Google Drive

• Windows Security Notifications Icon

• Java Update Scheduler

• Audio Controllers

• etc...

Use your Judgement.

Google Drive isn’t working

Make sure the app is installed, up to date, and running. 

Check the  Notifications area of your task bar (lower right side, might be hidden under the little up arrow).

Broken Screen

• Try plugging your laptop into a TV or monitor via HDMI.

No sound

• Try using the audio jack, Bluetooth, or restart the computer.

Keyboard/Touchpad/WiFi not working

• Try restarting your computer.

• Plug in a USB peripheral mouse/keyboard.

Pixelated Font on Laptop

You need to adjust clear type text, follow these instructions.

If all else fails, please take your computer to the High School office,
turn it over to Brandy Lusk, and fill out the paperwork.

In this way the Kingsland Technology Department can quickly obtain and repair your PC,
with as little turnover as possible.