10 Most Common IT Support Issues & Quick Solutions

 10 Most Common IT Support Issues & Quick Solutions

In IT support & helpdesk roles, the same problems occur daily.
Knowing what to check first helps to:
✔ Save time
✔ Reduce downtime
✔ Improve user confidence

🔹 1. Internet Not Working
• Check physical cables and Wi-Fi connection
• Verify IP configuration
• Restart modem/router
• Test connectivity using ping or ipconfig

🔹 2. Slow or Hanging System
• Close unnecessary applications
• Check CPU/RAM usage in Task Manager
• Scan for malware
• Disable unnecessary startup programs

🔹 3. Login or Password Issues
• Reset or unlock the user account
• Verify correct username and domain
• Check password expiry and account lockout policie
🔹 4. Printer Not Printing
• Ensure printer is online and set as default
• Check paper and ink/toner levels
• Restart the Print Spooler service

🔹 5. Email Not Sending or Receiving
• Verify SMTP / IMAP / POP settings
• Check mailbox storage limits
• Confirm mail server and internet connectivity

🔹 6. Software Not Opening or Crashing
• Update or reinstall the application
• Check OS and hardware compatibility
• Review application logs or error messages

🔹 7. File or Folder Access Denied
• Verify NTFS and shared folder permissions
• Check available disk space
• Confirm correct user group membership

🔹 8. Blue Screen or System Crash (BSOD)
• Update drivers and Windows patches
• Run memory and disk diagnostics
• Analyze stop codes to identify root cause

🔹 9. USB or External Device Not Detected
• Test the device on another system
• Reinstall or update device drivers
• Check Device Manager for errors

🔹 10. Windows Update Errors
• Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
• Clear Windows Update cache
• Restart system and retry updates