Tech Support — Frequently Asked Questions
12 honest answers about how our free help works, how to avoid tech-support scams, the devices we cover, and getting a real reply from our team.
General
Is Free Tech Support really free?
Yes. Every step-by-step guide on the site is free to read and always will be. We cover our costs with unobtrusive advertising and the occasional affiliate recommendation — never with hidden fees, premium phone lines, or pressure to pay.
Will you ever ask to remotely access my computer?
No. We will never cold-contact you or ask to take over your device out of the blue. If a pop-up or caller claims to be us (or Microsoft, Apple, or an antivirus company) and asks for remote access or payment, it is a scam — hang up and close it.
A pop-up says my PC is infected and to call a number. Is it real?
Almost never. Real security software does not tell you to phone anyone. These "virus detected — call now" messages are scare tactics designed to get you to call a fake support line. Do not call the number and do not let anyone you did not contact connect to your PC.
Do your guides work on both Windows and Mac?
Where a fix differs by platform we spell out the steps for each. Most of our guides cover Windows 10 and 11, macOS, Android, and iPhone, and we note when something is specific to one system.
What kinds of problems can you help with?
Everyday tech: Windows errors and slow startups, printers stuck offline, Wi-Fi and internet drop-outs, email login and sync issues, browser pop-ups and redirects, malware clean-up, phone and tablet storage and updates, software installs, and account or password recovery.
Who writes these guides?
A small team of technology writers and IT-support professionals. Every guide is written in plain English, tested before it goes live, and dated so you can see when it was last updated.
Do I need to create an account to read a guide?
No. All guides are open to read with no sign-up. An optional free account only adds features like asking a question or leaving a comment.
My problem is not covered. Can I still get help?
Yes — use the contact or Ask page to send us the details and a real person will point you in the right direction. We also use those questions to decide which new guides to write.
Are you affiliated with Microsoft, Apple, or any brand?
No. Free Tech Support is completely independent. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any device or software maker. Brand names are used only to describe the products we help with.
How do I avoid tech-support scams?
Never call a number shown in a pop-up, never pay in gift cards, and never grant remote access to someone who contacted you first. When in doubt, close the page, reboot, and reach the company through its official website — not a number a warning gave you.
Do you serve readers outside the US?
Our guides are written primarily for readers in the United States and Canada, using the devices, services, and settings common there, but the fixes work anywhere the same software runs.
How often are guides updated?
We revisit guides when Windows, macOS, apps, or devices change, and each page shows a "last updated" date so you know how current it is.