Troubleshooting
PC Troubleshooting Wizard
Answer a few questions about what is going wrong. The wizard points you to the safest matching guide on this site.
Practical PC Tools
Practical tools for diagnosing Windows, PC hardware, internet, storage, files, and common computer problems.
These utilities explain results in plain language and link to Practical PC guides. They do not scan your PC, install software, or invent a diagnosis they cannot make.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Windows Error Code Lookup
Look up a Windows update code or blue-screen name and see what it usually means, plus safe next steps.
Troubleshooting
BSOD Stop Code Lookup
Look up a Windows blue-screen stop code and see likely causes, safe first steps, and when hardware may be involved.
Troubleshooting
Internet Connection Troubleshooter
Answer practical questions about Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and websites. Get a likely cause and the matching Practical PC guides.
Network tools
Network tools
DNS Lookup
Look up public A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, NS, and TXT records for a domain and read what each record type means.
Network tools
IP Address Checker
See the public IP address this site receives from your connection, with a plain-language explanation of IPv4, IPv6, and privacy.
Network tools
Download Time Calculator
Estimate how long a file may take to download from its size and your internet speed. Real times are often longer.
PC hardware
PC hardware
PC Storage Calculator
Add up Windows, apps, games, photos, and video to estimate how large a drive you may need, with room to spare.
PC hardware
RAM Upgrade Calculator
Get a reasonable RAM range for browsing, office work, gaming, or editing, not a guarantee that an upgrade will fit your laptop.
PC hardware
PC Bottleneck Checker
A practical look at which part of a PC is more likely to limit a workload, without fake bottleneck percentages.
Files & Windows
Files & Windows
File Extension Lookup
Look up common Windows file extensions and see what they usually are, what opens them, and when to be careful.
Security
Security
Password Strength Checker
Check password characteristics in your browser. Nothing is sent to our server. This is guidance, not a guarantee.