How to Get Help from Microsoft & Even Have Them Call You
We covered this before, but to remind you, Microsoft is not going to show you a popup online and tell you that your computer is infected; they’re never going to call you out of the blue and tell you that your computer has been compromised. Microsoft is not going to contact you and tell you that your computer is full of viruses and is spreading vermin all over the world. It’s not going to happen.
We’re going to show you the safe way to get help from Microsoft and even have Microsoft call you. And it’s so easy, it’s unbelievable that more people don’t take advantage of it.
If you’ve been with us for any length of time, you are aware of all the Microsoft support scams going on – both on the Web and via telephone. These swindles have bilked unsuspecting users out of millions of dollars.
But if you’re using Windows 10, you can get help directly from Microsoft directly from your computer, without picking up the phone, going to a web site, or even sending an email.
So, if you’re having a problem with Windows 10, here’s the safe way to get help from Microsoft.
Type Get Help in the taskbar search and press Enter when you see “Get Help” appear in the search results (or click “Open”).
In a few seconds, the “Get Help” app will open.
In a minute or so you’ll see “Get Help” “Virtual agent”. Do not be dismayed. Real people do await you, I Promise.
When you see the Virtual agent appear, explain your problem as simply as you can by typing it in at the bottom (see below):
After you’ve explained your problem, click the paper airplane send icon.
If the Virtual agent has any kind of answer which seems related to your problem, you can try the solution offered.
Click “Yes” if the Virtual Agent is right about your question.
The Virtual Agent gives you some sage advice (above) and it is something you can try – but you don’t have to. If you don’t want to do what she tells you, or don’t feel comfortable with the suggestions she gives you, just click “No”.
If you click, “No”, you’ll get another screen asking you to sign in with your Windows (Microsoft) account info.
Click “Sign in” to continue.
Next, you’ll see a scene with several options.
You can chat with a Microsoft representative, ask the Microsoft community (forum) for help, or you can schedule a callback from Microsoft.
When I wrote this, it was around 8:00 AM Eastern time, and Microsoft’s “Call me back time” for my time zone is 9:00 AM until midnight weekdays, and 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM on weekends.
You can schedule a time for a Microsoft support representative to call you back and help you with your problem.
You’ll find that the Virtual Agent usually provides good advice and gives you options and things you can try to solve your Windows problems. But if you are not comfortable trying technical things and you feel more comfortable talking to a real support person, you can have Microsoft call you back.
And now you know how to contact Microsoft directly from your Windows 10 computer without risking falling for any scams or trickery.
Darcy. How can you tell us who to live without you and TC.
Our dear – like family people. May this next year be a bountiful and happy one.
Great advice but what if you are still using windows 8.1 cannot afford to upgrade.
keep the good work and have the best 2021. Maureen
Cheri is correct – Windows 10 is still a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users. If your computer is running Windows 8, it almost assuredly can run Windows 10, since Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 are more resource-intensive than Windows 10.
You should try the free upgrade, if it fails, you will automatically return to what you currently have. I’m using a Dell Laptop that I bought in 2012 and which came with Windows 7. I upgraded it to Windows 10 and it runs better than my 3-year-old laptop that came with Windows 10.
If you want to take advantage of the free upgrade to Windows 10 –
see this page
.
Hi Maureen, I am sure Darcy or TC will see your responce. Upgrading to Windows 10 is free. I have completed the upgrade for both my computers twice now. First time went from Windows 7 back in fall of 2019 and just 2 weeks ago went to the newest upgrade 20HO with no problems. I was worried the laptop (8 years old, Intel 3, 6 gig ram) would not qualify. But they check to make sure the computer meets all the requirements before installing. Both desk top and laptop are running great with no problems. You can search past Info Ave articles on upgrading. Hopefully one of the great ones (Darcy or TC) will also respond. Happy Holidays.
Hi Darcy & TC,
When you have a chance would you please comment on the Microsoft PowerToys Color picker e.g. could we choose a Taskbar color just for itself without applying the color to the background etc.
I know how busy you are answering other important questions, thanks anyway.
Rex
Microsoft PowerToys is a suite of tools developed by Microsoft. There are a lot of toys in that suite. There must be a zillion color pickers in the world – so I have never used the one that comes with PowerToys – but they’re all by Microsoft so I’m sure it works well like most of the other PowerToys do. Just so you know why I never tried the color picker in PowerToys, there are color pickers included with all my graphics programs, with FastStone Capture, with the HTML editor I use. So never really needed another color picker. Perhaps you could write up a short review and let everyone know what you think of PowerToys & its color picker. We’ve covered PowerToys in general as well as an older version of PowerToys before Microsoft picked up the project.