How to Fix Problems with Windows 8/8.1

This updated guide examines How to Fix Problems with Windows 8/8.1 and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 3:

Reset Windows Completely

1. Make sure you have a backup of your files, because we will be completely resetting the hard drive.
2. Open up the Start Menu.
3. Open Settings.
   • Newer Windows 8.1: Select 'Update and Recovery' Older Windows 8: Select 'General'
   • Newer Windows 8.1: Select 'Recovery' Older Windows 8: Select 'Remove everything and reinstall Windows'
   • Newer Windows 8.1: Select 'Remove everything and reinstall Windows'
     • Your computer will now ask you if you want to keep your documents or fresh install. Either of these won't affect the process.
4. Your computer will now reboot and reinstall Windows, so make sure that If your computer is based of a power supply, make sure the power doesn't turn off. If the power tends to go off in your area, ensure that your computer is plugged into an external power supply, that you can find at your nearest Electric shop. If your computer is a laptop/ultrabook/tablet make sure it has 100% battery and is plugged in throughout the process. If your computer fails one of these, it is a very small chance you can get your computer back up and stable without having to pay a fee.

Method 2of 3:

Refresh Windows

1. Reinstall Windows. This process is different from completely resetting, because instead of formatting your hard drive, this one will only reinstall windows, thus you will not lose any Documents, Pictures, Videos etc. Do note that you will lose all your programs, besides itself built games like Minecraft, or Steam games, like Five Nights at Freddy's, however, there may be a chance that you will lose the progress. Also, I still suggest making a backup if anything happens.
2. Open the Start menu.
3. Open Settings.
   • Newer Windows 8.1: Select 'Update and Recovery' Older Windows 8: Select 'General'
   • Newer Windows 8.1: Select 'Recovery' Older Windows 8: Select 'Refresh your computer without affecting your files'
   • Newer Windows 8.1: Select 'Refresh your computer without affecting your files'
4. Reboot and reinstall Windows. Make sure that If your computer is based of a power supply, make sure the power doesn't turn off. If the power tends to go off in your area, I recommend your computer is plugged in an external power supply, that you can find at your nearest Electric shop. If your computer is a laptop/ultrabook/tablet make sure it has 100% battery and is plugged in throughout the process. If your computer fails one of these, it is a very small chance you can get your computer back up and stable without having to pay a fee

Method 3of 3:

Contact Official Microsoft from Twitter

1. If none of these work, you can always contact @Windows @Microsoft and @WindowsSupport via Twitter for help. I myself worked with them and they were always helpful.