13 Ways to Fix “How to Get Help in Windows” Keeps Popping Up

One of the most frustrating Windows 11 issues is the “How to Get Help in Windows” tab that keeps opening randomly on your PC. This problem can badly hamper your workflow and get pretty annoying. But fret not! Having taken this issue for a spin, I would like to share the 13 best tips and tricks to fix the “How to Get Help in Windows” tab that keeps showing up on your PC. That said, let’s get started!

Fix “How to Get Help in Windows” Keeps Popping Up

The pop-up usually crops up due to many reasons such as the stuck F1 key, system glitches, accessibility features, or malware. Fortunately, Windows 11 offers various ways to resolve this issue.

1. Check If the F1 Key Is Stuck

A physically stuck or faulty F1 key can keep triggering the help pop-up.

• To get it done, press the F1 key multiple times to see if it’s physically stuck.
• Clean around the key using compressed air or a soft brush.
• If using an external keyboard, disconnect it and test with another.

2. Use an External Keyboard

A malfunctioning built-in keyboard can repeatedly send the F1 signal.

• To do so, connect a USB or Bluetooth keyboard to your PC.
• Use it for a while and see if the help window still appears.
• If the issue stops, your original keyboard may need repair or replacement.

3. Disable the F1 Key Using AutoHotKey

Disabling the F1 key can stop the unwanted popup altogether.

• First off, you need to download and install AutoHotKey.
• Right-click on the desktop, choose New > AutoHotKey Script.
• Name the file, then right-click and select Edit Script.
• Paste this: F1::Return and save the file.
• Double-click the script to run it.

4. Check for Malware or Adware

Malicious software may trigger random help popups to redirect you.

• Just open Windows Security and go to Virus & threat protection.

• Click Quick scan or Full scan for a deep check.
• Optionally, use third-party tools like Malwarebytes to scan for adware.

5. Turn Off Sticky Keys and Filter Keys

Accessibility features may misinterpret key presses, causing pop-ups.

• Go to Settings app on your PC > Accessibility > Keyboard.
• Turn off Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, and Filter Keys.
• Restart your PC and check if the problem continues.

6. Check Keyboard Shortcuts in Background Apps

Third-party apps may hijack the F1 key for their own shortcuts.

• First and foremost, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Disable apps that run at startup under the Startup tab.

• Then, restart your PC and test again.
• Re-enable one app at a time to isolate the cause.

7. Update Keyboard Drivers

Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers may trigger false key presses.

• Right-click the Start menu and open Device Manager.
• Expand Keyboards, right-click your keyboard, and select Update driver.

• Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
• After that, make sure to restart your PC after the update.

8. Run Windows Keyboard Troubleshooter

Built-in troubleshooters can detect and fix misfiring keyboard keys.

• On your PC, navigate to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

• Scroll down and run the Keyboard troubleshooter.
• Then, be sure to follow on-screen steps and apply any suggested fixes.

9. Scan with System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files might be misbehaving and causing random pop-ups.

• Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click and select Run as administrator.
• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• Let the scan complete and restart your PC.

10. Clean Boot Your PC

A clean boot helps identify if third-party software is triggering the pop-up.

• Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.

• Go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager.
• Disable all startup items and restart your PC.

11. Create a New User Account

Corrupted user profiles can sometimes cause unusual system behavior.

• On your PC, launch Settings > Accounts > Other users.

• Click Add account and choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
• Set a username and password, then switch to the new account.
• See if the issue appears in the new profile.

12. Perform a System Restore

Rolling back your PC to a point before the issue started can help.

• Press Windows + S, search for Create a restore point, and open it.
• Click System Restore, select a previous restore point, and follow the wizard.
• Let the system restart and check if the issue is resolved.

13. Reset Your PC

If all else fails, resetting Windows can eliminate deeply-rooted software problems.

• Fire up the Settings app on your PC > System > Recovery.

• Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
• Choose Keep my files or Remove everything, depending on your preference.
• Follow the instructions to reset Windows.

Wrapping up…

And that wraps up this detailed guide! The “How to Get Help in Windows” window popping up repeatedly is often caused by something as simple as a stuck F1 key or as complex as background malware or system corruption. Go through these 13 fixes step by step, and you’ll likely find the solution that works for you.