Tips and Tricks

Tips and Tricks

Customers
Customers
Customers

An SMC (System Management Controller) reset is a troubleshooting step for Intel-based Macs to fix power, battery, fan, and other hardware-related issues.

When to Reset the SMC:

  • Mac is not turning on or not charging properly

  • Battery percentage incorrect or not detected

  • Fan running loudly for no reason

  • Keyboard backlight, display, or sleep issues

  • USB-C or MagSafe power issues

How to Reset SMC on a Mac:

For Macs with an Apple T2 Chip (2018–2020 models)

  1. Shut down your Mac.

  2. Press and hold Control (⌃) + Option (⌥) + Shift (on the left side) for 7 seconds.

  3. Keep holding, then press and hold the Power button as well (for a total of 10 seconds).

  4. Release all keys, wait a few seconds, then turn on the Mac.

For Macs without a T2 Chip (Older Intel models)

  1. Shut down your Mac.

  2. On the built-in keyboard, press and hold Shift + Control + Option (left side) + Power button for 10 seconds.

  3. Release all keys, then press the Power button to turn it back on.

For Desktop Macs (iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Pro)

  1. Shut down the Mac.

  2. Unplug the power cable and wait 15 seconds.

  3. Plug the power cable back in, wait 5 seconds, then turn on the Mac.



If you're dealing with Windows issues, here are some repair tips to fix common problems like boot failures, crashes, slow performance, and errors.

🛠 Basic Windows Repair Steps

1️⃣ Restart Your PC

  • Many issues can be fixed with a simple restart.

  • Hold Shift while clicking Restart to access Advanced Startup Options.

2️⃣ Run Windows Troubleshooters

  • Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

  • Run relevant troubleshooters like Internet, Audio, Blue Screen, or Windows Update.

3️⃣ Check for Windows Updates

  • Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.

  • Install updates to fix security and performance issues.

4️⃣ Run SFC & DISM to Repair System Files

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin) by searching cmd, then right-click and select Run as Administrator.

  2. Type and run: 

    • This scans and repairs corrupted system files.
  3. If SFC doesn't fix it, run: 
    • This repairs Windows system components.
5️⃣ Check Disk for Errors
  • Run chkdsk to fix hard drive issues: 
    • This may ask you to restart for a full disk check.
⚡ Advanced Repair Options
6️⃣ Boot into Safe Mode
  • Helps troubleshoot startup crashes or malware issues.
  • Hold Shift while clicking Restart, then go to Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Enable Safe Mode.
7️⃣ Use Windows Startup Repair
  • If Windows won’t boot, use the Advanced Startup Menu (Shift + Restart or boot from a recovery USB).
  • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
8️⃣ System Restore (Rollback Windows to an Earlier State)
  • Open Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.
  • Choose a restore point before the problem started.
9️⃣ Reset or Reinstall Windows
  • Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
  • Choose Keep My Files or Remove Everything.
🖥 Common Fixes for Specific Issues
✅ PC Running Slow?
  • Uninstall bloatware in Control Panel > Programs.
  • Disable startup apps via Task Manager > Startup.
  • Run Storage Sense to clear junk files (Settings > Storage).
✅ Black Screen on Boot?
  • Try Win + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the display driver.
  • Boot into Safe Mode and update graphics drivers.
✅ Blue Screen (BSOD)?
  • Use Event Viewer to check crash logs.
  • Run sfc /scannow and Windows Memory Diagnostic (mdsched.exe).
✅ Wi-Fi Not Working?
  • Run Network Troubleshooter.
  • Reset network settings via Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.

🔍 How to Run a Virus Scan on Windows
Windows has built-in Windows Security (Defender) to scan and remove viruses. You can also use third-party antivirus software for extra protection.
1️⃣ Quick Virus Scan (Fastest Option)
✔️ Best for: Checking active threats quickly.
  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
  3. Click Quick Scan to check for common malware.
2️⃣ Full Virus Scan (More Thorough)
✔️ Best for: Checking all files and drives for hidden threats.
  1. Open Windows Security (Win + S, type "Windows Security", and select it).
  2. Click Virus & Threat Protection.
  3. Select Scan Options > Full Scan.
  4. Click Scan Now.
🔹 Takes longer but scans every file on your PC.
3️⃣ Microsoft Defender Offline Scan (For Stubborn Viruses)
✔️ Best for: Removing deep-rooted malware that survives normal scans.
  1. Open Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
  2. Click Scan Options.
  3. Select Microsoft Defender Offline Scan and click Scan Now.
  4. Your PC will restart and perform a deep malware removal scan.
4️⃣ Third-Party Antivirus Scans
✔️ Best for: Extra security if you suspect a virus but Defender doesn’t detect it.
🔹 Popular Free Antivirus:
  • Malwarebytes (Best for malware & spyware)
  • Bitdefender Free (Lightweight protection)
  • Kaspersky Free (Good for phishing protection)
5️⃣ Scan with Windows PowerShell (Advanced Users)
✔️ Best for: Manually running a Defender scan.
  1. Open PowerShell (Admin) (Win + X → Click Terminal (Admin)).
  2. Run this command for a full scan: 
  3. If you want a quick scan, use: 
📌 Extra Tips for Staying Safe:
✅ Keep Windows & Antivirus updated.
✅ Avoid unknown downloads & email attachments.
✅ Use Malwarebytes or a secondary scan tool occasionally.





Others
Customers
Customers
Customers
Customers