3 Fixes for “How to Get Help in Windows” Keeps Popping Up

Pankil is a Civil Engineer turned freelance writer. Since his arrival at Guiding Tech in 2021, he delves into the world of how-tos, and troubleshooting guides for Android, iOS, and Windows. Besides his new-found love for mechanical keyboards, he’s a disciplined footfall fan and loves international travel with his wife.

Try Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Deny Access to HelpPane.exe

When you press the F1 key, Windows executes the HelpPane.exe file, redirecting you to your browser’s help page. You can try denying user accounts access to this file to stop “how to get help in Windows” from popping up on your PC. Here are steps for the same.

Step 1:Press theWindows key + Sto open the search menu. TypeNotepadand pressEnter.

Step 2:Enter the following text in the Notepad window.

Step 3:PressCtrl + Sto open the Save as dialog. EnterDisableHelp.cmdand clickSave.

Step 4:Double-click theDisableHelp.cmdfile to run it. After this, the “how to get help in Windows 10/11” page should not appear.

Fix 2: Rename the HelpPane.exe File

If denying access to the HelpPane.exe file proves ineffective, try renaming it. This will effectively stop Windows from locating and running the file on your PC. To rename the HelpPane.exe file, you’ll first need to take ownership of it.

Here are the steps you can follow.

Step 1:Press theWindows key + Rto open the Run dialog box. TypeC:/Windowsin the text field and hitEnter.

Step 2:Select theHelpPane.exefile and pressAlt + Enterto open its properties.

Step 3:Switch to theSecuritytab and click theAdvancedbutton.

Step 4:Click theChangeoption next to the Owner field.

Step 5:Enter yourusernamein the text field, clickCheck Names>OK.

Step 6:ClickApply, followed byOK.

Step 7:Under theSecuritytab, click theEditbutton.

Step 8:In the Group or user names section, selectUsers> check the boxes forAllow> hitApply>OK.

Step 9:Select theHelpPane.exe> pressF2key to rename it. Name itOldHelpPane.exeor something similar, and hitEnter> clickContinueto confirm.

Fix 3: Scan for Malware

The presence of malware and viruses on your PC can also cause the “how to get help in Windows” to keep popping up. To rule out this possibility, scan your PC for malware usingWindows Defender. Here’s how:

Step 1:Click thesearch iconon the taskbar, typeWindows Security, and select the first result.

Step 2:Switch to theVirus & threat protectiontab and clickScan options.

Step 3:SelectFull scanand hitScan now.

This might take a while, so be patient. If the scan reveals anything suspicious, take the recommended steps to remove it.

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Last updated on 02 September, 2024

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