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

Quick Tips

• Denying the user account access to the HelpPane.exe file or renaming it can help resolve this issue.
• Scan your PC using Windows Defender to determine if a malware infection is causing the “How to Get Help in Windows” page to appear.

Try Basic Fixes

• Check if the F1 key is stuck: The F1 key on Windows serves as a shortcut to access the help page for the active program or window. If the F1 key on your keyboard is stuck or malfunctioning, Windows will frequently open the “how to get help in Windows” page in your default browser. Clear any debris or dust underneath the F1 key, and gently press and release the key several times.
• Disable third-party antivirus program: Third-party antivirus programs on Windows can also cause such anomalies. So, if nothing else works, try disabling your antivirus program momentarily. After that, try using your PC for some time and see if the issue persists.

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 the Windows key + S to open the search menu. Type Notepad and press Enter.

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

@ echo off
taskkill / f / im HelpPane.exe
takeown / f% WinDir% \ HelpPane.exe
icacls% WinDir% \ HelpPane.exe / deny all: (X)

Step 3: Press Ctrl + S to open the Save as dialog. Enter DisableHelp.cmd and click Save.

Step 4: Double-click the DisableHelp.cmd file 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 the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type C:/Windows in the text field and hit Enter.

Step 2: Select the HelpPane.exe file and press Alt + Enter to open its properties.

Step 3: Switch to the Security tab and click the Advanced button.

Step 4: Click the Change option next to the Owner field.

Step 5: Enter your username in the text field, click Check Names > OK.

Step 6: Click Apply, followed by OK.

Step 7: Under the Security tab, click the Edit button.

Step 8: In the Group or user names section, select Users > check the boxes for Allow > hit Apply > OK.

Step 9: Select the HelpPane.exe > press F2 key to rename it. Name it OldHelpPane.exe or something similar, and hit Enter > click Continue to 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 using Windows Defender. Here’s how:

Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar, type Windows Security, and select the first result.

Step 2: Switch to the Virus & threat protection tab and click Scan options.

Step 3: Select Full scan and hit Scan now.

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