Are you tech support for your family or friends? Do you receive frantic calls because their computer is misbehaving, is infected with a virus, or they don't know how to do something? While you might want to help your loved ones with their computer, it's often time-consuming.

As such, we've rounded up some tips that make it easier for your parents, grandparents, et al. to use their computers. Whether it's streamlining the interface or installing helpful software, these tips will ensure you're not spending endless time providing tech support pro bono.

1. Explain PC Safety

Before you unleash your relatives on their computers, it's best if you sit them down and talk them through the basics of how to use the computer. What do they click to open the internet? How do they send an email? What if they want to join a video call? The answers might be simple to you, but not necessarily to them.

It's also paramount that you explain how to use their computer safely. Some tips you could give are:

  • Never use the same password for more than one website. Every password should be unique and not be obvious.
  • Don't download software from untrusted sources. Depending on the competency level of your user, perhaps suggest they only use the Microsoft Store.
  • Ignore any message that asks you to contact someone to provide personal information or to send money, no matter how urgent the message may seem.
  • If you receive an email from someone you don't recognize, delete it—especially if it contains an attachment.

Unfortunately, internet fraud and scams are rife and older people are particularly vulnerable. You can always recover a computer from a virus, but you can't recover stolen money. If your relative only remembers one thing, ensure it's that they don't send anyone money, gift cards, or give out personal information, regardless of who the person asking claims to be.

2. Protect the Computer

Windows 10 and Windows 11 update automatically, so your relative's computer can benefit from the latest features and security patches. If their computer is using an older version of Windows, you should definitely upgrade because Microsoft doesn't support these anymore.

Windows Security settings

Windows 10/11 also comes with Windows Security, which is an excellent suite of protective tools. There's no need to purchase other antivirus programs or the like. Windows Security offers a virus scan, firewall, app and browser protection, and more.

If your relative has been using their computer for a while, give it a once-over to remove any unnecessary programs or browser plugins. For example, tools like Java and Flash are outdated and vulnerable and need to go.

3. Set Up Remote Access

If you're the tech support for your family, you've likely suffered through phone calls trying to describe what they need to click to do something—install a program, update Windows, resolve an error. If they're not familiar with the terminology, throwing around phrases like "Start menu" and "taskbar" is going to lead to confusion.

To save yourself the headaches, set up remote access software ahead of time. This allows you to easily see and control their computer over the internet from your home machine. There are lots of great remote access software, like Chrome Remote Desktop and TeamViewer, many of which are free and simple to use.

4. Create a Backup Plan

You should have a backup plan in place for every device you store data on, so it makes sense that your relatives need one too. Maintaining an effective backup schedule protects you against loss caused by accidental deletion, malware, hardware damage, and more.

For your relatives, you should take this one step further. Create periodic system images so that you can restore the entire computer to a specific point should their system get infected with a virus.

Also, consider using a program like Deep Freeze. This restores Windows to the same state every time the computer is restarted; it erases any change made during the session. It's similar to what public places like hotels and libraries use. This might be overkill, though.

5. Lock Down Windows User Accounts

You may want to set your relatives up with a limited, standard Windows user account. This means they can't install software, change important system settings, fiddle with the internet connection, and more. You can maintain an administrator account that grants permission to these actions when needed.

Of course, this is a double-edged sword. If your relatives frequently want to install new software or change settings requiring administrator access, they'll be contacting you and asking for your help.

For information on how to set this up, see our guide on how to lock down Windows user accounts.

6. Buy a Tablet or Chromebook

What do your relatives use their computers for? Do they actually need the full functionality of Windows? If they just use their computer for basic tasks like social media, email, web browsing, and even some light use of Office applications, it might be that a full-blown Windows desktop or laptop is unnecessary.

You might save them (and yourself) a lot of trouble by having them use another type of computer, like a tablet or Chromebook.

If they have an iPhone, and are therefore used to the iOS experience, consider an iPad. The screen is large and clear, it's lightweight, the interface is easy to get to grips with, and they can use the in-built camera for video calls.

Alternatively, if they're more familiar with Android, a Samsung Galaxy tablet makes for a good choice. They're available in a range of sizes and colors, are equally portable and simple, and usually cheaper than an iPad.

If they seek a more traditional form factor and a budget price tag, consider a Chromebook. These are laptops that run Chrome OS, which is similar to Android. Assuming they don't need specific Windows-only apps, this is a great choice.

Protect Your Relative's Phones Too

While it's fantastic that you're helping your relatives protect their computers, don't forget about the ones in their pockets. Smartphones are also vulnerable to threats and malicious users, so teach your relatives best safety practices for their on-the-go device.