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

If Windows 11 keeps launching the “How to Get Help in Windows” page (often in the Get Help app or a browser window), it’s usually triggered by a stuck F1 key, a keyboard shortcut being sent repeatedly, a misbehaving app, or an accessibility/driver utility that maps help to a key or button. Below are practical fixes, starting with the most common causes.

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. You can press F1 a few times to see if it feels sticky. Gently clean around the key (compressed air helps). If you’re on a laptop, try an external keyboard to see if the pop-ups stop; if you’re already using it, unplug it to test.

Disable Third-party Security Apps

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.

Scan for Malware

Malware or viruses on your PC can also cause the “How to Get Help in Windows” window to keep popping up. To rule this out, run a malware scan using Windows Defender:

1. Press Win + S, type Windows Security to open. 

2. Select the Virus & threat protection tab and click Scan options. 

3. Select Full scan and click Scan now. This might take a while. If the scan reports anything suspicious, take the recommended steps to fix it.

Deny Access to HelpPane.exe File

Pressing F1 prompts Windows to run HelpPane.exe, which opens your browser’s help page. If the previous methods don’t work. You can try blocking user accounts from accessing this file. Here’s how:

1. Open Notepad. 

2. Copy the following script and paste it into the Notepad window.

@ echo off

taskkill / f / im HelpPane.exe

takeown / f% WinDir% HelpPane.exe

icacls% WinDir% HelpPane.exe / deny all: (X)

3. Click the menu in the upper-left corner> Save as. Enter DisableHelp.cmd, then click Save. 

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.

Remap F1 Key in PowerToys (Optional)

If your keyboard hardware is failing and you can’t replace it immediately, you can remap F1 in Microsoft PowerToys so it doesn’t open Help.

Conclusion

How to resolve the issue of the "How to Get Help in Windows" window continuously popping up? Trying the solutions above should fix this problem. If you have any ideas, please feel free to contact us.