10 Easy Ways to Stop the “How to Get Help in Windows” 10 & 11 — The Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

If you’re constantly seeing the “How to Get Help in Windows” pop-up—especially when Bing suddenly opens in your browser—you are not alone.

This happens mostly because Windows thinks you need help due to an accidental F1 key press, a stuck key, or the built-in HelpPane (helppane.exe) launching automatically.

Don’t worry—this guide will help you stop it completely using 10 simple methods, even if you’re a total beginner.

Why Does “How to Get Help in Windows” Pop-Up Happen?

Before fixing it, it helps to know the reason:

✔️ The main cause:

  • Pressing F1 (even by mistake) makes Windows open help pages in Bing.

  • This is controlled by a system file called helppane.exe.

✔️ Other common reasons:

  • F1 is stuck on your keyboard

  • A game/app forces the F1 help action

  • Browser help pages automatically open

  • Keyboard function (Fn) mode enabled

  • Windows thinks you requested help

Now let’s fix it.

Method 1: Disable the F1 Key (Easiest Fix for Most People)

Most users trigger the pop-up accidentally by pressing F1. Turning it off is the quickest solution.

How to disable F1 using SharpKeys:

  1. Download SharpKeys (free keyboard tool).

  2. Open it → Click Add.

  3. On the left list choose F1.

  4. On the right choose Turn Key Off.

  5. Click OK → Write to Registry → Restart PC.

👉 After this, pressing F1 will do nothing.
Perfect if you keep hitting F1 by mistake!

Method 2: Remap F1 to Something Useful

Instead of disabling it, you can make F1 open something helpful—like Calculator.

Example: Remap F1 → Open Calculator

  • Use PowerToys → Keyboard Manager

  • Map F1 → Win + R (or any key)

Now pressing F1 opens something you choose—not Bing.

Method 3: Block or Rename “helppane.exe” (Stops Pop-Up Forever)

This method disables the Windows HelpPane completely.

Steps:

  1. Go to:
    C:\Windows\System32

  2. Find helppane.exe

  3. Right-click → Rename → change to:
    helppane-old.exe

  4. Confirm admin permission.

✔️ Now Windows can no longer open the help pop-up.

Method 4: Turn Off F1 Help via Registry (Advanced but Safe)

This prevents F1 from launching the HelpPane.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R

  2. Type: regedit

  3. Go to:

     
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Help

  4. Create a new key: NoHelpPane

  5. Set value to 1

Restart your PC.

👉 Now F1 will not trigger the pop-up.

Method 5: Reset or Remove the “Get Help” App

Sometimes the app itself keeps launching.

To Reset:

  1. Settings → Apps → Installed Apps

  2. Search: Get Help

  3. Click Advanced Options

  4. Choose Reset

To Uninstall (Windows 11 only):

  1. Open PowerShell (Admin)

Run:

 
winget uninstall Microsoft.GetHelp

 

This stops the pop-up if the app is buggy.

Method 6: Check if the F1 Key Is Stuck

 

A stuck key can keep triggering help pages.

Steps:

  1. Press the F1 key a few times firmly

  2. Blow dust around the key

  3. Try an external USB keyboard

  4. Use On-Screen Keyboard:

    • Press Windows + Ctrl + O

    • Check if F1 is highlighted

If the external keyboard works fine, your laptop keyboard is the problem.

Method 7: Disable F1 Help in Games or Apps

Many apps—like Chrome, Edge, or games—use F1 to open help menus.

Examples:

  • In Chrome, F1 opens Google support

  • In Edge, F1 opens Microsoft help

  • In games, F1 opens tutorials or menus

Check the app’s settings → keyboard shortcuts, and disable or remap F1.

Method 8: Use Group Policy to Disable Help (Windows Pro Only)

Only available on Pro and Enterprise editions.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R → type gpedit.msc

  2. Go to:

     
    User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Help

  3. Disable:

    • Turn off Help Pane

    • Disable F1 Help

Restart PC.

Method 9: Turn Off Bing Search Integration

Sometimes Windows opens Bing automatically with the help message.

Steps in Microsoft Edge:

  1. Open Edge → Settings

  2. Search “Help and Feedback”

  3. Disable:

    • Show Help

    • Open help pages automatically

This prevents Edge from launching the pop-up.

Method 10: Scan for Malware or Fake Help Pop-Ups

Rarely, malware imitates the help pop-up.

Run these:

  1. Windows Security → Full Scan

  2. Windows Security → Offline Scan

  3. Install & run Malwarebytes Free

If malware caused the pop-up, this will remove it.

Extra Tips

  • Turn off Fn Lock if F1 keys trigger too easily

  • Update Windows regularly

  • Restart the PC after each change

  • Disable “Help Improve Windows” suggestions in Settings

FAQ: Beginner Questions Answered

1. Why does “How to Get Help in Windows” keep opening in Bing?

Because Windows thinks you pressed F1 or the HelpPane was triggered.
By disabling or remapping F1, you stop it instantly.

2. Is it safe to disable helppane.exe?

Yes. It’s only the built-in help viewer.
Disabling it will not harm your system.

3. What if the pop-up appears even when I’m not pressing anything?

This usually means:

  • F1 is stuck

  • A program is triggering help

  • Malware is causing fake pop-ups

Try methods 6 and 10.

4. Will this affect Microsoft Support or the Get Help app?

Only if you rename helppane.exe.
Even then, you can still contact support manually. If need help contact our team.

5. I’m a beginner — which method should I try first?

Try them in this order:

1️⃣ Disable F1 using SharpKeys
2️⃣ Check keyboard for stuck keys
3️⃣ Reset the Get Help app
4️⃣ Rename helppane.exe

🎉 Done! You Have Stopped the Pop-Up

With these simple steps, you can finally stop the annoying Bing “How to Get Help in Windows” pop-up from interrupting your work.