The 10 IT problems businesses face every day — and how to fix them for good

The top 10

1. "I'm locked out" / password resets. Quick fix: admin reset. Permanent fix: self-service password reset with MFA, plus a password manager. See passwords at work.
2. Slow or patchy Wi‑Fi. Quick fix: move closer and restart the router. Permanent fix: proper access points and a survey. See slow office Wi‑Fi.
3. Slow computers. Quick fix: restart and close startup apps. Permanent fix: an SSD, enough memory and a replacement cycle. See slow computer fixes.
4. Suspicious emails. Quick fix: don't click; report it. Permanent fix: filtering, MFA and short training. See how to spot phishing.
5. "Where's that file?" Quick fix: search OneDrive and SharePoint. Permanent fix: one agreed folder structure in SharePoint, with no files kept on desktops.
6. Printer problems. Quick fix: restart the printer and clear the queue. Permanent fix: fewer, managed printers deployed centrally, and a check on whether your print lease still makes sense.
7. Our emails go to spam. Quick fix: ask recipients to safe-list you. Permanent fix: SPF, DKIM and DMARC. See why your emails go to spam.
8. Teams or video call issues. Quick fix: check the headset and use a wired connection. Permanent fix: standard headsets, updated devices and a network that prioritises calls.
9. New starters waiting days for access. Quick fix: chase IT. Permanent fix: a documented starter process, Autopilot laptops that set themselves up, and automated account creation.
10. Nobody knows what we pay for. Quick fix: check the card statements. Permanent fix: a software register and regular licence reviews. See how to cut IT costs.

Spot the pattern

Every one of these has a cheap quick fix that you pay for again and again, and a one-off permanent fix that removes the problem. Good IT support should be steadily moving you from the first column to the second.