What Porchlight does

Porchlight is a helper that lives on the computer. This page says plainly what it can do, what it will never do, and what it is not. No surprises.

What it helps with

• It checks strange emails and messages for scams. Show it one, and it answers in plain words.
• It fixes fiddly computer things. Tidying files. Lost windows. Wi‑Fi.
• It sets reminders and speaks them out loud, kindly.
• It explains what is on the screen, one step at a time.
• It answers the same question as many times as needed. It never gets impatient.

What it will never do

These rules are built into the software. The software cannot break them.

• It never touches money or bank accounts.
• It never asks for a password, and never types one.
• It never listens on its own. The microphone works only while the button is held.
• It never keeps pictures of the screen. It looks only while it is helping.
• It only acts when asked, and it says what it did.

What we will never do

Support scams start with a call or a request to take over the screen. So the people behind Porchlight have rules too.

• We will never call you first.
• We will never ask to take control of the computer.
• If someone does either in Porchlight's name, it is a scam. Hang up.

What it is not

• It is not a magic fix for everything. Printers, phones, and TV remotes are outside its reach. It helps with what happens on the computer.
• It is not a person, and it does not pretend to be one.
• When something is outside its reach, it says so plainly.

Questions

Email hello@porchlightcompanion.com. A person answers.

Updated 2026-09-01.