Locate your product key for Windows 10 or Windows 11. Depending on how you got your copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11, you'll need either a 25-character product key or a digital license to activate it.

Manually update Surface drivers and firmware. Manual updates are useful if you need to update an offline device, update many devices that are all the same model, or if you’re creating system images for your organization.

Create Windows 11 installation media. On the Windows 11 software download page , select Create tool now and follow the instructions to install Windows 11. Warning: Microsoft recommends against installing Windows 11 on a device that does not meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements.

Your PC isn't working well and you recently installed an app. Restore from a system restore point. You suspect your device has been infected. Use installation media to reinstall Windows 11. Select one of the recovery options below and follow the steps to try to get things working again.

If you receive a phone call claiming to be from Microsoft, or see a pop-up window on your PC with a fake warning message and a phone number to call and get your “issue” fixed, it’s better to be safe and not click any links or provide any personal information.

Learn how to activate Windows using a product key or digital license, check your activation status, and link your Microsoft account.

Check for Windows updates. Learn how to run Windows Update Troubleshooter to resolve errors downloading or installing Windows updates.

See how to install programs on Windows 10 from a CD or DVD, from the internet, or from Microsoft Store.

Give your PC a Fresh Start. Resetting your PC lets you perform a clean reinstallation and update of Windows while keeping your personal data and most Windows settings intact. In some cases, a clean installation may improve your device's performance, security, browsing experience, and battery life.

Ways to install Windows 11. Windows help & learning. Learn how to change settings to enable Secure Boot if you are not able to upgrade to Windows 11 because your PC is not currently Secure Boot capable.