Some Office 2019, Office 2016, and Office 2013 products come with a product key. If yours did, before installing Microsoft 365 for the first time, sign in with an existing or new Microsoft account and enter your product key at office.com/setup. Redeeming your key is what links your account with Microsoft 365 so you only have to do this once.

You can use installation media (a USB flash drive or DVD) to install a new copy of Windows, perform a clean installation, or reinstall Windows. To create installation media, go to the software download website, where you'll find step-by-step instructions.

You can start a scan for malware any time you like. Note: Microsoft Defender currently offers anti-malware on Windows, Android, and macOS. From the Microsoft Defender dashboard. If you want a deeper scan, instead of selecting Quick scan in step 3, select Scan options and choose the type of scan you want.

If you can't sign in to your Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN email account, or you're not sure how to sign in or sign out, here are some solutions.

A BitLocker recovery key is needed when BitLocker can’t automatically unlock an encrypted drive in Windows. This key, which is a 48-digit number, is used to regain access to the drive. You might be prompted for the BitLocker recovery key during startup, due to a security risk or hardware change:

Change from a 32-bit version to a 64-bit version or vice versa. Activate Windows. Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows. Learn how to install, reinstall, or activate Microsoft 365 or Office 2019 on a PC or Mac.

Automatically update Windows 10, Windows 11, and Surface drivers and firmware. After following the preparation steps, see Update Windows to learn how to check for updates and install them. Or select the Check for Windows updates button below to open Windows Update in Settings. Check for Windows updates.

If you're trying to add your Outlook.com account to Outlook or another mail app, you might need the POP, IMAP, or SMTP settings. You can find them below or by viewing them in your Outlook.com settings.

Messages that have the encrypt-only policy applied can be read directly in Outlook on the web, in Outlook for iOS and Android, Outlook for Windows versions 2019 and newer, and Microsoft 365. If you're using another mail service, you'll see a message with a link.

A Subscribed badge means a Microsoft 365 subscription such as Microsoft 365 Family or Personal is already associated with your account and you can access many of your subscription benefits including installing the desktop apps.