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.

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:

An app for scanning files, such as Windows Scan, available for free from Microsoft Store. The Windows Scan app can help you scan pictures or documents and save them to your PC as JPEG, bitmap, or PNG files. For more info, see Install and use a scanner in Windows. Get Windows Scan.

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.

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.

Download the offline installer from your account portal. To download the offline installer, go to www.office.com. If you're not already signed in with the Microsoft account associated with your copy of Microsoft 365 or Microsoft 365 do that now.

Automatically update Windows 10, Windows 11, and Surface drivers and firmware (Recommended) Manually update Surface drivers and firmware (Advanced) You'll find the links for drivers after choosing your Surface model in the dropdown list in this section.

Learn how to add user accounts in Windows 10 and Windows 11. With an account, each person has separate files, browser favorites, and a private desktop.

Chat or receive a call back from a technical support expert: If you have a Microsoft 365 Basic, Microsoft 365 Personal, or Microsoft 365 Family subscription, get questions answered from anywhere via chat or request to receive a call back from one of our technical support experts.

The Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 is a highly compatible, in-place update to the Microsoft .NET Framework 4, 4.5, 4.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.6, 4.6.1, 4.6.2, 4.7, 4.7.1 and 4.7.2. The offline package can be used in situations in which the web installer cannot be used because of lack of Internet connectivity.