A popular tactic of criminals is the "fake order" scam. The way it works is that you get a message, usually in email or text, that appears to be a routine confirmation for an order. Of course, you never ordered whatever product or service it's confirming. The message looks common enough, and it says that money will be charged to your credit ...

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.

Avoid and report Microsoft technical support scams. Security. Microsoft will never proactively reach out to you to provide unsolicited PC or technical support. 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 ...

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

Open a service request in the Microsoft 365 admin center. This service is free. Get help and support, whether you're shopping now or need help with a past purchase. Contact Microsoft Support. Find solutions to common problems, or get help from a support agent.

Find and install your Microsoft downloads from Microsoft Store. Microsoft Store Microsoft account dashboard. Most software that you buy directly from Microsoft, like Office, Windows, and Xbox games, comes as a digital download that you can download, install, or reinstall.

Contact Microsoft Support. Find solutions to common problems, or get help from a support agent.

Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. There are three methods to which you can activate your product: Online via the internet, by telephone using our automated systems, and by a live support advocate.

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.

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.