Installation media, such as a USB flash drive, can be used to install a new copy of Windows, perform a clean installation of Windows, or reinstall Windows. To create installation media, go to the software download website, where step-by-step instructions can be found.

You can set up an authenticator app to send a notification to your mobile device or to send you a verification code as your security verification method. You aren't required to use the Microsoft Authenticator app, and you can select a different app during the set up process.

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

Cast to a display from a Windows PC. You can wirelessly connect your PC to a TV, projector, or other kind of external display that supports Miracast. Turn on your TV, projector, or other display. If you're using a Miracast dongle or adapter, make sure it's plugged in to the display.

When you upgrade to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, we’ll convert any prepaid time you have on Xbox Game Pass or EA Play subscriptions and apply it toward Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at the current conversion ratio, up to a maximum of 36 months.

Sign in or create an account. Hello, Select a different account. You have multiple accounts. Choose the account you want to sign in with. Manage your subscription. Applies ToOutlook.com. You can view or renew your subscriptions at account.microsoft.com. Learn more.

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.

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.

Installing Windows 11 on devices that don't meet minimum system requirements. If you changed your hardware in order to upgrade to Windows 11 and the system is not recognizing the change in a timely manner, this article explains how to initiate the assessment manually.

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: