Prevent new programs from being installed. Prevent existing programs from being completely uninstalled or updated. Block you from uninstalling a program through Add or Remove Programs (or Programs and Features) in Control Panel.

Back up your BitLocker recovery key. Device encryption in Windows. Recovery options in Windows. Learn different ways to locate your BitLocker recovery key in Windows, and learn about how BitLocker might have been activated on your system.

Fix your audio drivers. Hardware problems can be caused by outdated or malfunctioning drivers. Make sure your audio driver is up to date and update it if needed. If that doesn't work, try uninstalling the audio driver (it will reinstall automatically).

If you are having issues installing or updating Gaming Services on your PC, or if you are noticing that the Xbox app for PC is launching with missing content, you may want to download and run the Gaming Services Repair Tool for PC.

Find operating system info in Windows 11. To find out which version of Windows your device is running, press the Windows logo key + R, type winver in the Open box, and then select OK. Here’s how to learn more: Select Start > Settings > System > About . Open About settings.

Select your version of Microsoft 365 below to learn how to activate Microsoft 365. Activate Microsoft 365 or a non-subscription version of Office. Activate Office that's pre-installed on a new Windows device. Activate an Office purchase or offer that's included on a new Windows device.

Your PIN is securely stored on your device, it isn’t transmitted anywhere, and it isn’t stored on a server. This makes it more secure than a traditional password. If you want to change your PIN, or need to reset it, you have different options.

If you pre-ordered a game and want to cancel, you can do so up to 10 days before the game launches at: Order history. After this time, you may be billed, and you’ll need to request a refund to cancel your order. For more info about digital game pre-orders, see: Pre-order Xbox digital games in the Microsoft Store.

We’ve separated these tips into a few different parts—steps to try on your home Wi-Fi router, on the PC you’re setting up, or on another device. Sometimes, you might need to try a combination of things to get connected.

You can link your social media account in one of two ways: Use the Xbox mobile app to scan the QR code. Select the Link option which will launch the Microsoft Edge app on Xbox. You can choose to link your Discord, Reddit, Steam, Twitch, or other social media account.