If your system is asking you for your BitLocker recovery key, the following information may help you locate your recovery key and understand why you're being asked to provide it. Important: Microsoft support is unable to provide, or recreate, a lost BitLocker recovery key.

If some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files. Though the steps below might look complicated at first glance, just follow them in order, step-by-step, and we’ll try to get you back on track.

For Windows 8.1, see Create a USB recovery drive. To download Windows 11 installation media, see Recovery options in Windows. Create a recovery drive so you can reinstall Windows 10 or Windows 11 in case you experience a major issue such as hardware failure.

How to help keep your Microsoft account safe and secure. Change or reset your Windows password. Accessing the account of someone who has died. Learn how to reset or change your Microsoft account password. Get help with a forgotten Microsoft account password.

Find your files in Windows 10 using one of these methods. Search from the taskbar: Type the name of a document (or a keyword from it) into the search box on the taskbar. You'll see results for documents across your PC and OneDrive under Best match.

Enhance your lock screen by selecting Weather and more as your detailed lock screen status. This brings dynamic weather, finance, sports, and traffic cards to your lock screen. For further details, simply tap or click on any of the cards, sign in, and view the full details in Microsoft Edge.

Sending a message. If you haven't already set up messages, do the following: On your PC, in the Phone Link, select Messages. To start a new conversation, select New message. Enter the name or phone number of a contact. Select the person you want to send a message to.

Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, and then go to Profile & system > Settings > Account > Subscriptions. Select the subscription that you want to manage. From here, you can view your plan, expiration date, billing history, subscription status, and change how you pay.

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.

It is essential that you link your Microsoft account to the Windows 11 license on your device. Linking your Microsoft account with your digital license enables you to reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter whenever you make a significant hardware change.