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.

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.

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.

In Windows 11, apps don't automatically get added to your desktop. Learn how to pin apps to your desktop or taskbar in Windows 11 or Windows 10.

Possible causes. Make sure your PC, the external display, and the cable all support DisplayPort or MHL alternate modes. Make sure the device or dongle is connected directly to your PC. Make sure the device or dongle is connected to the USB-C port on your PC that supports the correct Alternate Mode.

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.

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

Here's how to unblock your account. Note: If either your Outlook.com mailbox or your OneDrive storage is full, you cannot send or receive email. Check your Outbox or your mailbox storage to see what's taking up space. Learn more.

Windows will let you know if you need to restart your device to complete an update, and you can choose a time that works best for you to complete that update. The latest Windows update is Windows 11, version 23H2, also known as the Windows 11 2023 Update.

Booting from a USB device doesn’t refresh or reset your Surface. Instead, it lets you start your Surface using Windows or another operating system that’s on your USB device. For info about how to create a bootable USB drive for your Surface, see Creating and using a USB recovery drive for Surface.