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. A new message thread opens for you to begin with.

Select the Network icon on the right side of the taskbar, and then move the Brightness slider to adjust the brightness. (If the slider isn't there, see the Notes section below.) Some PCs can let Windows automatically adjust screen brightness based on the current lighting conditions.

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.

If you can’t boot from your USB recovery drive or don’t see the Recover from a drive option, you may need to ensure that the boot-from-USB function in the Surface BIOS is enabled or configure the boot order so the USB drive is the first option. For more info, see Boot Surface from a USB device.

You can import photos and videos you have stored on a camera’s SD card, a USB drive, a phone, or on another device. Here's how: Use a USB cable to connect your device to the PC. In the search box on the taskbar, type photos and then select the Photos app from the results. Select Import from the app bar.

Use System restore to make restore points when you install a new app, driver, or Windows update, and when you create a restore point manually. Restoring won’t affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was made.

Find your notifications. Windows 11 puts notifications in Notification Center—right on the taskbar—where you can get to them instantly. Notifications at a glance. Select the date and time in the taskbar to open the Notification Center.

Virtualization lets your PC emulate a different operating system, like Android™ or Linux. Enabling virtualization gives you access to a larger library of apps to use and install on your PC. If you upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on your PC, these steps will help you enable virtualization.

Most of the Microsoft 365 plans for business, schools, and non-profits include the fully installed desktop apps, but Microsoft also offers basic plans with the online versions of Microsoft 365, file storage, and email. You decide what works best for you: Small business, Enterprise, School, or Non-profit.

Check warranty status. To check the warranty status for Microsoft accessories like mice, keyboards, cameras, or headsets, contact us . For more detailed info, see Check your Microsoft warranty and create service orders or Manage devices used with your Microsoft account.