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.

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.

Get started with Copilot. To get started, open the Copilot app from the Start menu or use the Copilot icon if present on your Windows taskbar. If your device keyboard includes a dedicated Copilot key, you can also use it to launch Copilot.

To use your microphone with apps on Windows 10, you'll need to turn on some permissions in Microphone settings. Then, you'll need to check your app permissions if you want to use your microphone with apps. Here's how: Select Start > Settings > Privacy > Microphone .

Choose the power mode that works for you and what you want to do on your Windows 11 PC. This lets you determine what’s important to you—getting the best battery life, best performance, or a balance between the two. To change the power mode, select Start > Settings > System > Power & battery.

Xbox Game Pass quests are a great way to earn points while playing games from the Xbox Game Pass library: You can find and turn in daily, weekly, and monthly quests under Xbox Game Pass on console and under Profile in the Xbox app on your mobile device.

You can repair some apps and programs if they're not running correctly. Note that you won't see repair, change, or modify options for all apps and programs. Repair options from the Settings page. Select Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Apps & features in Settings.

Open and run DxDiag.exe. This tool is used to collect info about devices to help troubleshoot problems with DirectX sound and video. A support person might ask for this info, or you might post it in a forum when you ask for help.

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.

Learn more about how to find all your apps and programs in the all new Windows Start menu.