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.

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.

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

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.

Create a system restore point. In the search box on the taskbar, type Create a restore point, and select it from the list of results. On the System Protection tab in System Properties, select Create. Type a description for the restore point, and then select Create. Was this information helpful?

If you are unsure if your device meets the Windows 11 minimum system requirements and have Windows 10 already installed, you can download the PC Health Check app, which will assess eligibility and identify components of your device that don't meet the minimum requirements.

Some apps let you manage background activity, which determines what they can do when they’re in the background and not actively in use. Apps that can run in the background can send and receive notifications, sync information, and stay up to date.

Use Game Bar to play and chat with friends. Performance (9) – Track your game’s frames-per-second (FPS) and other real-time stats. For more info, go to: Track your PC’s performance with Game Bar. Resources (10) – See what apps and processes are using system resources to help you optimize gaming performance.

Macros are sequences of events (such as keystrokes, mouse clicks, and delays) that can be played back to help with repetitive tasks. They can also be used to replay sequences that are long or difficult to run. You can assign a macro recorded in Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center to a key or a mouse button.

There are several ways to use your mouse to Snap in Windows: button in the app you'd like to Snap. The Snap layout box will display automatically. Select the Snap layout you'd like to use from the layout box. Use Snap Assist to fill the layout with other apps you'd like to Snap together.