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.

Need more help? If you can't find an app or program, try the tips in See all your apps in Windows 10 and Program is not listed in add/remove programs after installation. If you get an error message when you're uninstalling, try the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a powerful tool that finds and removes malware from your PC. Here's how to use it in Windows 10 or 11 to scan your PC. Important: Before you use Microsoft Defender Offline, make sure to save any open files and close apps and programs. Open your Windows Security settings.

How to open PC Health Check. In Windows, use Search on the taskbar to search for “PC Health Check,” then select it from the list of results. If a PC Health Check update is available, you can quickly install it for the latest version.

Each release of the tool helps detect and remove current, prevalent malicious software. This malicious software includes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Microsoft uses several metrics to determine the prevalence of a malicious software family and the damage that can be associated with it.

Windows 11 Windows 10. 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. Where can I find my BitLocker recovery key?

1. Check your speaker output. 2. Run the audio troubleshooter. 3. Verify that all Windows Updates are installed. 4. Check your cables, plugs, jacks, volume, speaker, and headphone connections. 5. Check sound settings. 6. Fix your audio drivers. 7. Set your audio device as the default device. 8. Turn off audio enhancements. 9. Restart Audio Services

Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows. If you run into problems trying to connect to a Bluetooth device, here are some troubleshooting steps to try. Note: For general info about how to connect a Bluetooth device to your PC, see Pair a Bluetooth device in Windows.

Select Create. Many files need to be copied to the recovery drive, so this might take a while. If you ever need to use the recovery drive to reinstall Windows 11 on your PC, see Recovery options in Windows for further instructions. It's a good idea to Back up your Windows PC frequently because the recovery drive isn't a system image.

Windows 10. In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select Device Manager from the menu. Open Device Manager.