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.

When you start your computer successfully, the Windows Registry Checker tool (Scanreg.exe) creates a backup of system files and registry configuration information (including user account information, protocol bindings, software program settings, and user preferences) once daily.

There are two ways to open Registry Editor in Windows 10: In the search box on the taskbar, type regedit, then select Registry Editor (Desktop app) from the results. Right-click Start , then select Run. Type regedit in the Open: box, and then select OK.

There are different ways to remove apps and programs, so if you can't find the one you're looking for, you can try another location. Note that some apps and programs are built into Windows and can't be uninstalled. You can try to repair a program first, if it's just not running correctly.

The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter helps you automatically repair issues when you're blocked from installing or removing programs. It also fixes corrupted registry keys. First, you'll need to download the troubleshooter. Download troubleshooter.

The Microsoft Defender Offline scan will automatically detect and remove or quarantine malware. Learn how to remove malware from your PC. Use Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 10 or Windows 11 to scan your PC for malware, viruses, or other threats.

Your PC isn't working well and you recently installed an app. Restore from a system restore point. You suspect your device has been infected. Use installation media to reinstall Windows 11. Select one of the recovery options below and follow the steps to try to get things working again.

If multiple downloads are available and you want to update your Surface with the latest drivers and firmware from the Download Center, select the .msi file name that matches your Surface model and version of Windows and select Next. For example: To update a Surface Pro 7 with build 19041 of Windows 10, choose SurfacePro7_Win10_19041_22.011.9935 ...

If you can't find a file on your computer or you accidently modified or deleted a file, you can restore it from a backup (if you're using Windows backup) or you can try to restore it from a previous version.

If a PC Health Check update is available, you can quickly install it for the latest version. If you don't have PC Health Check installed, you can install it by going to https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp and following the prompts to download and install the app.