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.

System File Checker is a utility in Windows that checks for problems with files on your computer. To run it, follow these steps: Make sure you've installed the latest updates for Windows, and then restart your machine. To find out more, read Update Windows.

Press the Windows logo key + R. Type msconfig in the Open box and then select OK. Select the Boot tab. Under Boot options, clear the Safe boot checkbox. Find out how to boot into safe mode in Windows from Settings, the sign-in screen, and a black or blank screen.

Windows 7. The Advanced Boot Options screen lets you start Windows in advanced troubleshooting modes. You can access the menu by turning on your computer and pressing the F8 key before Windows starts. Some options, such as safe mode, start Windows in a limited state, where only the bare essentials are started.

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.

Windows Startup Settings (including safe mode) Windows 8.1 Windows RT 8.1. With Windows Startup Settings you can start Windows in different advanced troubleshooting modes to help you find and fix problems on your PC.

Follow these steps to automatically diagnose and repair Windows security problems by turning on UAC, DEP protection, Windows Firewall, and other Windows security options and features. Select the Download button on this page.

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.

Use the /safe option to open an Office application. If you can't start a Microsoft Office application in Office Safe Mode or you have recurring problems opening applications in normal mode, you can try to repair Office.

Outlook. If Outlook won't open, try opening it in safe mode, which disables add-ins. 1. Right-click the Start button, and click Run. 2. Type Outlook.exe /safe, and click OK. Tip: If Windows can't find Outlook.exe /safe, try using the full path to Outlook (for example C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OfficeXX, where XX is your version number).