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.

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.

The Microsoft Authenticator app helps you sign into your accounts when you're using two-step verification.

If you want to change or reset the password you use to sign in to Windows, you have different options. This article outlines the different approaches you can take, whether you’re using a Microsoft account or a local account, logged in or at the sign-in screen.

Change or reset your PIN. A PIN is a user-defined set of numbers, or a combination of numbers and letters, that allows you to sign in to your Windows device instead of a password. Your PIN is securely stored on your device, it isn’t transmitted anywhere, and it isn’t stored on a server.

Check the Xbox services, games, and apps for any service outages.

Automatically update Windows 10, Windows 11, and Surface drivers and firmware. After following the preparation steps, see Update Windows to learn how to check for updates and install them. Or select the Check for Windows updates button below to open Windows Update in Settings. Check for Windows updates.

Open capture settings. To open Game Bar settings, press the Windows logo key + G, and then select Settings and Capturing. Game Bar has some settings that are also in Windows Settings—changing a setting in either location will affect the setting in the other.

Personalize your Windows device with themes—a combination of pictures, colors, and sounds—from the Microsoft Store. If you're an administrator, you can configure Windows Spotlight on the lock screen. Learn how to change your Windows desktop background (wallpaper) and accent color using personalization settings.

Depending on your product and if it's still in support, Microsoft support experts are available to help you with a broad selection of support options and able to address product and service challenges for a more personalized experience.