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.

Booting from a USB device doesn’t refresh or reset your Surface. Instead, it lets you start your Surface using Windows or another operating system that’s on your USB device. For info about how to create a bootable USB drive for your Surface, see Creating and using a USB recovery drive for Surface.

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.

If you pre-ordered a game and want to cancel, you can do so up to 10 days before the game launches at: Order history. After this time, you may be billed, and you’ll need to request a refund to cancel your order. For more info about digital game pre-orders, see: Pre-order Xbox digital games in the Microsoft Store.

To connect your controller with Xbox Wireless, you might need the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows. If your PC has Xbox Wireless built in, you can connect the controller directly without an adapter. If you’re using the Xbox Wireless Adapter: Plug the Xbox Wireless Adapter into your PC.

Go to the Advanced security options of your Microsoft account dashboard and scroll down to the App passwords section. Create password. Enter this app password where you would enter your normal Microsoft account password in the application.

Manually update Surface drivers and firmware. Manual updates are useful if you need to update an offline device, update many devices that are all the same model, or if you’re creating system images for your organization.

Cloud gaming on third-party services. Learn about cloud gaming on Xbox using your Android, iOS, or Windows device.

There are a number of possible explanations for why verification codes don't always arrive. Read through the list of the most common causes, and see if any of them apply to you, or use our troubleshooter to help guide you.

Learn more about how to fix problems with the Windows Start menu, and what to do if the Start menu won't open.