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.

Detailed information about downloading and using Microsoft Authenticator in China. The Microsoft Authenticator app helps you sign into your accounts when you're using two-step verification.

Available with your Microsoft account, the free Microsoft Rewards program makes it even easier to earn points for things you already do, like shopping for games and other eligible items in the Microsoft Store, gaming on Xbox, or searching on Bing.

Earn points toward rewards by doing the stuff you do every day. It’s easy and it’s free. All you need to do is sign up, and Microsoft Rewards will be included in your Microsoft account: Microsoft Rewards. Once you’ve signed up, sign in to your Microsoft account to see your current points.

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

Find your friends to play and chat. Your friends list shows you what your Xbox friends are up to and lets you interact with them. Jump straight into a text or party chat (one on one or in a group), join a friend’s PC game or invite them to yours, and look for people to follow.

Open Control Panel in Windows. In the search box next to Start on the taskbar, type control panel. Select Control Panel from the list of results. Note: Many Control Panel features are simpler and faster in Settings .

You can link your social media account in one of two ways: Use the Xbox mobile app to scan the QR code. Select the Link option which will launch the Microsoft Edge app on Xbox. You can choose to link your Discord, Reddit, Steam, Twitch, or other social media account.

Protect your Android, iPhone, Mac, and Windows devices from threats by installing Microsoft Defender. Download Microsoft Defender on your devices either by: Scanning the following QR code. Searching for Microsoft Defender in your app store. Sharing with your devices, the following link: Copy link.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes all benefits of Xbox Game Pass Core, which gives you access to multiplayer games on your console. (Free-to-play games include online multiplayer without an Xbox Game Pass Core subscription.) Windows games in the catalog don’t require a separate subscription for online multiplayer gaming.