Having a backup copy of your BitLocker recovery key helps to prevent serious issues later. It takes less than a minute to back up your key and this article will show you how.

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 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 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.

From your PC, you can connect to select Android, Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, and ASUS devices with the Link to Windows app that's either preinstalled on your device or that you can download from the Google Play or Samsung Galaxy Store. This link between your Android device and PC gives you instant access to everything you love.

Change or manage your password or PIN. To change your password or PIN, go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Select PIN (Windows Hello), and then select Change PIN. Select Password then select Change.

PC Health Check app brings you up to date info on your Windows device health, helping you take action to improve your device performance and troubleshoot performance problems. It is periodically updated based on customer feedback to help you make the most of your Windows PC.

Learn how to redeem a gift card, code, or Office product key and spend your balance at Microsoft Store online, on Windows, or Xbox.