Tips: While signing in, select Yes at the "Stay signed in?" prompt if you want to go straight to your mailbox next time (not recommended for shared computers). Alternatively, check the "Don't show this again" box and select No to be prompted for your password each time.. If you can't sign in, or have forgotten your username or password, use our sign-in troubleshooter.

Buy stuff from Microsoft Store online (from your mobile device, on Xbox One, in the Microsoft Store app on your Windows 10/11 or Windows 8.1 device, or via the web).

Find operating system info in Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1. To find out which version of Windows your device is running, press the Windows logo key key + R, type winver in the Open box, and then select OK.. If your device is running Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, here’s how to learn more:

Note: To upgrade to Windows 11, devices should meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements.Some Windows 10 features aren't available in Windows 11. System requirements to experience some Windows 11 features and apps will exceed the Windows 11 minimum system requirements.Find Windows 11 specs, features, and computer requirements

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.Or, if you are using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.Type Command Prompt in the Search box, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator.If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.

Learn how to find your Windows product key for activation or when to use a digital license instead.

To check activation status in Windows 11, select the Start button, and then select Settings > System and then select Activation .. Your activation status will be listed next to Activation.. Check activation status in Settings. You'll see one of these activation status messages on the Activation page:

Select Start > Settings > Personalization.The preview window gives you a sneak peek of your changes as you make them. In Personalize your background, you can select a picture, a solid color, or a slideshow of pictures you create.Or you can choose Windows spotlight to see a new image from around the world every day.

When you first sign into Microsoft Defender on Android, we'll walk you through a few easy steps that start with setting up web protection.During this process, we'll ask you to give Defender permission to do two things: run in the background and use the Accessibility Service.

Important: The following steps apply only to devices currently running an activated copy of Windows 11 Home.If you’re not activated, we recommend you activate Windows 11 Home first. For more info, see Activate Windows.