Keeping Bing as your default search engine provides an enhanced search experience in the new Microsoft Edge , including direct links to Windows apps, relevant suggestions from your organization if you’re signed in with a work or school account, and instant answers to questions about Windows.However, you can change the default search engine to any site that uses OpenSearch technology.

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:

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

One of the best ways to get the most out of your PC is to make sure you have the latest version of Windows 11 installed. When you check for updates, your PC will also search for the latest device drivers, which can also help improve your PC’s performance.

Windows 11 in S mode is designed for security and performance, exclusively running apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to switch out of S mode.

Microsoft support is here to help you with Microsoft products. Find how-to articles, videos, and training for Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft 365, Windows, Surface, and more.

To adjust power and sleep settings in Windows 11, select Start > Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen, sleep, & hibernate timeouts. Turn my screen off after: Select how long you want your device to wait before turning the screen off when you're not using your device, both when it's plugged in and when it's on battery power.

How to redeem a gift card, Xbox download code or token. Both Microsoft and Xbox gift cards and download codes and tokens work the same way: once redeemed to your Microsoft account, you can spend your balance at Microsoft Store online, on Windows or Xbox, and you can get downloads for the latest apps, games, movies, TV shows, and Surface, Xbox, and accessories.

Turn your PC off completely. To shut down, select Start and then select Power > Shut down .. Sleep. Sleep uses very little power, your PC starts up faster, and you’re instantly back to where you left off.

Step 2: Back up your folders. Windows Backup is an easy, single stop for all of your backup needs. Your free Microsoft account comes with 5 GB of OneDrive cloud storage (and more storage is available if you need it), and backing up your folders syncs the folders you specify to your OneDrive account, making them instantly accessible on all computers that you use with this Microsoft account.