When you back up your files, apps, and settings in the cloud using your Microsoft account, you get 5 GB of free cloud storage and other benefits that protect your files with the latest security and make everyday tasks easier.

Important: If your device is out of support, it is no longer receiving security updates from Microsoft and may become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.Therefore, we strongly recommend that you update to the latest version of Windows. Each version of Windows is supported for 18 months.

Info for Windows Insiders. If you’re an Insider and the current preview build isn’t working for you, select Start > Settings > System > Recovery .Next to Go back , select Go back.This won’t remove your personal files, but it’ll remove recently installed apps and drivers, and change settings back to their defaults.

Turn on Find my device. When you set up a new device, you can decide whether to turn on or turn off the Find my device setting. If you turned it off during setup and now want to turn it on, make sure your Windows device is connected to the internet, has enough battery power so it can send its location, and that you're signed in to the device using your Microsoft account.

Note: You might not be able to change the power mode when a custom power plan is selected.If you can’t set the power mode in Power & battery settings, open Control Panel, select System and Security > Power Options, then choose a Balanced power plan.

The new Microsoft Edge helps you browse, search, shop online, and more. Like all modern browsers, Microsoft Edge lets you collect and store specific data on your device, like cookies, and lets you send information to us, like browsing history, to make the experience as rich, fast, and personal as possible.

Use the Windows Quick Assist app to get help with a computer problem from family or friends or help them out. Quick Assist uses a remote connection, so remember to only use it with people you trust, since they can see your computer screen or control your PC (if you allow it).

Find out how to use Game Bar to capture game play, chat with friends, track achievements, and more.

Why accounts are locked and disabled. Microsoft accounts are usually locked if the account holder has violated our Microsoft Services Agreement.Here are some common reasons why accounts are locked, though not all account locks occur for these reasons:

Note: NET Framework 4.8.1 installers have been refreshed to include the latest servicing updates as of June 13th, 2023.Apart from the servicing fixes, there is no change in the .NET Framework 4.8.1 product that was released originally on August 9th, 2022.