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:

That verification method isn’t working right now: Sometimes the block may be tied to the verification method you are using.Try using another verification method connected to your account. For example, if you are using SMS to verify yourself and are hitting a block, try using an alternate email that is connected to the account to receive your authorization code.

Most software that you buy directly from Microsoft, like Office, Windows, and Xbox games, comes as a digital download that you can download, install, or reinstall.

Learn more. Fix problems with apps from Microsoft Store. Manage your purchases from the Microsoft Store. Need more help? Contact Support. For technical support, go to Contact Microsoft Support, enter your problem and select Get Help.If you still need help, select Contact Support to be routed to the best support option.

Note: If you see the icon next to the On/Off toggle for an app, you can select it to see the registry location that contains the path for the app. Apps installed through Microsoft Store (.MSIX apps) don’t have these icons. If you select the icon for these apps, File Explorer opens and highlights the executable file.

Important: Workbook links are considered potentially unsafe and must be enabled when you open a formula workbook.When you open a formula workbook, click Enable Content in the Message Bar to allow the workbook links to function. If you don't, Excel keeps the most recent values and disables refreshing the links with values from the data workbook.

Website notifications appear in the lower right corner of your screen and are also displayed in the Notification Center.When notifications are turned on for a website, they will still appear even if Microsoft Edge is closed.

An upgrade differs from an update in that it moves your PC from a previous version of Windows—such as Windows 10—to Windows 11. This FAQ is intended to answer questions about upgrading to Windows 11.

On the settings page for that app, change the setting for Let this app run in the background.Here’s a summary of each option: Always.The app is always allowed to run in the background—receive info, send notifications, and stay up to date—even when you’re not actively using it.

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).