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.

Learn how to run Windows Update Troubleshooter to resolve errors downloading or installing Windows updates.

At Microsoft, we're guided by our AI principles, our Responsible AI Standard, and decades of research on AI, grounding, and privacy-preserving machine learning.Data privacy and security is a key principle of responsible AI. We aim to help our customers use our AI products responsibly, sharing our learnings, and building trust-based partnerships.

2. Get your information ready. Collect as much information as you can about any Microsoft services you may have used with this account. The more information you can include when filling out the form, the better the chance you’ll have of regaining access to your account.

If you're running Windows 8.1 or earlier, or if your PC doesn't meet the minimum system requirements to run Windows 11, consider moving to a new Windows 11 device. Find a PC that meets your needs. Set up your Microsoft account to transfer files and favorites. One account connects your device across Microsoft apps and services like Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Edge, and Microsoft Store.

Note: Co-authoring and sharing of Forms is only available for users in the same cloud.For example, if you are logged in with a GCC account, you can only co-author a form with other users within your tenant. If your admin has enabled external sharing, you can co-author a form with users outside of your tenant, but still only within the GCC environment.

In the list next to Personalize your background, select Picture, Solid color, Slideshow, or Windows Spotlight (to see a new image from around the world every day).

To zip (compress) files. In the search box on the taskbar, type file explorer, and then select it from the list of results.Right-click the file you want to zip, and then select Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.. To decompress files. Open File Explorer and find the compressed folder.

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 Defender is a security app that helps people and families stay safer online with malware protection, web protection, real-time security notifications, and security tips.Microsoft Defender is included in a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription and works on your phone (Android or iOS), PC, and Mac.