Locate your product key for Windows 10 or Windows 11. Depending on how you got your copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11, you'll need either a 25-character product key or a digital license to activate it.

When you buy a refurbished device running Windows 11, you'll need to activate Windows using the product key on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) that's attached to your device. If your original hardware manufacturer (OEM) changed the motherboard for you, your PC should reactivate automatically.

Windows 11 Windows 10. If your system is asking you for your BitLocker recovery key, the following information may help you locate your recovery key and understand why you're being asked to provide it. Important: Microsoft support is unable to provide, or recreate, a lost BitLocker recovery key. Where can I find my BitLocker recovery key?

Look for key features of genuine Windows software, such as the Certificate of Authenticity (COA), a proof of license label, and an edge-to-edge hologram. For more information, visit the Microsoft How to Tell website. Your safest option is always to buy Windows from Microsoft, or to buy a PC with Windows preinstalled directly from Microsoft or a ...

Windows 8.1. Windows 10 (Then select Download now.) Windows 11 (Then select Download now .) Important: Back up your files before you install or reinstall Windows on your PC. Learn how. To create the installation media, here's what you'll need: A PC with a reliable internet connection.

Remove an installed Windows update. Reset your PC. Use the Startup Repair function. Use installation media to reinstall Windows 11. Use installation media to restore your PC. Use a recovery drive to restore or recover your PC. Go back to your previous version of Windows. Restore from a system restore point.

Refunds for digital games include Microsoft Store digital game offers, Xbox apps (excluding movies and TV apps), digital gaming bundle offers, digital game durable content, and some digital game consumable content, whether made available through the Xbox console, on your PC, or on your mobile device.

Select Start > Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings. Make sure the check box for Recycle Bin is checked, then select OK. You should see the icon displayed on your desktop. Note: If you are in tablet mode, desktop icons are not displayed.

Select File Explorer from the taskbar, or press the Windows logo key + E. Under Quick access, select Downloads. Note: If necessary, go to the View tab, select Navigation pane, and ensure that Navigation pane is checked. You can also find your Downloads folder under This PC. Learn how to find where your browser is saving downloads.

Open Control Panel in Windows - Microsoft Support. Windows 10. In the search box next to Start on the taskbar, type control panel. Select Control Panel from the list of results. Note: Many Control Panel features are simpler and faster in Settings . Open Settings. Open Control Panel in Windows.