If some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files. Though the steps below might look complicated at first glance, just follow them in order, step-by-step, and we’ll try to get you back on track. Run the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe)

By default, Windows will automatically optimize your drives once a week. But if you want to change that schedule to be more or less frequent, you can. Here's how: Select the Search bar on the taskbar and enter defrag. Select Defragment and Optimize Drives from the list of results.

The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter helps you automatically repair issues when you're blocked from installing or removing programs.

Your PC isn't working well and you recently installed an app. Restore from a system restore point. You suspect your device has been infected. Use installation media to reinstall Windows 11. Select one of the recovery options below and follow the steps to try to get things working again.

Updates keep your Surface performing its best. Along with software updates for Windows 10 or Windows 11, it's important to make hardware updates, also known as updates for drivers and firmware. You can quickly check the health of your Surface drivers and firmware using the Surface app. Open the Surface app.

PC Health Check app brings you up to date info on your Windows device health, helping you take action to improve your device performance and troubleshoot performance problems. It is periodically updated based on customer feedback to help you make the most of your Windows PC. How to open PC Health Check. In Windows, use Search on the taskbar to ...

Find your BitLocker recovery key. A BitLocker recovery key is needed when BitLocker can’t automatically unlock an encrypted drive in Windows. This key, which is a 48-digit number, is used to regain access to the drive.

Recovery options in Windows. Fresh Start in Windows 10 lets you perform a clean reinstallation and update of Windows while keeping your personal data and most Windows settings intact.

If you're having problems with Windows 11 on your PC or you want a fresh copy of Windows 11 without the clutter of old files or apps, you can reinstall Windows 11 to try and fix your issues and return your PC to a cleaner state.

1. Make sure you have the latest updates for Windows and device drivers. 2. Restart your PC and open only the apps you need. 3. Use ReadyBoost to help improve performance. 4. Make sure the system is managing the page file size. 5. Check for low disk space and free up space. 6. Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows. 7.