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.

In your Microsoft account: Open a web browser on another device. Go to https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey to find your recovery key. Tip: You can sign into your Microsoft account on any device with internet access, such as a smartphone. It should look something like this:

Use this app to try to recover lost files that have been deleted from your local storage device (including internal drives, external drives, and USB devices) and can’t be restored from the Recycle Bin.

Press and hold the volume-up button on your Surface and at the same time, press and release the power button. When you see the Surface logo, release the volume-up button. The UEFI menu will display within a few seconds. UEFI menu options. Which UEFI settings you can modify depends on which Surface model you have. Surface Pro or Surface Pro 2.

Restoring files from a backup. Restoring files from previous versions. Learn how to recover files that have been lost, deleted, or accidentally changed.

Select Update Driver. If Windows doesn't find a new driver, you can try looking for one on the device manufacturer's website and follow their instructions. Reinstall the device driver. In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager.

File Explorer in Windows 11 helps you get the files you need quickly and easily. To check it out in Windows 11, select it on the taskbar or the Start menu, or press the Windows logo key + E on your keyboard. How to use File Explorer: To pin a folder to Quick access, right-click (or press and hold) the folder and select Pin to Quick access.

Windows 7. 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.

Windows 10. Instead of fix-it tools, Windows 10 uses troubleshooters to help you solve problems with your PC. To run a troubleshooter: Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters , or select the Find troubleshooters shortcut at the end of this topic, and then select Additional troubleshooters.

To check if Windows 11 is ready for your device, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. If the upgrade is available for your device and you want to proceed, download and install it. Note: Downloading and installing Windows 11 will most likely take longer than a typical Windows 10 feature update.