Open File Explorer and find the compressed folder. To unzip the entire folder, right-click to select Extract All, and then follow the instructions. You can also select Extract All from the command ribbon. To decompress a single file or folder, double-click the compressed folder to open it.

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.

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)

The Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) helps remove malicious software from computers that are running any of the following operating systems: Windows 11. Windows Server 2022. Windows 10. Windows Server 2019. Windows Server 2016. Windows 8.1. Windows Server 2012 R2. Windows Server 2008 R2. Windows 7. Windows Server 2008.

How to encrypt a file. File encryption helps protect your data by encrypting it. Only someone with the right encryption key (such as a password) can decrypt it. File encryption is not available in Windows 10 Home. Right-click (or press and hold) a file or folder and select Properties.

The password reset disk is a USB flash drive that acts as a recovery tool, providing you with a way to regain access to your files and settings in case you forget your password. It’s particularly useful because it can save you from the hassle of losing access to your account and data, especially if you do not use a Microsoft account that can ...

Use your mobile device to unlock or edit a file that another user has locked for editing.

Windows 11 Windows 10. To open File Explorer in Windows 11, select File Explorer on the taskbar or press the Windows logo key + E on your keyboard. Here are some things to try if File Explorer won't open.

Cipher.exe is a command-line tool (included with Windows 2000) that you can use to manage encrypted data by using the Encrypting File System (EFS). As of June 2001, Microsoft has developed an improved version of the Cipher.exe tool that provides the ability to permanently overwrite (or "wipe") all of the deleted data on a hard disk.

This article provides some options that you can use to reset or recover your password if you forget it. Be aware that, if these options don’t work, Microsoft support can't help you retrieve or circumvent a lost or forgotten password.