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)

Click Start , type msconfig in the Search box, and then click msconfig.exe. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password, or provide confirmation.

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

Learn how to update drivers in Windows using Device Manager to update or reinstall a driver.

You can use installation media (a USB flash drive or DVD) to install a new copy of Windows, perform a clean installation, or reinstall Windows. To create installation media, go to the software download website, where you'll find step-by-step instructions.

Automatically fix Windows security issues. Follow these steps to automatically diagnose and repair Windows security problems by turning on UAC, DEP protection, Windows Firewall, and other Windows security options and features. Select the Download button on this page.

Automatically update Windows 10, Windows 11, and Surface drivers and firmware (Recommended) Manually update Surface drivers and firmware (Advanced) You'll find the links for drivers after choosing your Surface model in the dropdown list in this section.

Allow the troubleshooter to run and then answer any questions on the screen. If you see a message that no changes or updates were necessary, you can try recovery options, or find out more about Outlook error codes and upgrade and installation error codes. Find troubleshooters. Fix-it tools aren’t used in Windows 10.

The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter helps you automatically repair issues when you're blocked from installing or removing programs. It also fixes corrupted registry keys. First, you'll need to download the troubleshooter. Download troubleshooter.

You can start a scan for malware any time you like. Note: Microsoft Defender currently offers anti-malware on Windows, Android, and macOS. Windows Android Mac. From the Microsoft Defender dashboard. Select Device details.