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)

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. Recovery on cloud storage and network file shares is not supported.

Windows 10. Use System restore to make restore points when you install a new app, driver, or Windows update, and when you create a restore point manually. Restoring won’t affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was made.

Download and create a factory recovery image for your Surface. Before you begin. A recovery drive lets you reset your Surface to its factory settings and can help you troubleshoot and fix problems with your Surface device. Windows comes with a built-in tool to create a USB recovery drive.

Your Surface comes with Windows recovery info that you can use to refresh your Surface or reset it to its factory condition. Always try to do that first before downloading a recovery image. To learn more, see the links below.

Restore deleted files and folders or restore a file or folder to a previous state. Navigate to the folder that used to contain the file or folder, right-click it, and then select Restore previous versions.

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.

If your Surface isn’t working properly, the Microsoft Surface app and Surface Diagnostic Toolkit can help you find and solve problems. Notes: If your work or school manages your Surface, check with your IT department before running the tool.

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.

To reinstall Windows 10, select Advanced Options > Recover from a drive. This will remove your personal files, apps and drivers you installed, and changes you made to settings.