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.

Windows Server 2008. Microsoft generally releases the MSRT on a monthly cadence as part of Windows Update or as a standalone tool. (For exceptions, see Skipped releases .) Use this tool to find and remove specific prevalent threats and reverse the changes that they made (see Covered malware families ).

Windows 10. There are different ways to remove apps and programs, so if you can't find the one you're looking for, you can try another location. Note that some apps and programs are built into Windows and can't be uninstalled. You can try to repair a program first, if it's just not running correctly. Windows 11 Windows 10.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a powerful tool that finds and removes malware from your PC. Here's how to use it in Windows 10 or 11 to scan your PC. Important: Before you use Microsoft Defender Offline, make sure to save any open files and close apps and programs. Open your Windows Security settings.

Select Start , then open Settings . Under Privacy & security , select Windows Security > Firewall & network protection . Open Windows Security settings. Select a network profile: Domain network, Private network, or Public network. Under Microsoft Defender Firewall, switch the setting to On.

Troubleshooter for repairing Windows Update system files and settings - Microsoft Support. This article describes the problem addressed by the troubleshooter, what it does to mitigate them, and the conditions that can cause it to run. For more information about troubleshooting, see Keep your device running smoothly with recommended troubleshooting.

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. To go back to a restore point:

Firewall & network protection in Windows Security lets you view the status of Microsoft Defender Firewall and see what networks your device is connected to. You can turn Microsoft Defender Firewall on or off and access advanced Microsoft Defender Firewall options for the following network types: Domain (workplace) networks.

Microsoft security help and learning. If you suspect that your device may have malware you should have Microsoft Defender run a scan. Here's how to do that on Windows, Mac, or Android.

Microsoft Defender has powerful built-in features that can help protect your device against malware. Note: Microsoft Defender currently offers anti-malware only on Windows, Mac, and Android. When you first set-up Microsoft Defender on your device we'll run an initial scan to make sure you're starting off clean. Using anti-malware on your device.