Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files. When critical Windows system files are missing or corrupted, some Windows features may stop working correctly or Windows may stop responding altogether.

Follow these steps to automatically diagnose and repair problems with files and folders in Windows. These problems might include the inablility to delete files or folders from the Recycle Bin, or troubles with trying to copy, move, rename, or delete a file. Select the Download button on this page.

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.

Learn about the recovery options in Windows. Find out how to reset your PC, go back to a previous version of Windows, or use media to reinstall Windows.

Learn how to configure File History and how to recover files and folders that have been deleted or accidentally changed.

What problem does this troubleshooter address? This troubleshooter addresses devices which are not scanning for updates for certain internal reasons. How does the troubleshooter mitigate the problem? The troubleshooter resets the update scanning process which should prompt the device to start a new scan.

To use Windows Backup, you need to sign in with your Microsoft account. This ensures that your backed-up information is stored securely in the cloud, making it accessible from any device you sign into with the same account.

After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11. Learn more. Note: Use these steps for Windows programs.

Before trying any of the solutions below, make sure you back up your personal files. You can back up your Windows PC, or insert a USB drive and use File Explorer to drag and copy important files to the USB drive.

Find help and how-to articles for Windows operating systems. Get support for Windows and learn about installation, updates, privacy, security and more.