When critical Windows system files are missing or corrupted, some Windows features may stop working correctly or Windows may stop responding altogether. If this happens, you can use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool (DISM) and the System File Checker tool (SFC) to scan your system files and restore any corrupted or missing files.

You'll find direct links to downloadable packages that contain driver and firmware updates for Surface devices. You'll also find a section about imaging for IT professionals. To prepare for updates: Attach your Surface Type Cover or Surface Dock (if you have one) so it gets the latest updates, too. Make sure you have an internet connection.

First, you'll need to download the troubleshooter. Download troubleshooter. If you see the File Download box when you start downloading, select Run or Open. The troubleshooter provides steps for you to follow. If a program isn't listed in the uninstall options, you'll be asked for that program's product code.

Follow these steps to keep your Surface Thunderbolt™ 4 Dock updated. To check the update status on Surface Thunderbolt™ 4 Dock, use the Surface app. With your Surface Thunderbolt™ 4 Dock connected, select Start , search for surface, then select the app from the list of results.

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Learn how to detect your external hard drive, and what steps to take if your Xbox console doesn't detect external storage.

System File Checker is a utility in Windows that checks for problems with files on your computer. To run it, follow these steps: Make sure you've installed the latest updates for Windows, and then restart your machine. To find out more, read Update Windows.

Learn how to format a flash drive to NTFS on a Windows PC.

Here's how to boot from a USB. Shut down your Surface. Insert the bootable USB drive into the USB port on your Surface. Press and hold the volume-down button on the Surface. While you're doing this, press and release the power button. The Microsoft or Surface logo appears on your screen. Continue to hold the volume-down button.

When upgrading to Windows 10, you may encounter the error “We couldn’t update system reserved partition”, error code 0xc1900104, or error code 0x8000f0922.