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.

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)

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.

Find your BitLocker recovery key. Windows 11 Windows 10. A BitLocker recovery key is needed when BitLocker can’t automatically unlock an encrypted drive in Windows. This key, which is a 48-digit number, is used to regain access to the drive.

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.

Automatically update Windows 10, Windows 11, and Surface drivers and firmware. After following the preparation steps, see Update Windows to learn how to check for updates and install them. Or select the Check for Windows updates button below to open Windows Update in Settings. Check for Windows updates.

If you accidentally delete a file or folder in OneDrive, you may be able to recover it later from the OneDrive recycle bin, and if you're a Microsoft 365 subscriber, you can even restore your entire OneDrive if something goes wrong.

When you try to access or work with files and folders in Windows, you experience one or more of the following issues: Issue 1: You receive an "Access Denied" error message or a similar message. Issue 2: You cannot access, change, save, or delete files and folders.

If you want to stop a file or folder from syncing or backing up, you can pause the upload or download. See Stop syncing temporarily below for details. If uploads or downloads with the OneDrive website are taking too long, or you selected the wrong files, they can be cancelled.

Restore an item from the SharePoint in Microsoft 365 site collection Recycle bin. On modern team sites and classic sites (subsites), in the left pane, select Recycle bin. On modern communication sites, select Site contents, and then select Recycle bin in the top navigation bar.