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.

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 the automatic update failed, try manually updating your controller from your Xbox console settings. To do so: Press the Xbox button to open the guide. Go to Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Controllers & headsets. Select “…” under the controller that you want to update.

The latest Xbox controller firmware update may affect Bluetooth connectivity and performance with some older non-Xbox devices. If your controller is having Bluetooth-related issues after a firmware update, you can choose to revert your controller to an earlier firmware version to correct the problem. Things to keep in mind.

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.

The Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is an optional external solid-state drive (SSD) that adds 2 TB, 1 TB or 512 GB of lightning-fast storage to your Xbox Series X|S console. The Storage Expansion Card performs identically to the console's internal SSD.

Updates keep your Surface performing its best. Along with software updates for Windows 10 or Windows 11, it's important to make hardware updates, also known as updates for drivers and firmware. You can quickly check the health of your Surface drivers and firmware using the Surface app. Open the Surface app.

This article describes the protection against the publicly disclosed Secure Boot security feature bypass that uses the BlackLotus UEFI bootkit tracked by CVE-2023-24932, how to enable the mitigations, and guidance on bootable media.

For Windows 8.1, see Create a USB recovery drive. To download Windows 11 installation media, see Recovery options in Windows. Create a recovery drive so you can reinstall Windows 10 or Windows 11 in case you experience a major issue such as hardware failure.