When critical Windows system files are missing or corrupted, your operating system may begin to malfunction. Common symptoms include Windows features not working properly, system errors, or Windows becoming unresponsive or freezing.

If you can’t install, uninstall, or update a desktop program in Windows 10, the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter can automatically fix common issues such as corrupted registry keys or incomplete uninstall data.

Third-party antivirus software might cause installation or launch errors on Windows devices. If you encounter issues installing or launching games, try suspending your antivirus software temporarily while you attempt to troubleshoot game installation. You can also try launching the game from the Xbox app or the Microsoft Store app.

Get Help has troubleshooters you can run for many common scenarios. These often help resolve issues without the need to contact support. If a troubleshooter is available for your issue, select Start to run that troubleshooter. After you run any troubleshooter, Get Help provides details on any findings and suggestions for possible remedies.

Repair or reset your apps: See Repair or Remove programs in Windows 10. Reinstall your apps: In Microsoft Store, select See more > My Library. Select the app you want to reinstall, and then select Install.

Provides links to the uninstall tools and directions for many security programs.

Use this tool to find and remove specific prevalent threats and reverse the changes that they made (see Covered malware families). For comprehensive malware detection and removal, consider using Windows Defender Offline or Microsoft Safety Scanner.

Learn about the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates.

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.

Learn why you might not be able to find or install some of the apps in Microsoft Store.