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.

By booting from the installation media and selecting the appropriate recovery options, you can restore your system to a stable state without the need for a complete wipe. In cases where a fresh start is required, the installation media can be used for a new installation of Windows.

Learn how to update your security processor or TPM firmware to protect Windows 10 and your device from attacks by malicious software.

Follow these steps to reinstall Windows using the recovery media: Start your device from the USB drive that was created with Recovery Drive. The process to boot from a USB drive may vary by manufacturer, so refer to your device's manual if needed.

To check the device's Windows 11 hardware compatibility, use the PC Health Check app available at the following link: To see if this PC can run Windows 11, check the hardware requirements or visit your PC manufacturer' website.

Microsoft is working on a resolution to prevent this issue and will provide an update in an upcoming release.

After a fresh install or an In-place upgrade to Windows 11, version 24H2, you might face issues with connecting via DirectAccess. You might observe that the DirectAccess connection is not completing and remains in a ‘connecting’ state. Additionally, you can determine if you are affected by this issue by following the below steps:

Keeping your Surface up to date helps it perform at its best. In addition to software updates for Windows, it's also important to install hardware updates—these include drivers and firmware.

Installation media, such as a USB flash drive, can be used to install a new copy of Windows, perform a clean installation of Windows, or reinstall Windows. To create installation media, go to the software download website, where step-by-step instructions can be found.

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