In your Microsoft account: Open a web browser on another device. Go to https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey to find your recovery key. Tip: You can sign into your Microsoft account on any device with internet access, such as a smartphone. It should look something like this:

Open the Surface app. In the Surface app, expand Help & support to check if the update status is "You're up to date" or something else. If needed, select the option to update the devices. Note: If you don't have the Surface app installed, you can download the Surface app from the Microsoft Store.

This update automatically applies Safe OS Dynamic Update ( KB5034236) to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) on a running PC to address a security vulnerability that could allow attackers to bypass BitLocker encryption by using WinRE. For more information, see CVE-2024-20666.

Refunds for digital games include Microsoft Store digital game offers, Xbox apps (excluding movies and TV apps), digital gaming bundle offers, digital game durable content, and some digital game consumable content, whether made available through the Xbox console, on your PC, or on your mobile device.

How to redeem a code in the Microsoft Store on Windows. Press the Start button , and then enter store into the search bar. Choose Microsoft Store from the results to open the app. Select your account in the top-right corner of the screen, and then select Redeem code or gift cards.

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.

3. Clear your TPM. Important: Before clearing your TPM, make sure you back up your data. Do not clear the TPM on a device you don't own, such as a work or school PC, without being instructed to do so by your IT administrator. To clear your TPM, follow these steps: Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Device security .

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files - Microsoft Support. Windows 8.1 Windows 8.1 Enterprise Windows 8.1 Pro Windows 8 More... If some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files.

How to redeem a gift card, Xbox download code or token. Both Microsoft and Xbox gift cards and download codes and tokens work the same way: once redeemed to your Microsoft account, you can spend your balance at Microsoft Store online, on Windows or Xbox, and you can get downloads for the latest apps, games, movies, TV shows, and Surface, Xbox, and accessories.

A product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows. What you'll see is PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. After determining which activation method you use, follow the steps in the corresponding Activate using a digital license or Activate using a product key .