Find your BitLocker recovery key. 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.

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)

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.

Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Device security . Under Security processor, select Security processor details. Select Security processor troubleshooting, and then under Clear TPM, select Clear TPM. You'll need to restart your device to complete the process.

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.

Enable TPM 2.0 on your PC. Published August 2021. This article is intended for users who are not able to upgrade to Windows 11 because their PC is not currently enabled with TPM 2.0 or their PC is capable of running TPM 2.0 but is not set up to do so.

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 PC isn't working well and you recently installed an app. Restore from a system restore point. You suspect your device has been infected. Use installation media to reinstall Windows 11. Select one of the recovery options below and follow the steps to try to get things working again.

You can use installation media (a USB flash drive or DVD) to install a new copy of Windows, perform a clean installation, or reinstall Windows. To create installation media, go to the software download website, where you'll find step-by-step instructions.

Create Windows 11 installation media. On the Windows 11 software download page, select Create tool now and follow the instructions to install Windows 11. Warning: Microsoft recommends against installing Windows 11 on a device that does not meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements.