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. To do this, follow these steps: Open an elevated command prompt.

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.

Fixes an issue in which recycled files are deleted permanently if you delete files from a DFS link in a network environment on a client computer that is running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 after you redirect the Recycle Bin to the DFS link.

To access the code, you'll need a tool for reading MSI files—which is typically available to IT professionals. You'll find the product code in the property table of the MSI file. The troubleshooter helps fix problems that: Corrupt registry keys on 64-bit operating systems. Corrupt registry keys that control the update data.

System File Checker is a utility in Windows that checks for problems with files on your computer. To run it, follow these steps: Make sure you've installed the latest updates for Windows, and then restart your machine. To find out more, read Update Windows.

Follow these steps to automatically diagnose and repair Windows security problems by turning on UAC, DEP protection, Windows Firewall, and other Windows security options and features. Select the Download button on this page. In the File Download dialog box, click Run or Open, and then follow the steps in the Windows Security Troubleshooter.

When you install, uninstall, or update a program on a Windows-based computer, you may receive one of the following error messages. The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed. Windows Installer Service couldn't be started. Could not start the Windows Installer service on Local Computer. Error 5: Access is denied.

Learn how to update drivers in Windows using Device Manager to update or reinstall a driver.

Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 creates a dependency on the Universal CRT when applications are built by using the Windows 10 Software Development Kit (SDK). You can install this update on earlier Windows operating systems to enable these applications to run correctly. This update is available from Windows Update.

You'll find direct links to downloadable packages that contain driver and firmware updates for Surface devices. You'll also find a section about imaging for IT professionals. To prepare for updates: Attach your Surface Type Cover or Surface Dock (if you have one) so it gets the latest updates, too. Make sure you have an internet connection.