If your system is asking you for your BitLocker recovery key, the following information may help you locate your recovery key and understand why you're being asked to provide it. Important: Microsoft support is unable to provide, or recreate, a lost BitLocker recovery key.

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.

If you can't find an app or program, try the tips in See all your apps in Windows 10 and Program is not listed in add/remove programs after installation. If you get an error message when you're uninstalling, try the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter.

Select Settings and more > Settings . Select Privacy, search, and services. Scroll all the way down to the Services section and select Address bar and search. Choose your preferred search engine from the Search engine used in the address bar menu.

Use System restore to make restore points when you install a new app, driver, or Windows update, and when you create a restore point manually. Restoring won’t affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was made.

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.

PC Health Check app brings you up to date info on your Windows device health, helping you take action to improve your device performance and troubleshoot performance problems. It is periodically updated based on customer feedback to help you make the most of your Windows PC.

To see where your browser is saving downloads, look in your browser's settings. For example, in the new Microsoft Edge , select Settings and more > Settings > Downloads . The file path for your downloaded files (for example, C:\Users\ [your name]\Downloads) is listed under Location.

Give your PC a Fresh Start. Resetting your PC lets you perform a clean reinstallation and update of Windows while keeping your personal data and most Windows settings intact. In some cases, a clean installation may improve your device's performance, security, browsing experience, and battery life.

File sharing over a network in Windows. Windows 11 Windows 10. Note: This article focuses on how to share files or folders over a Local Area Network (or LAN), such as connected computers within your home or workplace.