Block you from uninstalling a program through Add or Remove Programs (or Programs and Features) in Control Panel. If you're trying to remove malware, you can use Windows Security (or another antivirus tool), or you can use the Windows Malicious Software Removal tool.

Press and hold (or right-click) on the app, then select Uninstall. Uninstall in Settings. Select Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features . Find the app you want to remove, select More > Uninstall. Note: Some apps can't be uninstalled from the Settings app right now.

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)

Find your BitLocker recovery key. Windows 11 Windows 10. 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 you trust a file, file type, folder, or a process that Windows Security has detected as malicious, you can stop Windows Security from alerting you or blocking the program by adding the file to the exclusions list.

How do I know if a link to a website is suspicious? Disable security alerts for a website. Read about how Office helps to protect you from links to a suspicious website or when you try to open a file from a suspicious website.

How to block pop-ups in Microsoft Edge. In Edge, go to Settings and more at the top of your browser. Select Settings > Cookies and site permissions. Under All permissions, select Pop-ups and redirects. Turn on the Block (recommended) toggle.

Windows Security has reputation-based protection that can help protect your PC from potentially unwanted applications. Potentially unwanted app blocking was first introduced in the Windows 10 May 2020 update and is turned off by default for enterprise and consumer customers.

App & browser control in Windows Security provides the settings for Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which helps protect your device from potentially dangerous apps, files, websites, and downloads. The settings on the App & browser control page let you: Block unrecognized apps, files, malicious sites, downloads, and web content.

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.