If you're having problems with your PC, this page helps you find the right fix. Start with the first recommended option as the least disruptive. Try the next option(s) only if needed.
Important
Before you start: Some recovery options can result in data loss. Back up your important files and enable Windows Backup (Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup) to save your apps and settings before proceeding.
What's happening with your PC?
It's slow, crashing, freezing, or behaving unexpectedly.
It's stuck on a black or blue screen, showing an error, or stuck in a restart loop.
Scenario A: My PC starts, but something isn't right
Try these options in order. Start with option 1 — it's the least disruptive.
| Recovery option | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Run a troubleshooter Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can automatically find and fix common problems. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the one that matches your issue. |
Windows 10 and Windows 11 |
| 2 | Reinstall Windows This action reinstalls the current version without affecting your files, apps, or settings. |
Windows 11, version 22H2 or later |
| 3 | Uninstall a Windows update If the problem started after a recent Windows update, uninstalling it might fix the issue. Your files and apps are not affected. If the problem started after upgrading to a new version of Windows, try going back to the previous version (available for 10 days after upgrading). |
Windows 10 and Windows 11 |
| 4 | Point-in-time restore [NEW!] This action rolls back your entire PC, including apps, settings, and personal files to a recent automatic restore point. First, check if you have a restore point available before the issue occurred by navigating to System > Recovery > Point-in-time restore and viewing restore points. If so, boot into WinRE from settings by navigating to Recovery > Advanced startup and select Restart now. In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Point-in-time restore, then choose a restore point. Only changes made after the selected restore point will be lost. |
Windows 11, version 24H2 or later |
| 5 | Reset this PC This action reinstalls Windows from scratch. You can choose to keep your personal files or remove everything. Try the options above first. This option is most disruptive. |
Windows 10 and Windows 11 |
Additional options
System Restore: It rolls back system files and settings (but not personal files) and is available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. It can be used in the event that point-in-time restore is not available or you need to go back to a restore point older than 3 days ago.
Reinstall Windows from recovery media: For the best compatibility, consider downloading recovery media from your PC’s device manufacturer (OEM) by checking their website. Manufacturer‑provided recovery images typically include hardware‑specific drivers and factory apps that might not be included when reinstalling Windows using generic Microsoft installation media.
Reinstall Windows using installation media: if you suspect that your device has been infected with malware, or if nothing else works. This removes everything from your device.
Reinstall Windows using a recovery drive: If you created a recovery drive when your PC was working, you can boot from it to reinstall Windows.
Still having trouble? If none of the options above resolved the issue, and your PC is managed by your work or school, contact your IT department. They might be able to help remotely.
Scenario B: My PC won't start
In case of a mass outage, if your device runs Windows 11, version 24H2 or later, and quick machine recovery is enabled, it automatically detects repeated boot failures and tries to apply a fix from Windows Update, with no action needed from you. Try restarting your PC first to see if the issue is already resolved.
Note
If BitLocker is enabled on your device, you'll need your BitLocker recovery key to access most recovery options from WinRE.
If your PC still won't start, try these options from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):
| Recovery option | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Point-in-time restore [NEW!] This action rolls back your entire PC, including apps, settings, and personal files to a recent automatic restore point. In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Point-in-time restore, then choose a restore point. Only changes made after the selected restore point will be lost. |
Windows 11, version 24H2 or later |
| 2 | Uninstall updates If the problem started after a recent Windows update, uninstalling it might fix the issue. Your files and apps are not affected. In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall updates. |
Windows 10 and Windows 11 |
| 3 | Reset this PC Reinstalls Windows. You can choose to keep your personal files or remove everything. In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. |
Windows 10 and Windows 11 |
| 4 | Reinstall Windows from recovery media For the best compatibility, consider downloading recovery media from your PC’s device manufacturer (OEM) by checking their website. Manufacturer‑provided recovery images typically include hardware‑specific drivers and factory apps that might not be included when reinstalling Windows using generic Microsoft installation media. Alternatively, you can Reinstall Windows using installation media: Download Windows on another working PC, create a bootable USB drive, and use it to reinstall Windows. This removes everything from your device. |
Windows 10 and Windows 11 |
Additional options
- System Restore It rolls back system files and settings (but not personal files) and is available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. It can be used in the event that point-in-time restore is not available or you need to go back to a restore point older than 3 days ago.
- Reinstall Windows using a recovery drive If you created a recovery drive when your PC was working, you can boot from it to reinstall Windows.
- Reinstall Windows using installation media Download Windows on another working PC, create a bootable USB drive, and use it to reinstall Windows. This removes everything from your device.
Still having trouble? If none of the options above resolved the issue, and your PC is managed by your work or school, contact your IT department. They might be able to help remotely.
Prepare now for a better recovery experience
Enable Windows Backup: Saves your apps and settings to the cloud so they can be restored automatically after a recovery. Go to Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup. Learn more.
Know your BitLocker recovery key: If BitLocker is enabled, you'll need this key for most recovery options. Learn more.
Create a recovery drive: While your PC is working, create a recovery drive on a USB drive as a last-resort option. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What should I do before starting any recovery process?
Back up your important files and enable Windows Backup (Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup) to save your apps and settings. If BitLocker is enabled, you'll also need your BitLocker recovery key for most recovery options from WinRE.
Will I lose my files?
It depends on your selected recovery option:
Uninstall an update — Your personal files, apps, and settings are kept, but changes from the selected update are removed. Some updates can’t be uninstalled.
Go back to a previous version of Windows — Your personal files are kept, but apps, drivers, and settings added or changed after the upgrade are removed.
Reinstall Windows using Windows Update — Your personal files, apps, and settings are kept.
Point-in-time restore — Your PC is restored to an earlier point in time. Changes made after that restore point are lost. Files stored in OneDrive or another cloud service are not affected.
System Restore — Your personal files are kept, but system changes made after the restore point are undone. This may affect recently installed apps, drivers, updates, or settings.
Reset this PC — You can choose whether to keep or remove your personal files. Apps and settings are removed.
Reinstall Windows using installation media — You can choose what to keep: personal files and apps, personal files only, or nothing.
Reinstall Windows using a recovery drive — Your personal files, apps, and settings are removed. Back up your files before using this option.
What is quick machine recovery?
Quick machine recovery helps Windows 11 devices recover from repeated startup failures caused by a known, widespread issue. If Windows can’t start, the device can enter recovery mode, connect to the internet, and check Windows Update for a Microsoft-provided fix.
If a fix is available, Windows applies it automatically and restarts your PC. It doesn’t reset your PC or affect your files, apps, or settings. If no fix is found, you can still use other recovery options.
It's available on Windows 11, version 24H2 or later. On Windows 11 Home, it's enabled by default. On Pro and Enterprise devices, it might need to be enabled by an IT administrator.
What's the difference between point-in-time restore and System Restore?
Both roll back your PC to a previous state, but they work differently:
- Point-in-time restore rolls back everything: personal files, apps, and settings to an automatic snapshot. It requires Windows 11, version 24H2 or later and keeps restore points for up to 3 days. Point-in-time restore minimizes impact to storage space and supports remote management on managed devices.
- System Restore only rolls back system files and settings. Personal files are not affected. It's available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. If both are available, try Point-in-time restore first as it's most comprehensive.
What is the difference between resetting and reinstalling Windows?
Reset this PC reinstalls Windows directly from your device. You can choose to keep or remove your personal files. It doesn't require any external media and can be done from Settings or WinRE.
Reinstalling using Windows Update reinstalls the current version of Windows while keeping your files, apps, and settings. This is the least disruptive reinstallation option.
Reinstalling using installation media lets you reinstall Windows from a USB drive. If you do a clean installation, your personal files, apps, and settings are removed. Depending on how you start setup, you may be able to choose what to keep
Reinstall Windows using the recovery drive restores the device using a recovery drive and removes your personal files, apps, and settings. Back up your files before using this option.
What if I suspect a virus or malware infection?
If you suspect your device has been infected, first try running a virus scan using Windows Security (Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security). If the problem continues, reinstall Windows using installation media and choose the clean installation option. This removes Windows, your personal files, apps, and settings from the selected drive, which can help remove malware from the Windows installation.
What if my PC won't start and none of the recovery options work?
If your PC won't respond to any recovery options from WinRE:
Try using a recovery drive if you created one previously.
If you don't have a recovery drive, create installation media using another working PC and reinstall Windows from the USB drive.
If your PC is managed by your work or school, contact your IT department. They might have additional tools to recover your device remotely.
What if I don't have a recovery drive or installation media?
You can create installation media using another working PC. Visit microsoft.com/software-download to download the Windows installation tool. Then use a USB drive (at least 8 GB) to create bootable installation media. For more information, see Reinstall Windows using installation media.
How long does recovery take?
Typically, 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the method. Lighter options generally take less time than resetting or reinstalling Windows. These options include running a troubleshooter, performing a point-in-time restore or uninstalling an update.
How do I create a recovery drive for future use?
While your PC is working, you can create a recovery drive using an empty USB drive. Search for Recovery Drive in the Windows search box, make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected, and follow the instructions. This process erases anything already on the USB drive. For more details, see how to create a recovery drive.