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.

Check which version of DirectX is installed. The DxDiag tool reports detailed information about the DirectX components and drivers installed on your system and can be used.

Find operating system info in Windows 11. To find out which version of Windows your device is running, press the Windows logo key + R, type winver in the Open box, and then select OK. Here’s how to learn more: Select Start > Settings > System > About . Open About settings.

Help to decide whether you should install the 32-bit Office version or the 64-bit Office version. Which version is right for you depends on how you plan to use Office. Find out about choosing between 32-bit Office and 64-bit Office.

Find out how to choose between the 64-bit or 32-bit version of Office. Get answers to some common questions about 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.

The recommended (and easiest) way to get SP1 is to turn on automatic updating in Windows Update in Control Panel and wait for Windows 7 to notify you that SP1 is ready to install. It takes about 30 minutes to install, and you'll need to restart your computer about halfway through the installation.

View your Microsoft Store order history. To review app, game or subscription purchases, track orders or view and print invoices, sign in to the order history page on your Microsoft account dashboard. Make sure you sign in with the account you used to make the purchase.

Sign in to Windows with an administrator account (you may have to sign out and back in to switch accounts). For more info, see Create a local or administrator account in Windows 10. Select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Device encryption.

Learn how to activate Windows using a product key or digital license, check your activation status, and link your Microsoft account.

Add flair to your email with emojis. Outlook for Microsoft 365 Outlook 2021 Outlook 2019 Outlook 2016. Windows 10 and 11 contain a large set of emojis. To insert one: Put your cursor where you want the emoji. Hold Windows key + . (period) to open the Windows Emoji picker.