Change screen brightness in Windows. Select the Network icon on the right side of the taskbar, and then move the Brightness slider to adjust the brightness. (If the slider isn't there, see the Notes section below.)

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.

You can wirelessly connect your PC to a TV, projector, or other kind of external display that supports Miracast. Turn on your TV, projector, or other display. If you're using a Miracast dongle or adapter, make sure it's plugged in to the display.

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.

Getting ready for the Windows 11 upgrade. How to check if your device meets Windows 11 system requirements after changing device hardware. Learn how to use the PC Health Check app to help you improve your device performance.

Update the device driver. In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager. Select a category to see names of devices, then right-click (or press and hold) the one you’d like to update. Select Search automatically for updated driver software. Select Update Driver.

The Microsoft Authenticator app helps you sign into your accounts when you're using two-step verification.

For Windows 8.1, see Create a USB recovery drive. To download Windows 11 installation media, see Recovery options in Windows. Create a recovery drive so you can reinstall Windows 10 or Windows 11 in case you experience a major issue such as hardware failure.

To adjust power and sleep settings in Windows 11, select Start > Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen and sleep. Screen: Select how long you want your device to wait before turning the screen off when you're not using your device. Sleep: Select how long you want your device to wait before going to sleep when you're not using it.

Open Control Panel in Windows. In the search box next to Start on the taskbar, type control panel. Select Control Panel from the list of results. Note: Many Control Panel features are simpler and faster in Settings . Open Settings.