Learn how to redeem a gift card, code, or Office product key and spend your balance at Microsoft Store online, on Windows, or Xbox.

Installation media, such as a USB flash drive, can be used to install a new copy of Windows, perform a clean installation of Windows, or reinstall Windows. To create installation media, go to the software download website, where step-by-step instructions can be found.

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.

Accessories and devices such as Xbox consoles and controllers. To redeem a gift card, go to: Redeem your code or gift card. For more ways to redeem gift cards and codes, visit: How to redeem gift cards and codes. Note Check the product page for availability in your region.

When you upgrade to a Game Pass plan that includes benefits of a subscription you already have, we’ll convert remaining prepaid time and apply it toward your new plan at the current conversion ratio. See below for Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass Standard upgrade details.

Cast to a display from a Windows PC. 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.

You can set up an authenticator app to send a notification to your mobile device or to send you a verification code as your security verification method. You aren't required to use the Microsoft Authenticator app, and you can select a different app during the set up process.

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. You might be prompted for the BitLocker recovery key during startup, due to a security risk or hardware change:

Sign in using Microsoft Authenticator. Microsoft Authenticator helps you sign in to your accounts if you've forgotten your password, use two-step verification or multi-factor authentication, or have gone passwordless on your account.

Learn how to add user accounts in Windows 10 and Windows 11. With an account, each person has separate files, browser favorites, and a private desktop.