Locate your product key for Windows 10 or Windows 11. Depending on how you got your copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11, you'll need either a 25-character product key or a digital license to activate it.

There are three methods to which you can activate your product: Online via the internet, by telephone using our automated systems, and by a live support advocate. Online: When you begin activation, Windows will try to use your internet connection to activate online.

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

Create Windows 11 installation media. On the Windows 11 software download page , select Create tool now and follow the instructions to install Windows 11. Warning: Microsoft recommends against installing Windows 11 on a device that does not meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements.

Learn how to fix problems signing into your Microsoft account. Resolve password verification, locked account, and other Microsoft account login issues.

If you receive a phone call claiming to be from Microsoft, or see a pop-up window on your PC with a fake warning message and a phone number to call and get your “issue” fixed, it’s better to be safe and not click any links or provide any personal information.

Along with software updates for Windows 10 or Windows 11, it's important to make hardware updates, also known as updates for drivers and firmware. You can quickly check the health of your Surface drivers and firmware using the Surface app. Open the Surface app.

Remote Assistance Support from Microsoft allows a Microsoft support professional in another location to view your computer screen and work on your computer over a secured connection. Protect yourself from tech support scams. Before clicking 'I accept', review the: Agreement for Microsoft Services. Microsoft Software License Terms.

If you get an error code while downloading and installing Windows updates, the Update Troubleshooter can help resolve the problem. Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Next, under Most frequent, select Windows Update > Run.

Your PC isn't working well and you recently installed an app. Restore from a system restore point. You suspect your device has been infected. Use installation media to reinstall Windows 11. Select one of the recovery options below and follow the steps to try to get things working again.