Windows settings and support guides

System

Keep your device current and configure core system behavior.

• Windows UpdateWindows Update allows you to download and install the latest security patches, feature updates, and performance improvements. Keeping your system updated helps protect against vulnerabilities and ensures optimal performance.
• Power & SleepPower & Sleep settings let you control when your screen turns off and when your device goes to sleep while idle. Adjusting these settings can help balance battery life and performance.
• Default AppsDefault Apps settings let you choose which application opens specific file types and links by default, such as your browser, email client, photo viewer, or music player.
• Delivery OptimizationConfigures Delivery Optimization, which lets your PC download Windows Update and app files from other PCs on your network or the internet in addition to Microsoft's servers, and optionally share your own downloaded updates with others.
• Windows Insider ProgramLets you enroll this PC in the Windows Insider Program to receive pre-release Windows builds ahead of general availability, choosing a channel that matches your appetite for new features versus stability.
• Update HistoryShows a chronological list of every update installed on this PC, including quality updates, feature updates, and driver updates, with the ability to uninstall problematic recent updates.
• Active HoursLets you define a time window during which Windows will avoid automatically restarting the PC to install updates, ensuring you're not interrupted during typical working or usage hours.
• Pause UpdatesLets you temporarily halt the download and installation of Windows updates for a set period, useful when you need a stable, unchanged system for a presentation, event, or compatibility testing.
• Optional Updates & Driver UpdatesLists optional updates not automatically installed, including driver updates from hardware manufacturers, feature previews, and monthly non-security quality updates you can choose to install manually.
• Windows Update Advanced OptionsCentralizes advanced Windows Update controls, including updating other Microsoft products alongside Windows, restart notifications, metered connection behavior, and download prioritization.

Privacy & Security

Control which apps can access your camera, microphone, and data.

• Camera PermissionCamera Permission controls which applications are allowed to access your device's camera. Managing these permissions helps protect your privacy and ensures that only trusted applications can capture video or images.
• Microphone PermissionMicrophone Permission lets you control which applications can use your device's microphone. This is essential for maintaining privacy and preventing unauthorized audio recording by untrusted software.
• Windows SecurityWindows Security is the built-in protection center for virus & threat protection, firewall & network protection, and device health. It runs Microsoft Defender Antivirus and lets you review recent scans and threats.
• Privacy & SecurityPrivacy & Security is the central hub introduced in Windows 11 that groups Windows Security (antivirus and firewall), sign-in options, app permissions, and general privacy controls like diagnostic data and activity history into one settings category. It's the starting point for auditing everything related to your PC's security and data posture in one place.
• App PermissionsApp Permissions organizes privacy controls by capability rather than by app, letting you see at a glance which installed apps can access location, contacts, calendar, file system, and a dozen other data types. Instead of checking each app individually, you pick a permission type and review every app that has requested it.
• BitLocker Device EncryptionDevice Encryption (built on BitLocker technology) encrypts your entire system drive so its contents are unreadable to anyone without your Windows sign-in credentials or a separate recovery key, even if the physical drive is removed and connected to another PC. It's automatically available on many modern PCs that meet specific hardware requirements, and can be extended to additional drives on Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
• Location PrivacyManages whether Windows and individual apps can access your device's location, including the master location toggle and per-app permissions for location data.
• Diagnostics & FeedbackControls how much diagnostic and usage data your device sends to Microsoft, along with feedback frequency, tailored experiences, and options to view or delete diagnostic data.
• Activity HistoryControls whether Windows stores a history of your app and browsing activity locally and, if signed in, syncs it to Microsoft to power features like Timeline-style continuity across devices.
• General Privacy OptionsGeneral privacy options cover system-wide toggles that don't belong to a specific permission, including advertising ID personalization, app launch tracking for Start menu suggestions, and website language list access.

Network & Internet

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and network connection settings.

• WiFi ConnectionWiFi Connection settings allow you to view, connect to, and manage wireless networks. You can configure automatic connections, set network priorities, and troubleshoot connectivity issues from this panel.
• Bluetooth SettingsBluetooth settings allow you to connect wireless devices such as headphones, keyboards, mice, and smartphones to your PC. You can pair, remove, and manage connected devices easily.
• VPNVPN settings let you add, connect, and manage Virtual Private Network profiles for securely routing your traffic through a work, school, or personal VPN server. This is where you configure server details, sign-in info, and whether the VPN connects automatically.
• Mobile HotspotMobile Hotspot lets you share your PC's internet connection (WiFi, Ethernet, or cellular) with other nearby devices over WiFi, Bluetooth, or a USB cable. It's useful for sharing a wired connection with a phone, or a cellular data plan with a laptop that lacks its own SIM.
• Remote DesktopRemote Desktop lets you connect to this PC from another Windows device, or from Mac, iOS, and Android using the Remote Desktop app, over your local network or the internet. Once enabled, you can control this PC's full desktop remotely, which is useful for accessing a work computer from home or troubleshooting a family member's PC.
• Nearby SharingNearby Sharing lets you send files, photos, and links wirelessly to another nearby Windows PC using Bluetooth and WiFi together, without needing a shared network drive, email, or a USB stick. Both the sending and receiving PC need Nearby Sharing turned on and Bluetooth enabled for it to work.
• Airplane ModeAirplane mode instantly turns off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, and GPS radios all at once, which is required during flights and useful anytime you want to quickly disable wireless connectivity.
• Proxy SettingsProxy settings let you route your PC's internet traffic through a proxy server, either automatically detected or manually configured, which is often required on corporate or school networks.
• EthernetEthernet settings manage your PC's wired network adapter, including IP configuration, connection metering, and network profile type for a plugged-in cable connection.
• Data UsageData usage shows how much network data your PC has consumed over Wi-Fi and ethernet in the past 30 days, broken down by app, helping you identify what's using bandwidth.

Display & Sound

Screen, audio, and alert preferences.

• Display SettingsDisplay settings allow you to adjust screen resolution, brightness, scaling, and multiple monitor configurations. Proper display configuration improves visual clarity and productivity.
• Sound SettingsSound Settings allow you to select input and output devices, adjust volume levels per app, and troubleshoot audio issues such as no sound or distorted playback.
• NotificationsNotification settings let you control which apps can send alerts, how they appear, and when Do Not Disturb (Focus Assist) is active to reduce interruptions.
• Focus AssistFocus Assist (formerly Quiet Hours) automatically silences notification banners and sounds so alerts don't interrupt you during focused work, gaming, or presentations. You can trigger it manually or set automatic rules for specific times, duplicated displays, or full-screen games, and choose whether only alarms or also priority contacts still get through.
• Game ModeGame Mode prioritizes system resources for the game you're actively playing, preventing Windows Update from installing updates or restarting the PC mid-session, and reducing background activity that could interrupt gameplay. It's a single toggle designed to squeeze more consistent performance out of the same hardware during full-screen gaming.
• Night LightNight light shifts your display's color temperature to warmer tones at scheduled times, reducing blue light exposure that can interfere with sleep and cause eye strain in the evening.
• HDR SettingsHDR settings let you turn on high dynamic range on a supported display, adjust HDR brightness balance, and stream HDR video content for a wider range of colors and contrast.
• Volume MixerVolume mixer lets you control the output volume of individual running apps independently, and assign specific apps to different output or input devices.
• Advanced Display SettingsAdvanced display settings show detailed information about each connected display, including exact resolution, refresh rate, bit depth, and color format, with options to change them individually.
• Multiple DisplaysMultiple displays settings let you arrange, extend, duplicate, or switch between several connected monitors, and configure how your desktop spans across them.

Storage & Backup

Manage space, back up your data, and stay protected against loss.

• Storage SettingsStorage Settings let you view how much disk space is being used by apps, system files, temporary files, and media. You can free up space automatically using Storage Sense or manually remove unwanted files.
• BackupWindows Backup uses OneDrive to continuously back up your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders, along with your list of installed apps, saved Wi-Fi network passwords, and select personalization settings like your theme and wallpaper. It's designed to make restoring your setup on a new PC, or after a reset, far less painful than starting from scratch.
• Storage SenseStorage Sense automatically frees up disk space by deleting temporary files, emptying the Recycle Bin after a set number of days, and clearing out old files from your Downloads folder on a schedule you configure. Once set up, it runs quietly in the background so you don't have to remember to manually clean up disk clutter yourself.
• File HistoryFile History is a legacy Control Panel backup tool that continuously copies versions of files in your libraries, desktop, contacts, and favorites to an external drive or network location. Unlike a single backup snapshot, it keeps multiple versions over time, letting you restore not just a deleted file but an earlier version of one you've since changed.
• OneDrive Sync SettingsConfigures how OneDrive syncs files between this PC and the cloud, including which folders sync, Files On-Demand behavior, and bandwidth limits for uploads and downloads.
• Disk CleanupScans your drive for temporary files, system caches, old Windows update files, and other reclaimable data, then lets you safely delete them to free up disk space.
• Storage SpacesLets you combine multiple physical drives into a single resilient storage pool, protecting against individual drive failure or expanding usable capacity across devices.
• Removable Storage AccessManages how Windows handles removable storage devices like USB drives and SD cards, including connection notifications, battery usage behavior, and transfer settings.
• Default Save LocationsLets you set the default drive for new apps, documents, music, pictures, and videos, which is especially useful when a PC has both a small system drive and a larger secondary drive.
• Manage Disks and VolumesProvides a modern interface to view all connected physical disks and their volumes, letting you create, resize, format, or delete partitions without opening the legacy Disk Management console.

Accounts & Family

Account sign-in, sync, and family/parental controls.

• Family SafetyMicrosoft Family Safety lets you create a family group to manage screen time limits, content filters, spending, and location sharing for children's Windows, Xbox, and mobile devices from one place.
• Email & AccountsEmail & Accounts lists every account — Microsoft, work/school, or other — that your installed apps (Mail, Calendar, OneDrive, and third-party apps) are allowed to use to sync data. You can add new accounts here or remove ones apps no longer need.
• Other UsersOther Users lets you add separate sign-in accounts for other people who share this PC — family members, guests, or coworkers — each getting their own desktop, files, and settings, isolated from yours.
• Access Work or SchoolAccess Work or School lets you connect this PC to an organization's Azure AD / Microsoft Entra environment so you can access company or school email, apps, and resources, and so IT can apply required security policies.
• PasskeysPasskeys let you sign into supported websites and apps using Windows Hello (your face, fingerprint, or PIN) instead of typing a password — they're stored securely on this device and can't be phished or reused if a website is breached.
• Sign-in OptionsSign-in Options controls every way you can sign into this PC — Windows Hello face and fingerprint recognition, PIN, security key, or password — and lets you require sign-in after sleep for extra security.
• Your InfoYour Info shows the account currently signed into this PC — your name, profile picture, and whether it's a local or Microsoft account — with quick links to manage your Microsoft account online.
• Linked DevicesLinked Devices shows phones and other PCs connected to your Microsoft account, enabling features like continuing a browser tab from your phone on this PC, or seeing your phone's photos and notifications through the Link to Windows / Phone Link app.
• Find My DeviceFind My Device uses your Microsoft account to record your PC's last known location, helping you locate it on a map if it's ever lost or stolen.
• Sync Your SettingsSync your settings uses your Microsoft account to roam preferences such as theme, language, passwords, and other Windows settings across every PC you sign into.

Accessibility

Assistive features, input, and language & region settings.

• Language & RegionLanguage & Region settings let you configure your display language, keyboard layouts, regional date/time formats, and add additional languages for typing and speech.
• AccessibilityAccessibility settings (renamed from Ease of Access in earlier Windows versions) bring together vision, hearing, and interaction tools like Magnifier, Narrator, high contrast themes, live captions, and Sticky Keys. These features are designed to make Windows usable regardless of visual, auditory, or mobility needs, but many are genuinely useful for anyone.
• Voice TypingVoice Typing lets you dictate text directly into any text field using your PC's microphone instead of a physical keyboard, powered by online speech recognition. Triggered with Win+H, it includes automatic punctuation, voice commands for corrections, and support for multiple dictation languages.
• NarratorNarrator is the screen reader built into Windows 11 that reads aloud on-screen text, describes buttons and controls, and lets you operate the entire system with the keyboard or touch instead of a mouse.
• Contrast ThemesContrast themes apply high-contrast color combinations across Windows and apps, making text and UI elements easier to distinguish for people with low vision or light sensitivity.
• Text SizeText size lets you enlarge text in most Windows apps and menus independently of overall display scaling, making content easier to read without shrinking the layout of everything else.
• Text CursorText cursor settings let you change the color, size, and indicator of the blinking cursor that appears when typing, making it easier to locate on screen.
• Mouse Pointer and TouchThis page controls the size, color, and style of the mouse pointer and touch indicator, making them easier to see and track across the screen.
• Visual EffectsVisual effects settings let you turn off animations, transparency, and auto-hiding scroll bars to create a simpler, calmer, and more predictable interface.
• Voice AccessVoice access lets you control your PC and author text using only your voice, including opening apps, clicking on-screen elements by number labels, and dictating and editing documents hands-free.

Troubleshooting

Reset, restart, and diagnose common issues.

• Windows ResetWindows Reset allows you to reinstall the operating system while choosing whether to keep your personal files or remove everything. This option is useful when your PC is experiencing serious performance issues, system corruption, or persistent software problems.
• System RestartSystem Restart allows you to safely reboot your PC, clearing temporary files and refreshing all running processes. This can resolve many common issues such as slow performance, unresponsive applications, and minor software glitches.
• Network ResetNetwork Reset restores all networking components to their factory default settings. This includes removing all saved WiFi networks, resetting TCP/IP stack, and clearing DNS cache. Use this as a troubleshooting step when other network fixes have not resolved your issue.
• RecoveryRecovery brings together the tools for fixing a Windows PC that won't start correctly or is having serious problems, including Advanced startup (for Safe Mode, Startup Repair, and command-line recovery tools), System Restore, and Fix problems using Windows Update. It's a broader troubleshooting toolkit than Reset This PC alone, covering scenarios where a full reset is more than you need.
• TroubleshootTroubleshoot gathers Windows' built-in automated diagnostic tools in one place, covering internet connections, audio playback and recording, printers, Bluetooth, Windows Update, and more. Each troubleshooter runs a scripted sequence of checks against the specific feature it targets and applies a fix automatically wherever it safely can, instead of requiring you to already know the underlying cause.
• Get Help AppOpens the Get Help app, Microsoft's built-in support tool that provides guided troubleshooting for common Windows problems and can connect you to a live support agent when self-service steps don't resolve an issue.
• Feedback HubOpens the Feedback Hub app, which lets you report bugs, log performance problems with diagnostic traces, and upvote or suggest new features that Microsoft's Windows engineering teams review.
• Task Manager Performance MonitoringOpens Task Manager, which shows real-time resource usage across CPU, memory, disk, GPU, and network, lets you end unresponsive processes, and manage which apps launch automatically at startup.
• Windows Memory DiagnosticRuns the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, which restarts your PC and tests physical RAM for errors that can cause crashes, blue screens, or general instability.
• Event ViewerOpens Event Viewer, an advanced diagnostic tool that logs detailed records of system events, application errors, security events, and warnings, useful for pinpointing the exact cause of crashes or failures.

Personalization

Themes, wallpaper, lock screen, and layout of your device.

• PersonalizationPersonalization is the hub for changing how Windows looks and feels — desktop background, accent colors, themes, lock screen, Start menu layout, and taskbar behavior all live under this one settings category. It's the starting point for making a shared or new PC feel like your own.
• ThemesThemes bundle a desktop background, color scheme, sound scheme, and mouse cursor set into a single saved combination you can switch between instantly. Windows includes several built-in themes, and you can download more or save your own custom combination.
• Lock ScreenLock Screen settings control the image, slideshow, or Windows Spotlight photo shown before you sign in, plus which apps can show quick status glances like unread email count or your next calendar event. It's the first thing you and anyone walking by sees on a locked PC.
• TaskbarTaskbar settings control which icons appear, how they're aligned, and which system tray items show by default. This is where you manage pinned apps, the search box, widgets, and corner icons like clock, network, and volume.
• Start MenuStart menu settings let you control which folders appear next to the power button, how many pinned app rows and recommended file rows show, and whether recently added or most-used apps surface automatically. It's where you shape the layout you see every time you click Start.
• FontsFonts settings let you preview every typeface installed on your PC, download additional fonts from the Microsoft Store, and install new ones by dragging a font file directly onto the page. Every font installed here becomes available system-wide, appearing in the font list of every app that lets you choose one, from word processors to design software.
• Colors & Accent ColorControls the accent color used across Start, taskbar, title bars, and other UI elements, and lets you choose whether Windows should surface a color automatically from your background.
• Background & Windows SpotlightControls your desktop background, including static pictures, slideshows, solid colors, and Windows Spotlight, which automatically rotates curated images and can show fun facts on your desktop.
• Touch Keyboard PersonalizationLets you personalize the appearance and behavior of the on-screen touch keyboard used on tablets, touchscreens, and 2-in-1 devices, including theme, key sound, and text suggestions.
• Device UsageLets you tell Windows how you primarily use the device, such as Gaming, Family, Creativity, Business, School, or Entertainment, so it can tailor recommendations, tips, and pre-installed app suggestions accordingly.

Devices

Mice, keyboards, trackpads, printers, and other connected hardware.

• MouseMouse settings control pointer speed, scroll behavior, primary button assignment, and additional pointer options for both wired and Bluetooth mice. This is where you fine-tune how the cursor responds to physical movement and clicks.
• KeyboardKeyboard settings cover autocorrect, text suggestions, and physical/touch keyboard behavior through the Typing settings page, alongside language-specific layout options managed under Language & region. This is where you tune how Windows interprets and assists your typing.
• TouchpadTouchpad settings let you adjust sensitivity, enable or disable tap-to-click, and configure multi-finger gestures for switching apps, virtual desktops, and zooming. These options only appear on laptops with a built-in precision touchpad.
• Pen & Windows InkPen settings control how Windows responds to a stylus on touchscreen devices, including which hand you write with, shortcut actions for the pen's button, and the Windows Ink Workspace for sketching and screen annotation. This only appears on devices with pen/stylus support.
• Printers & ScannersPrinters & Scanners settings let you add, remove, and manage printing and scanning devices connected via USB, network, or Bluetooth. From here you can set a default printer, view print queues, and run scans directly from connected multi-function devices.
• Device ManagerDevice Manager is a classic Windows tool (devmgmt.msc) that lists every piece of hardware attached to your PC — display adapters, network adapters, storage controllers, USB devices, and more — organized into categories. It's where you update, roll back, disable, or uninstall a specific driver, and where a small yellow warning icon points you directly at hardware Windows is having trouble with.
• Graphics SettingsGraphics Settings lets you assign specific apps to your PC's high-performance or power-saving GPU on laptops with both integrated and dedicated graphics, override the automatically chosen graphics preference, and enable Auto HDR and Variable Refresh Rate for supported games. It's most relevant on 2-in-1s and gaming laptops with more than one graphics processor installed.
• AutoPlayAutoPlay settings control what Windows does automatically when you insert removable media or connect a device, such as a USB drive, memory card, or camera.
• USB SettingsUSB settings control notifications for USB connection issues and battery-saving behavior for USB devices when your PC is running on battery power.
• CamerasThe Cameras page lists built-in and connected external cameras, letting you view their status, adjust default camera effects, and jump into per-camera settings like exposure and framing.

Apps

Installed apps, optional features, and what runs on startup.

• Apps & FeaturesApps & Features lists every application installed on your PC, including size, install date, and whether it came from the Microsoft Store or a traditional installer. From here you can uninstall software you no longer need, modify or repair certain apps, and move installed apps to a different drive to free up space on your main disk.
• Optional FeaturesOptional Features lets you install additional Windows components that aren't part of the default setup, such as OpenSSH Client, additional language handwriting packs, or legacy tools like Windows Media Player. It's a separate list from Windows Features (the older 'Turn Windows features on or off' dialog), which handles larger platform components like Hyper-V or .NET Framework 3.5.
• Startup AppsStartup Apps controls which programs automatically launch in the background when you sign in to Windows. Each app is labeled with an impact rating (Low, Medium, or High) based on how much it slows down startup, so you can quickly identify and disable the ones actually worth turning off.
• Clipboard HistoryClipboard settings let you keep a scrollable history of everything you've recently copied, not just the single most recent item, and paste from any entry using Win+V. You can also sync your clipboard across multiple PCs signed into the same Microsoft account and pin frequently used snippets so they don't get pushed out by newer copies.
• Multitasking & Virtual DesktopsMultitasking settings control Snap layouts (arranging windows into preset grid positions), Snap Assist behavior, and how Alt+Tab and virtual desktops handle switching between open windows. These features let you organize multiple apps on screen simultaneously and keep unrelated tasks separated across different virtual desktops.
• Video PlaybackVideo playback settings control how Windows plays video content, including automatic quality adjustments, HDR video streaming, and battery-saving options for video apps.
• Offline MapsOffline maps lets you download regional map data to your device so the Maps app and navigation features work without an active internet connection.
• Apps for WebsitesApps for websites shows which installed apps are registered to open links from specific websites directly, instead of opening them in a browser.
• App Execution AliasesApp execution aliases, found under Advanced app settings, let you enable or disable command-line names that launch installed apps directly from a terminal or the Run box.
• Phone LinkPhone Link pairs your smartphone with your PC so you can view and reply to texts, see notifications, make calls, and access photos without picking up your phone.

System Info

Device details, advanced settings, and activation status.

• Date & TimeDate & Time settings control your system clock, time zone, and whether Windows sets these automatically using your location and an internet time server. Correct time settings matter well beyond the clock display — they affect file timestamps, certificate validation, scheduled tasks, and login to network resources.
• ActivationActivation shows whether your copy of Windows is genuinely licensed and linked to your hardware or Microsoft account, which edition you're running, and lets you enter a new product key or upgrade to a different edition, like from Home to Pro. A properly activated Windows unlocks full personalization options and removes the persistent activation watermark.
• About / System InformationAbout shows your PC's core specifications at a glance — processor, installed RAM, device ID, and system type — alongside your exact Windows edition, version, and build number. It's the single quickest place to find the information support technicians, driver downloads, and compatibility checks almost always ask for first.
• Advanced System SettingsAdvanced System Settings (opened via sysdm.cpl or 'Advanced system settings' in search) is a legacy System Properties dialog covering performance options like visual effects and virtual memory, system startup and recovery behavior, user profile management, and manual environment variable editing. These controls predate the modern Settings app and remain the only place for several deeper configuration options.
• Rename This PCLets you change the device name Windows uses to identify this PC on networks, in file sharing, and when pairing devices like Bluetooth accessories.
• System Protection & Restore PointsConfigures System Restore, which periodically saves snapshots of system files and settings so you can roll the PC back to an earlier working state after a problematic driver or software installation.
• Environment VariablesLets advanced users view and edit environment variables such as PATH, TEMP, and custom variables that control how applications, scripts, and the command line locate files and behave.
• Domain or Workgroup SettingsLets you configure whether this PC belongs to a home network workgroup or a business network domain, which affects sign-in options, network resource access, and group policy management.
• User Account Control SettingsControls how often Windows prompts for confirmation before allowing apps or processes to make changes that require administrator privileges, balancing security against interruption frequency.
• PC Health Check & Upgrade EligibilityPC Health Check reports whether your device meets the hardware requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, supported CPU) for the latest Windows feature upgrade, alongside a quick overview of battery and storage health.

Help and tools

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