Goodbye “run SFC”: Microsoft Retires Microsoft Answers Brand for Microsoft Learn Q&A

Transition of Microsoft Answers to Microsoft Q&A

Recently, Windows Latest uncovered that the iconic forum answers.microsoft.com, widely known for its internet memes and useful advice, has officially transitioned to the Microsoft Q&A platform at learn.microsoft.com.

The Shift from Microsoft Answers to Q&A

In late June 2025, a notice appeared on the forum indicating that Microsoft was migrating discussions to Microsoft Q&A. The tech giant cited this move as an effort to enhance user experience by streamlining discussions across its platforms.

“Starting July 2, you will no longer be able to create new questions here in the Microsoft Support Community, ”stated Microsoft.“However, you can continue to participate in ongoing discussions and create new questions on Microsoft Q&A. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”

As of now, users visiting answers.microsoft.com will notice that all links are redirected to the new platform. Microsoft has implemented a permanent 301 redirect, indicating a significant shift in their support forums, as evidenced by decreasing traffic from search engines like Google and Bing.

What Does Microsoft Q&A Offer?

Although Microsoft Q&A resembles its predecessor, it introduces enhanced features, including the AI-driven “Q&A Assist.” This tool leverages Microsoft’s proprietary AI model, designed to utilize the wealth of discussions generated across the forums.

The Forum Landscape of Microsoft

Historically, Microsoft has maintained numerous support forums—at least four concurrent official platforms over the years, including Microsoft Newsgroups, which existed from the mid-1990s to 2010, and was eventually phased out in favor of web-based alternatives.

The need for a consolidated platform became apparent, leading to the development of Microsoft Q&A, aimed at integrating MSDN and TechNet forums while adapting to the changing needs of the community.

The former Microsoft Answers platform was particularly notable, not only for its exchanges delivering genuine advice but also for the humorous memes that highlighted typical responses like “run SFC.” Such responses have become well-known within the community.

Even though the forum has now been redirected, the legacy continues, as many old answers, including the ubiquitous “Run SFC” advice, remain accessible.

Understanding Microsoft Q&A

Microsoft Q&A stands as the definitive support forum under the Microsoft Learn umbrella, designed to consolidate previous forums into a single user-friendly environment. It features a contemporary application framework, linking user activity with Microsoft Learn’s documentation, training, and certifications.

One of the enhancements users will appreciate is a structured tagging system, allowing for easier navigation and the effective categorization of questions. For instance, typing “Windows update”in the Tags section yields relevant results, enabling users to select issues pertinent to their needs.

Migration of the Windows Support Community

The transition to Microsoft Q&A presents a modernized interface, accommodating discussions surrounding all Microsoft products. However, the migration process may pose challenges for long-time Microsoft Community users, with old links potentially becoming obsolete, though redirections mitigate significant disruptions.

Archived MSDN and TechNet forums have seamlessly integrated into Microsoft Q&A, providing a resource for historical queries and responses, albeit with some discovery hurdles due to search result rankings.

Utilizing Microsoft Q&A

Visitors to Microsoft Q&A can access over 1.6 million questions, indicative of the platform’s growing popularity. Users are encouraged to log in with their Microsoft accounts for a more personalized experience, linking contributions to comprehensive certification and documentation feedback.

To explore specific issues, users can utilize the Tags feature for streamlined navigation. As of this writing, the system supports 1, 110 defined tags, promoting organization while avoiding clutter.

How to Engage on Microsoft Q&A

To pose a question, simply click the “Ask a question” button and craft your inquiry with a specific title as if asking a colleague for clarity. Users can also include detailed formatting, images, and files to enhance their submissions.

Pursuing answers in Q&A encourages active participation. Users can upvote, comment, and provide solutions while adhering to a more structured code of conduct than previous forums, ensuring quality interactions.

In conclusion, Microsoft Q&A represents a pivotal shift in how the tech giant facilitates user support and knowledge sharing. With modern features, improved categorization, and a focus on community interaction, it aims to redefine the user experience in Microsoft’s ecosystem.

Source & Images