Reset this PC and reinstall Windows without losing files

Steps written for Windows 11 22H2 and later.

Try Fix problems using Windows Update first: it keeps everything. Reset this PC is the next step.

1. 1

   Open Recovery in Settings

   Open Settings > System > Recovery. Next to Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now. This keeps your apps, files and settings.

   

2. 2

   Start the reinstall

   Choose whether the PC may restart on its own 15 minutes after the installation, then select OK.

3. 3

   Wait and restart

   Windows Update downloads and installs a repair copy of your current Windows version. Keep the PC plugged in and online, and restart it when asked.

4. 4

   If that did not help: Reset PC

   Back in Settings > System > Recovery, next to Reset this PC, select Reset PC. This keeps your personal files but removes installed apps and settings.

5. 5

   Choose Keep my files

   Select Keep my files. Do not select Remove everything.

   

6. 6

   Choose where Windows comes from

   Select Cloud download to download a fresh copy of Windows, or Local reinstall to use the files already on the PC (faster, but may not include the latest updates).

7. 7

   Reset

   Review the summary and select Reset. The PC restarts several times.

Steps written for Windows 10 22H2.

Windows 10 has no Fix problems using Windows Update option. To keep your apps, use the repair install from installation media below; Reset this PC keeps your files only.

1. 1

   Open Reset this PC

   Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under Reset this PC, select Get started.

2. 2

   Choose Keep my files

   Select Keep my files. Do not select Remove everything.

3. 3

   Choose where Windows comes from

   Select Cloud download or Local reinstall.

4. 4

   Reset

   Review the summary and select Reset. The PC restarts several times. Your personal files stay; installed apps and settings are removed.