What Happens When You Repair Install Windows 10?

When you repair install Windows 10, you have the option to keep your personal files, apps, and settings, or start fresh with a clean slate. This process, also known as an in-place upgrade or Windows 10 repair install, allows you to reload system files, registry keys, and configurations without deleting your user data.

Repair Install Windows 10 Using an ISO File

To begin, you’ll need to download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s website and save it to your desired location. Then, follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where you saved the ‘Windows.iso’ file.
2. Double-click the ISO file to mount it in Explorer.
3. At the mounted drive, double-click the setup.exe application.
4. Press Yes at the ‘UAC warning message’ and click Next to install Windows 10.
5. Accept the license terms and wait for Windows to check for updates.
6. At the ‘Ready to Install’ screen, ensure that the ‘Keep personal files and App’ option is selected and click Install to repair/upgrade Windows 10.
7. Wait for the upgrade/repair process to complete.

Repair Install Windows 10 with USB Installation Media

Alternatively, you can use a USB flash drive to repair install Windows 10:

1. Download the Windows 10 ISO file.
2. Create a bootable USB drive using the ISO file.
3. Boot from the USB drive and select ‘Repair your computer’ instead of ‘Install now’.
4. Under ‘Advanced troubleshooting’, select ‘Troubleshoot’ and then ‘Startup Repair’.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and resolve any boot-related issues.

Keep in mind that this process will preserve your personal files but delete all your apps. It’s essential to back up your system before attempting a repair install to ensure you can restore your data if needed.

Reset This PC

If you prefer a fresh start, you can use the ‘Reset This PC’ feature in Windows 10:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Under ‘Reset this PC’, click ‘Get started’.
3. Choose ‘Keep my files’ to reinstall Windows while keeping your personal data, or ‘Remove everything’ for a clean install.

The ‘Reset This PC’ option allows you to perform a clean install of Windows 10 without losing your personal files. However, all your apps and settings will be removed, so it’s essential to back up any important data before proceeding.

In conclusion, repairing or resetting Windows 10 can help resolve system issues and improve performance without necessarily losing your personal data. By understanding the different options available, you can choose the approach that best suits your needs and ensures the safety of your files.